Dalton State's Deshawn Ruffin has been announced as Vice-Chair of the NAIA Association of Student Athletes. His appointment will be for the 2017-2018 school year.
"Being nominated to be Vice-Chair of the NAIA ASA is an honor," said Ruffin. "I take pride in being the best student-athlete I can possibly be and to work with so many other student-athletes that feel the same way is a once in a lifetime experience."
The mission of the Association of Student-Athletes (ASA) is to serve as the voice of all NAIA student-athletes in the NAIA's governance.
The ASA provides a platform for student-athletes to discuss issues of concern to them, offer feedback to NAIA membership, and propose legislation or policy changes, as appropriate. The ASA also serves as an advocacy group on behalf of NAIA student-athletes to enhance their collegiate athletics experience. Additionally, the ASA offers its members the opportunity to develop their leadership skills as they represent and empower all NAIA student-athletes.
"Deshawn Ruffin is a coaches dream," said Dalton State Men's Basketball coach Tony Ingle. "He is an excellent student, tough competitor, and probably one of the best people you'll ever meet in your life. Truly an ambassador for our men's basketball program, our college, and our community."
Athletic Director Jon Jaudon echoed the same sentiment of Ruffin saying, "Deshawn continues to exhibit the type of leadership qualities that others notice and respect. They want him on their committee or team. His recent selection to serve as Vice-Chair, NAIA Association of Student-Athletes is a wonderful honor for him and our Roadrunner Family everywhere."
Ruffin is the President of the Southern States Athletic Conference Leadership Council, a position which he has held since the beginning of the 2016-2017 school year. He is very grateful for the opportunities he has, "I want to say thank you to Dalton State, Derek Waugh, and my coaches for allowing me to be a part of Roadrunner Nation. I also want to thank God for blessing me with the talent I have to use basketball as a platform to open so many other doors. I realize my position is bigger than me and I will do everything in my power to better the experiences for my fellow student-athletes."
Ruffin will enter the 2017-2018 season having played in a school record 85 games in his three years on campus. The lock down defender averages 4.2 points per game over his career.