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Tulsa Athletics Director Bubba Cunningham was named as the FBS Central Region Under Armour Athletics Director of the Year.

Tulsa Athletics Director Bubba Cunningham was named as the FBS Central Region Under Armour Athletics Director of the Year.

Tulsa's Cunningham Earns Regional Athletics Director of the Year honors

Hurricane teams have won 25 Conference USA titles since Cunningham's arrival

June 16, 2009

Orlando, Florida - University of Tulsa's Director of Athletics Bubba Cunningham has been named the 2008-09 Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) Central Region Under Armour Athletics Director of the Year, it was announced today by the National Association of Collegiate Director of Athletics (NACDA).

Cunningham will be recognized during the 44th Annual NACDA Convention at the James J. Corbett Luncheon on Saturday, June 20 at the World Center Marriott Resort in Orlando, Florida.

Cunningham is in his fourth year as Tulsa's athletic director. He was appointed to his position on October 7, 2005, following three years as the athletics director at Ball State University.

"Bubba Cunningham's leadership has resulted in unparalleled achievement for TU sports, and I'm pleased he is being recognized by his peers," said The University of Tulsa President Steadman Upham. "Our student-athletes achieve top honors in the classroom, our teams win championships, and our community supports the Golden Hurricane as fans and donors. Bubba's commitment to excellence is reflected in all aspects of our program."

During his tenure, Cunningham has guided Tulsa through its infancy of membership in Conference USA. Tulsa has won a league-best 25 Conference USA Championships (16 tournaments, 6 regular season and 3 west division crowns) in the last four seasons. Cunningham has implemented and continues developing a strategic plan for personal and professional growth and development for TU's student-athletes, coaches and athletic staff. He also continues developing relationships with national sponsors.

On the fund raising side, Cunningham spearheaded a $60 million athletics initiative, which included a $20 million renovation to Skelly Field at H.A. Chapman Stadium as well as a goal of $20 million for an athletics scholarship endowment and $20 million for a coach's salary endowment.

Academic success has thrived under Cunningham's leadership. Tulsa has 14 ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America performers over the last four years, while each year more than 125 student-athletes have earned Conference USA Commissioner's Honor Roll accolades. Tulsa has had a total of 11 student-athletes earn C-USA Scholar Athlete of the Year honors in the last four years.