Agnes Scott College Receives Insight into Academia Magazine’s Excellence in Innovation Award: College Athletics

National award recognizes institutions advancing intercollegiate athletics

DECATUR, GA — October 22, 2026 — Today, Agnes Scott College received the 2026 Excellence in Innovation Award: College Athletics from magazine, the nation’s longest-running publication advancing best practices in higher education.

This new honor celebrates colleges and universities shaping the future of intercollegiate athletics through forward-thinking programs, initiatives, operations, and partnerships. Areas of innovation include support for student-athlete success, NIL (name, image, and likeness) education, sports science, performance, community engagement, technology use, and more.

Agnes Scott College will be featured in the November 2026 issue of Insight Into Academia magazine.

“At Agnes Scott, we don’t define success only by wins and losses. The DNA of a Scottie is about developing individuals who are prepared to lead, serve, compete, and contribute, and build an athletics department whose success strengthens the community around it” said Dr. Kanika Richardson, Director of Athletics, Physical Education, and Recreation, Agnes Scott College. “This recognition affirms that student-athlete development, community impact, and sustainable operations can work together rather than compete with each other, and we’re proud to offer a model other institutions can adapt to their own missions.”

Insight Into Academia magazine selected Agnes Scott College because of the colleges innovative athletics program DNA of a Scottie: Developing Student-Athletes Through Leadership, Service, and Community Impact. This year-round leadership development experience for all Agnes Scott student-athletes. Rather than one-time workshops, it builds skills progressively throughout a student’s career, covering leadership, goal-setting, communication, wellness, stress management, career readiness, and decision-making. Participation is part of the department’s expectations, and coaches reinforce the lessons within their teams. Leadership isn’t limited to captains; every Scottie learns how their voice and choices shape their team and community. This program connects three things most athletics departments run separately: student-athlete development, community service, and facility revenue. Service is treated as leadership in action. Student-athletes work with community organizations, putting what they learn into practice. The program also rethinks facility revenue. Instead of maximizing rental rates, we offer affordable access to youth sports organizations, schools, and community groups during underused periods, generating new revenue while lowering barriers for young athletes in the Atlanta area. In addition, this program is a scalable model for Division III and resource-limited programs. It doesn’t depend on big budgets or championships, just the people, facilities, and community relationships a school already has.

“The Insight Into Academia Excellence in Innovation Award: College Athletics recognizes colleges and universities turning bold ideas into meaningful progress in intercollegiate athletics,” said Holly Mendelson, co-owner and publisher of Insight Into Academia magazine. “We are proud to honor institutions setting a higher standard for what college athletics can achieve—for student-athletes, campuses, and the fans and communities they serve.”

To see the full list of recipients of the 2026 Insight Into Academia Excellence in Innovation Award: College Athletics, visit InsightIntoAcademia.com.

About Insight Into Academia

For more than 50 years, Insight Into Academia has empowered higher education leaders by defining and advancing the best practices shaping the future of the academy. Across its magazine, podcast, webinars, awards, and digital platforms, Insight spotlights the institutions, initiatives, and ideas driving progress across higher education. Through thought-provoking articles, expert advice, valuable resources, and in-depth profiles of top programs, Insight helps higher education understand what’s working and what comes next. Recognition by Insight Into Academia reflects leadership, innovation, and a commitment to evidence-based excellence. To learn more, visit insightintoacademia.com.

About Agnes Scott College

Agnes Scott College is a private liberal arts college for women in Decatur, Georgia, located seven miles from Atlanta. Founded in 1889, the college prepares students to lead with confidence, think across disciplines and enter the world with a record of experiences that demonstrates what they can do. Agnes Scott has been ranked the No. 1 most innovative liberal arts college in America for nine consecutive years and integrates global learning, Atlanta-based experiences, faculty mentorship and career preparation throughout the undergraduate experience. The college’s students and alumnae are known for their intellectual curiosity, leadership and ability to make an impact in the rooms they enter.