Ryan “Pete” Manely has been named one of Kansas Independent College Association’s Faculty of Distinction for 2015. Manely, director of the Athletic Training Program and of graduate studies at Sterling College, will be recognized at a workshop and award presentation on Nov. 3, 2015, at the Meridian Conference Center in Newton, Kansas.

“This honor is more to me than an award; it is an opportunity to grow professionally for my institution and my department. I am extremely thankful to the KICA for this and I look forward to a day of fellowship with other professors from similar institutions,” said Manely.

The Faculty of Distinction Award was created by the Kansas Independent College Association to honor faculty from each of the 18 independent colleges in Kansas for the high degree of excellence and achievement they display.

“It’s inspiring to know these faculty and see how they live the mission of our independent colleges. A common thread we saw among them is their gift for balancing a commitment to hold each student accountable for real, meaningful learning and a strong sense of empathy for the value of each student as an individual,” said Matt Lindsey, president of the KICA.

“Pete Manely exemplifies the qualities that this awards recognizes. He is ‘distinct’ because he has been steadfast in his commitment to his students and his peers. Pete is the model of servant leadership, always focused on the educational needs and interests of his pupils. He puts himself wholeheartedly into his job, teaching—and learning—with zeal,” said Dr. Ken Brown, vice president for academic affairs.

The Faculty of Distinction Award is the newest addition to Manely’s long list of accomplishments. Manely is the current president of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics-Athletic Trainers Association and was named the NAIA-ATA Athletic Trainer of the Year for the 2010-11 academic year. He serves on the NAIA National Advisory Council and is a member of the National Cheer Safety Council.

At Sterling College, Manely is the director of the Athletic Training Program, director of graduate program development, co-chair for the Department of Exercise Science and associate professor in athletic training. Manely has produced 39 certified athletic trainers in his tenure along with a 100 percent graduate school placement rate.

The members of the 2015 KICA Faculty of Distinction include Dr. Alan Grant of Baker University, Dr. Scott Baird of Benedictine College, Dr. Mark McDonald of Bethany College, Dr. Dan Quinlin of Bethel College, Dr. Robin Jackson of Central Christian College, Sister Marie Kathleen Daugherty of Donnelly College, Dr. Tor Wynn of Friends University, Michele Hershberger of Hesston College, Dr. Damon Kraft of Kansas Wesleyan University, Ann Zerger of McPherson College, Dr. Mark Brown of MidAmerica Nazarene University, Dr. Susan Crane-Laracuente of Newman University, Dr. Russ McCullough of Ottawa University, Dr. Jackie Glasgow of Southwestern College, Carissa Fund of Tabor College and Dr. Van Ibsen of University of Saint Mary.

Located in Topeka, the Kansas Independent College Association develops and enhances the competitive standing of its 18 member independent, non-profit, regionally accredited, degree-granting colleges and universities and strives to assure opportunity and choice in higher education for all students. KICA was founded in 1976 and is a 501 (c) (4) not-for-profit Kansas corporation.

Sterling College is a Christ-centered, four-year college located in Sterling, Kansas, with a mission to develop creative and thoughtful leaders who understand a maturing Christian faith. For more information, visit www.sterling.edu.