Scott Dolson's tenure as Indiana University's Athletic Director has been nothing short of transformative, and now he's earned the prestigious 2026 NACDA Athletics Director of the Year Award. This recognition, a first for IU, highlights Dolson's remarkable leadership in the Division I FBS category.
Dolson, in his sixth year at the helm, has expertly navigated the evolving landscape of college sports. From the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic to the complexities of NIL and the Transfer Portal, he's guided IU Athletics through a period of unparalleled success, both on and off the field.
The crowning achievement under Dolson's leadership is undoubtedly the resurgence of the IU Football program. With Curt Cignetti at the coaching helm, hired by Dolson in 2023, the Hoosiers have soared to new heights.
Their perfect 16-0 season culminated in a historic 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship. This era of excellence also includes a Big Ten title, the first since 1967, and Fernando Mendoza's Heisman Trophy win, marking a new chapter in IU's storied history.
But the success story extends beyond football. Under Dolson, IU's student-athletes have flourished, capturing six individual NCAA championships in the 2024-25 academic year alone-a school record. Additionally, 13 of IU's 24 programs have achieved top finishes in the Big Ten during Dolson's tenure.
Dolson's influence reaches beyond Bloomington. A respected voice in collegiate sports, he recently participated in a White House roundtable on the future of college athletics and has served in key roles, including Chairperson of the Big Ten Athletic Directors Group and a member of the NCAA Division I Baseball Selection Committee.
A Michigan City native, Dolson's connection to IU runs deep, having started as a student manager for the men's basketball team. His journey from those early days to becoming a pivotal figure in collegiate sports leadership is a testament to his dedication and vision.
With his wife, Heidi, and their five children by his side, Dolson's impact on IU and college athletics continues to resonate, setting a standard for excellence and innovation in the field.