TAMPA, Fla. – The Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) is proud to recognize Josh Scott, CMAA, MSHSAA Board of Directors President and District Athletic Director for Springfield Public Schools, for being named the 2025 recipient of the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) Thomas E. Frederick Award of Excellence.
Scott received the award on Dec. 15 during the National Athletic Directors Conference banquet in Tampa.
“Josh Scott is one of the most respected and forward-thinking leaders in interscholastic athletics, “MSHSAA Executive Director Dr. Jennifer Rukstad said. “His commitment to student-centered programs, professional development and elevating our statewide community is unmatched. We are incredibly proud to see his work recognized on the national stage, and MSHSAA is fortunate to benefit from his vision and service.”
The Thomas E. Frederick Award of Excellence is one of the NIAAA’s highest honors, presented annually to an athletic administrator who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, service and commitment to the profession.
Scott has made a profound impact on interscholastic athletics at the local, state and national levels. His leadership roles include:
- President of the MSHSAA Board of Directors
- District Athletic Director for Springfield Public Schools
- Executive Director of the Missouri Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (MIAAA)
During his tenure with the MIAAA, Scott helped drive unprecedented membership growth—from 368 members in 2021 to roughly 750 today. Under his guidance, Missouri became one of only two states to earn all NIAAA membership commendations: record growth, 10% growth and 100% membership.
At Springfield Public Schools, Scott has championed new programs and innovative approaches, including launching the district’s first girls flag football program, leading multiple schools through the NIAAA Quality Program Assessment (QPA), and overseeing premier events such as the Bass Pro Tournament of Champions.
Nationally, Scott has served as NIAAA Board Secretary, contributed to diversity and international outreach initiatives, and now works as part of the NIAAA Professional Development Academy staff, where he oversees QPA, course development and national professional learning cohorts.
His honors include the NIAAA Bruce D. Whitehead Distinguished Service Award, NFHS Citation, NIAAA State Award of Merit and Missouri Athletic Director of the Year.