Paul Lowden of Davenport University (Mich.) was selected as the 2011-12 Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC) Athletic Director of the Year by his peers. The award, chosen annually by a ballot of all athletic directors in the conference, is the first for Lowden.

Lowden restarted the athletics department at Davenport in 2001 after more than 20 years without sports. His first year involved two employees, two sports, and 25 athletes. During his10-year tenure, he has grown the staff to more than 60, added 24 sports, and brought in 500 student-athletes. He was instrumental in the construction of a Student Center in 2008 that serves as home court for the school's basketball and volleyball programs and houses a training facility for athletes, students, and faculty. Turf Field was also completed in 2008 and serves the lacrosse, rugby, and soccer programs. Lowden continues to build Davenport's dynasty as construction of the baseball/softball/tennis complex is nearing completion.

"Paul has always had the conviction to do the right thing for the student-athletes as well as the University," said William Lettinga, vice chairman of Davenport's Foundation Board.

As athletic director, Lowden is responsible for the management of the department's budget, marketing and sports information sections, scholarships, and eligibility. Thanks to his planning and vision, Davenport won the conference's last two All-Sports Trophy awards.

"Paul's influence on the teams is evident," said WHAC commissioner Rob Miller. "He desires excellence in both performance and professionalism and Davenport's teams excel at both."

Lowden holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Ferris State University (Mich.) and a finished his Master's in Strategic Management at Davenport in 2008. In addition to his AD duties, Lowden served as head coach for the National Championship men's hockey program. He doubled the number of athletes in the program during the last 10 years and led the team to three ACHA DII (2007-08, 2008-09, 2009-10) national championships and one DI title (2010-11).

"I am humbled to receive such an award," commented Lowden. "There are many in the WHAC who deserve this award and it is a great honor to be recognized by my peers."