Henderson State University Athletics

David Gardner, who received the Willie Tate Meritorious Humanitarian Award, served as Henderson State’s faculty athletic representative (FAR) from 1993 to 2011. Gardner, who also taught mathematics at Henderson for 29 years, was instrumental in his role as the Reddies’ liaison in both Gulf South Conference and NCAA matters for 19 years. Originally appointed to his role as FAR by university president Charles Dunn, Gardner helped the Reddies transition from NAIA to NCAA competition in 1993-94. During his time as Henderson’s FAR, Gardner served on the NCAA committee for academic requirements, was the chair of the on-campus athletics committee, worked several years as the president of the Gulf South Conference’s FAR association, and chaired Henderson’s committee for student-athlete appeals. Gardner’s final season as the Reddies’ FAR in 2011 was Henderson’s first year in the Great American Conference.