MADISON, NJ - William T. Klika Jr., Director of Athletics at the College at Florham of Fairleigh Dickinson University, was named the Division III Athletic Director of the Year for the Southeast Region. The award, presented by The National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) and sponsored by Under Armour, was bestowed at the James J. Corbett Awards Luncheon during NACDA's 47th Annual Convention at the Hilton Anatole Hotel in Dallas, Texas.
Now in its 14th year, the Under Armour AD of the Year Award program was created to honor intercollegiate directors of athletics for their commitment and administrative excellence.
“It is always a pleasure to be recognized by your peers for what you've done,” said Klika. “You can't receive an award like this without a great staff and outstanding student athletes.”
NACDA Executive Director Bob Vecchione stated that the Athletic Director of the Year Award highlights the efforts of athletics directors at all levels for their commitment and positive contributions to campuses and their surrounding communities.
“Before its inception, our Honors and Awards Committee recognized a need for an award such as the AD of the Year,” said Vecchione, who is finishing his first year at the helm of NACDA. “The program brings to light the remarkable jobs done by athletics directors across the country.”
Klika is one of just four Division III directors of athletics honored this year. Division III, the largest of the NCAA divisions, is comprised of nearly 450 institutions.
Klika founded the College at Florham football program and served as its only head coach for 23 years. He returned to coach two more seasons, 2000 and 2001. In May of 1988, Klika became only the second Director of Athletics in FDU-Florham history
During his 24 years as Director of Athletics, he played a vital role in the construction of Ferguson Recreation Center and founded the FDU-Florham Athletics Hall of Fame in 1996. In 2003, Klika oversaw construction of new artificial turf field and grandstand which is utilized by six outdoor sports. Klika started seven new teams at the College at Florham: women's soccer, women's lacrosse, men's swimming, women's swimming, men's cross country, women's cross country, and women's golf.
Klika has donated his time to serving on several college athletics committees: the NCAA Football Championship Committee (as chair in 2002 and 2003); ECAC Selection Committee as chair in both football and lacrosse; American Football Coaches Association Kodak All-American Committee; NCAA Management Council from 2009 through 2013; and the NCAA Honors Committee (chair 2012-2013).
Klika earned the Metro Award, given by the Eastern Intercollegiate Football Organization, in both 1988 and 1994 for his contribution to college football. This past year, he was presented with the inaugural Lou Sorrentino Award, given by the Middle Atlantic Conference in recognition of commitment to the conference and to NCAA Division III. He was also honored this year by Fairleigh Dickinson University with the Pillar Award, which recognizes those exceptional individuals who, over time, have made extraordinary contributions to the character and quality of the University, its community and culture.
Klika graduated from Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences at Colgate University in 1967, where he played both football and lacrosse. He continued his studies at Colgate, earning his master's degree in 1968. Klika and his wife, Betty, reside in Neshanic Station, NJ. They have four children: Bill III, Melissa, Tim, and Colin, as well as eight grandchildren.
