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 Cartwright Award began in 2008-09 and 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.