EUGENE, Ore. – At the Bushnell University commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 9, Bushnell Athletic Director Corey Anderson was named the recipient of the President's Award for Exemplary Staff Performance and Campus Leadership.
 
The award is presented not only to honor an excellent staff worker, but also a staff member who models the kind of leadership that Bushnell strives to teach their students. Anderson was honored for demonstrating high professional standards, ethical decision-making, a commitment to building the strength of the department and the campus overall, and an effective integration of faith and service in the workplace.
 
Anderson has been the Athletic Director at Bushnell for over 20 years, helping to shape a culture grounded in integrity and respect, reflected in the Beacons Tri-Athlete Model. His service and dedication culminated in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics conferring upon Bushnell it's highest institutional honor as the 2024-2025 NAIA School of Character.

Jocelyn Hubbs, Vice President for Student Development said, "For twenty years, Corey has poured his heart and soul into Beacon Athletics, serving our student-athletes, our conference, and the NAIA with joy and dedication. And he does it all with a Santa‑like spirit: a jolly smile, a wonderful sense of humor, and a genuine love for the work. No task is too big or too small for Corey...he embraces it all with enthusiasm and grace!"

"Corey's 'hands on' style of leadership is just a part of why our athletic departments in where it is today," said Vice President for Enrollment Michael Fuller. "During his time at Bushnell he has played a significant growth in helping us grow Bushnell athletics including culture, number of teams and number of student-athletes.  In this modern-era of college athletics, Corey still does it the right way and has proven that by assembling a great group of people (coaches and support staff), putting students first, and creating strong culture leads to what is most important – which is a phenomenal STUDENT-athlete experience.  There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that Corey truly bleeds Blue and Gold.  He is a Beacon for Life."

Corey Anderson has served as the Athletic Director at Bushnell University since 2005 and has seen substantial growth to the program as it moved from four teams to 17. Anderson led the school through the transition into the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics and the Cascade Collegiate Conference. Under his guidance the Beacons have won multiple CCC Team Championships as well as the 2015 NAIA National Championship in women's cross country. 

Bushnell athletics continues to see record enrollment among student athletes with over 320 on campus for the 2025-2026 school year. Anderson's leadership has also included developing strong community partnerships with organizations including Willamalane, Springfield School District, Pine Ridge Golf Course, Kidsports, Special Olympics, and Grace Community fellowship. These partnerships have influenced many new facility developments in recent years including the Hamlin Sports Complex (Home of Bushnell Baseball), the Bushnell Beach Volleyball Courts at Grace, and Golf Player Development facility at Pine Ridge, the first of it's kind in the NAIA. 

Under his leadership Beacon Athletics created the Tri-Athlete Model, giving equal focus to academic excellence and character development alongside athletic success in a holistic approach to collegiate athletics. As a testament, Bushnell is the only school to earn Cascade Conference President's Academic Excellence designation every year it has existed as the Beacons student-athletes consistently maintain a collective GPA over 3.0 and at least 60% of eligible athletes earn at least a 3.2 GPA for Academic All-Conference honors. 

Bushnell also has earned NAIA Champions of Character 5-Star Awards every year and rose to "Gold Award" status in 2020. The Beacons are the only program in the CCC to stay at the Gold level for the past five years. 

Associate Athletic Director Sarah Freeman said, "I have had the privilege of working alongside Corey for nearly 20 years, as a department leader, a colleague, and a friend. Corey brings servant leadership and humor into every situation, setting a tone that has shaped our culture and guided our department through two decades of growth. Bushnell Athletics is better because of his steady leadership, his heart for people, and his ability to lead with both conviction and joy. Corey embodies what it means to be a Beacon; leading with humility, a servant heart, and a genuine commitment to the mission of Bushnell. Most importantly, he cares deeply about our students."

"Corey is a hands-on leader who is overwhelmingly passionate about Bushnell and our student-athletes," said Assistant Athletic Director Nick Askew. "It is amazing to see what he has been able to build during his time at Bushnell.  It is rare to find someone as humble in the position that Corey has, but I so appreciate this about him – he is quick to give away credit which often comes with him still being there before everyone arrives and there after everyone departs.  Corey is an incredible colleague and friend and I am blessed to have gotten to know and work with him all these years."
 
Anderson received a cash prize of $1,000 plus an engraved plaque. He is the third athletic staff member to be honored with the award, joining Sarah Freeman who was honored in 2015 and Wendy Alexander who was honored in 2025.