ORLANDO, Fla. – The National Association of Collegiate Marketing Administrators (NACMA) and Collegiate Sports Communicators (CSC) announced their 2024-25 award recipients during the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) Convention.
Nova Southeastern Athletics External Operations team, which includes Assistant Athletic Director for External Affairs Robert “Bubba” Baroniel, Manager of Athletic Communications Jon Leatherman, the Coordinator for Revenue Generation, Marketing and Promotions, Kacie John, Athletic Communications Coordinator Joshua Raphael and Graphic Design & Digital Media Coordinator Joe Hausman, was recognized as a national finalist for the NACMA Multiplatform Brand Campaign and Membership Drives awards. NSU Athletics was awarded bronze in both categories.
“It has been an honor to be named a finalist for two NACMA awards,” said Kacie. “Creating these campaigns and watching them evolve throughout the year has been incredibly fulfilling. Seeing these efforts recognized on a national level is incredibly rewarding.”
The Multiplatform Brand Campaign’s submission was highlighted by the “Shark County” brand launch in August 2024. “Shark County” is a brand initiative focusing on connecting the Nova Southeastern community with the local Broward County and South Florida areas.
Kacie added, “The #SharkCounty brand campaign, created by our external operations team, aimed to unite NSU and the local community, along with cementing that Sharks Athletics is an NCAA Division II powerhouse. #SharkCounty was implemented in all marketing, ticketing, and game day collateral throughout the school year, in addition to being shown on t-shirts for every sport and rally towels. To further push the brand identity, each ticket sold for a Sharks Athletic event ended in 954, further cementing the tie with Broward County.”
In the membership drive category, NSU focused on strengthening relationships with season ticket holders, leading to a 206% increase across season ticket revenue. “We have something special here at NSU. We have an incredible brand of basketball, hosted in one of the best venues across the country,” said Baroniel. It was our team’s goal to capitalize on the moment and generate a significant increase in year two of selling season tickets. Thanks to the effort of our team, and the support of our fans, we were able to bring Shark County together and turn the Rick Case Arena into one of the toughest places to win on the road.”
Hausman, the Digital Media and Graphic Design Coordinator, was recognized as a finalist for the Graphic Designer of the Year award for NCAA Division II. His portfolio is among the best across all levels of collegiate athletics.
“I’m honored and proud to be recognized as a finalist for the Graphic Designer of the Year award,” said Hausman. I pride myself on maintaining a high standard when creating content that showcases our incredible student-athletes, coaches, and athletic department.”
Hausman was awarded the most first place finishes of any individual representing a college or university across all divisions. Hausman was recognized with the best photo of the year, milestone and record graphic, major award and championship graphic, while finishing second in the designer of the year and best of NCAA Division II.
