MIAC Release | MIAC Distinguished Service Award

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. - The Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) has selected Dr. Ken Jones as the 2022 recipient of the conference's Distinguished Service Award, which is presented annually to an individual who has made a significant contribution to their institution and the conference. It is the highest honor bestowed upon an individual from the MIAC.

Jones was announced as the award's recipient during a retirement celebration at Saint John's on Thursday (April 28). He will also be recognized by his conference colleagues at the annual spring FAR Council meeting in May. 

He served as the Faculty Athletic Representative at Saint John's University for more than a quarter-century. A longtime vocal supporter of student-athletes in the MIAC and NCAA, Jones came to CSB and SJU as a professor of history in 1976 and has brought the same passion and demand exhibited in his classroom to his work in the MIAC. He has been the Johnnies' FAR since 1994 and continued to be an enthusiastic advocate of the student-athlete experience, helping to facilitate dialogue at the local and national levels and providing guidance in crafting legislation to better meet the needs of student-athletes. 

"We at Saint John's are incredibly thrilled that the conference has chosen to honor Ken for his amazing career," SJU athletic director Bob Alpers '82 said. "Ken is a legend at Saint John's and Saint Ben's. He has been an incredible mentor and friend to student-athletes and coaches, and a champion for providing each and every student-athlete the opportunity to have the greatest academic and athletic experience possible."

Jones served on numerous committees during his time in the MIAC, including recent terms focused on compliance and philosophy. In addition to sharing his intellect with the conference, he has stayed physically connected to athletics as well by representing the MIAC on the field as a soccer official from time to time.

"Ken has played such a pivotal role in guiding the MIAC over the years," MIAC Commissioner Dan McKane said. "He is one of the longest-tenured individuals associated with the conference and we are so appreciative for the work and leadership he has provided to make the MIAC the best it can be for our student-athletes."

Jones is the third individual from Saint John's to be honored with the MIAC Distinguished Service Award, joining legendary SJU coaches John Gagliardi (2013) and Jim Smith (2015).