Cleveland, Ohio – The Mid-American Conference (MAC) announced today the presentation of the Dr. Carol A. Cartwright Award to the University of Toledo for its program excellence in academics, athletics and citizenship during the 2021-22 school year. 
 
“The Cartwright Award recognizes overall excellence, focusing on academic achievement, athletic success and community engagement,” said Dr. Jon Steinbrecher, Mid-American Conference Commissioner. “This award reinforces the core values of our Conference. It is exceptional for University of Toledo students, coaches and staff to be selected by their peers for this honor.”
 
The Cartwright Award is an institutional award presented annually to one university in the MAC. A committee with representation from all 12 institutions selected the Cartwright Award winner from nominations submitted based upon the criteria of excellence in academics, athletics and citizenship.  The award began in 2008-09 and this is the second time the University of Toledo has received this honor. Toledo competes in 16 varsity sports and supports more than 400 student-athletes.
 
“We couldn’t be more proud of our Toledo student-athletes and their commitment to excellence on the playing field, in the classroom and within our community,” said University of Toledo President Gregory Postel. “Not only have our Rockets enjoyed outstanding seasons in their sports with multiple MAC titles, but our student-athletes are consistently recognized with high team GPAs and strong academic progress rates while also giving back to our community in meaningful ways. Congratulations to our student-athletes and the dedicated coaches and staff for this incredible recognition.”
 
The 2021-22 athletic season was a historic one for the University of Toledo as the Rockets claimed their very first Reese Trophy, awarded annually to the top men’s athletic program in the MAC. The Rocket women also had a banner year, winning MAC titles in cross country and basketball, finishing fourth in the Jacoby Trophy race. Toledo also received the men's Faculty Athletics Representative Award for the combination of the highest GPA and APR in the conference in 2021-22.
 
“This is proud day for University of Toledo Athletics and all of Rocket Nation,” said Toledo Vice President and Director of Athletics Bryan B. Blair. “This award represents everything we strive for – excellence in academics and athletics, and a strong commitment to service to our community. We congratulate our student-athletes and coaches and challenge them to strive for even greater heights in the future.”
 
The Cartwright Award is named in honor of Dr. Carol A. Cartwright, one of the most highly respected voices in higher education. Dr. Cartwright served as the President of Kent State University from 1991-2006 and President of Bowling Green from 2008-2011.  Dr. Cartwright previously was the vice chancellor for Academic Affairs at the University of California at Davis and dean for undergraduate programs and vice provost at the Pennsylvania State University.  She has served on the NCAA Board of Directors and is a member of the Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics.