Jacob Tingle is the 2025 Sarah Fain Distinguished Service Award recipient

The Sarah Fain Distinguished Service Award celebrates the dedication of a NIRSA Championship Series volunteer who has embodied the spirit of Sarah Fain, a renowned and respected volunteer who passed away in 2017 at the age of 42, exhibited by their commitment to The Series through years of service to the NIRSA Services Corporation.

The Sarah Fain Distinguished Service Award recognizes the cumulative efforts of individuals made through years of dedication to the NIRSA Championship Series. This award recognizes one leader each year who has demonstrated exceptional performance in leadership and development of NIRSA programs, policies, events, special projects, or committees.

For many, it’s hard to think of NIRSA Championship Series events without thinking of Sarah Fain. Her great smile and bright personality were sure to cheer up staff and participants alike on early tournament mornings at basketball or wet and cold afternoons at flag football. But even more than her amazing spirit, Sarah may be remembered most by her many colleagues and friends for her generosity and endless efforts to better those around her.

NIRSA is honored to announce that Dr. Jacob Tingle as the 2025 recipient of the prestigious Sarah Fain Distinguished Service Award. Director of Sport Management at Trinity University, Jacob was nominated by several NIRSA members who spoke passionately about his impact on the NIRSA Championship Series and the profession of collegiate recreation and wellbeing.

A legacy of leadership and mentorship

Sheldon Tate, Executive Director of Recreation at George Mason University, describes Jacob as a truly unique leader: “Jacob is truly one of those rare exceptions. He is a singular force within our profession that there are simply not enough words to describe.”

Sheldon has known Jacob for 20 years—dating back to Jacob’s time as an evaluator of student officials—added this powerful sentiment: “I firmly believe that Sarah would be proud to see Jacob carrying the award that holds her name. I believe he will do this honor justice, not only through what he has done in the past but through what he continues to do on our behalf.”

Building the foundation of the NIRSA Championship Series

Dan Hazlett, former Director of Campus Recreation at Georgia Tech and longtime NIRSA Championship Series volunteer who is the first recipient of the Sarah Fain Distinguished Service Award, reflected on Jacob’s deep-rooted involvement in NIRSA, dating back to 1992 when he first started volunteering as an undergraduate student at regional flag football and basketball tournaments.

Jacob’s influence on the NIRSA Championship Series is undeniable. Dan recalls, “In 2006, Jacob was part of the small group of NIRSA members who spent nearly a full night in an Atlanta hotel, mapping out what is now considered The Series.”

A visionary and servant leader

Brooke Turner, Director Recreation Programs at The University of Alabama and who received the Sarah Fain Distinguished Service Award in 2020, describes Jacob’s impact on the Championship Series as one of service, innovation, and mentorship:

“His lasting impact on The Series—on the sports, volunteers, officials, and participants—is immeasurable. Even though Jacob has stepped away from collegiate recreation, he has continued to give his time, expertise, and vision to The Series.”

She adds, “He is a quiet but powerful force within the NIRSA Championship Series, and his dedication to excellence and his ability to identify and address critical needs, no matter how small, embody the true spirit of Sarah Fain.”

An inspirational leader

April Flint, Senior Director of Recreation and Wellness at Emory University and President-Elect of NIRSA, is another longtime friend and collaborator. She has worked with Jacob on various NIRSA and NIRSA Championship Series projects and says about his profound influence: “Jacob has been a foundational thought leader since the inception of The Series, and his dedication has shaped its success and enduring impact.” Regarding his leadership style, April emphasizes his ability to uplift others: “His leadership style is collaborative and inclusive, setting a high standard and providing support to those serving in volunteer roles and alongside him in research.”

A well-deserved honor

The NIRSA Championship Series has nothing but praise for Mr. Jacob Tingle. From leadership to research, Jacob has embodied the very best of Sarah Fain’s legacy. His dedication, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to the Series have left a lasting impact that will continue for years to come.

Congratulations, Jacob! Sarah would be proud.

Join us in celebrating Jacob in Orlando

Individuals who will be in Orlando for NIRSA 2025 are invited to congratulate Jacob at the 2025 NIRSA Conference & Campus Rec Expo, when the official award presentation will take place during the Champ Series Celebration Social, sponsored by Risk Strategies. The social is happening Friday, April 25, at 7:00pm local time in the Citrus Ballroom of the Gaylor Palms. This social is open to all registered conference attendees!