The University of Miami Student-Athlete Development Department received the 2026 Excellence in Innovation Award: College Athletics from Insight Into Academia magazine, the nation’s longest-running publication advancing best practices in higher education.
This new honor celebrates colleges and universities shaping the future of intercollegiate athletics through forward-thinking programs, initiatives, operations, and partnerships. Areas of innovation include support for student-athlete success, NIL (name, image, and likeness) education, sports science, performance, community engagement, technology use, and more.
The University of Miami will be featured in the November 2026 issue of Insight Into Academia magazine.
"We are incredibly honored to receive this Innovation Award, which reflects our commitment to finding creative and meaningful ways to engage, empower, and support our student-athletes beyond their athletic pursuits. Through the innovative use of technology, intentional relationship-building, personal development, and community service initiatives, we strive to create experiences that resonate with our student-athletes and prepare them for success in life.
What makes this recognition especially meaningful is the receptiveness of our student-athletes, who continue to embrace opportunities to grow, lead, and give back to the community. I am grateful for the dedication of my Canes Connect team: Jessica Hurley, Associate Director, and LaToya Farris, Associate Athletic Director. We are proud of what we have accomplished together and remain committed to creating meaningful opportunities that empower our student-athletes to thrive during their time at the University of Miami and long after graduation.” - Shirelle Jackson, Executive Associate Athletic Director
Insight Into Academia magazine selected the University of Miami’s Student-Athlete Development Department because of its innovative approach to service in today’s ever-changing social climate. Since its implementation in 2015, the University of Miami’s Student-Athlete Development Department has amassed over 81,800 engagement hours. From their Pen Pal Program to their annual Welcome Back Bash, what they have done with Helper Helper in the past ten years has drastically transformed their ability to communicate their offerings, streamline registration, and consistently grant unique development opportunities to their 400+ student-athletes. Through innovation, they have transformed a platform intended for service to achieve their mission of holistic development, off the field, in the community, and well into the future!
“The Insight Into Academia Excellence in Innovation Award: College Athletics recognizes colleges and universities turning bold ideas into meaningful progress in intercollegiate athletics,” said Holly Mendelson, co-owner and publisher of Insight Into Academia magazine. “We are proud to honor institutions setting a higher standard for what college athletics can achieve—for student-athletes, campuses, and the fans and communities they serve.”
To see the full list of recipients of the 2026 Insight Into Academia Excellence in Innovation Award: College Athletics, visit InsightIntoAcademia.com.
