Northern Michigan University alumna Diane Husic was recently recognized at the 2026 NCAA convention for her longstanding leadership and contributions to Division II, including national leadership development programming for faculty athletics representatives (FARs) and efforts to strengthen the student-athlete experience in higher education.
Husic was honored during the January 2026 NCAA convention in Washington, D.C. for her role in establishing the FAR Institute, which has supported faculty athletics representatives for more than 20 years.
A 1981 NMU biochemistry graduate, Husic later completed her doctorate in biochemistry at Michigan State University. She then pursued a career that combined scientific expertise, higher education leadership and environmental advocacy.
Husic is the inaugural executive director of the Center for the Environment at St. Lawrence University in Canton, N.Y. Her leadership role reflects decades of experience in academic administration, environmental research and sustainability education.
Before her current position, Husic held several significant academic roles. She was founding dean of the Center for Scholarship, Research and Creative Endeavors and director of the Environmental Studies and Sciences Program at Moravian College, where she also served as professor and chair of biological sciences.
She has also attended international climate conferences as a credentialed observer for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, and has served on various steering committees and task forces related to climate adaptation and technology.
Husic's service extends beyond academia and athletics. She serves on the board of the Lehigh Gap Nature Center, a nonprofit organization that restored a Superfund site to wildlife habitat and environmental education space, and she received the NMU Distinguished Alumni Award in 2013 for her achievements and contributions.
The recognition at the NCAA convention highlights the impact of Husic's work guiding leadership institutes for faculty athletics representatives and her role in supporting the professional development of FAR participants across the country. Her career reflects a commitment to mentoring, leadership, sustainability and the integration of academic values into athletics administration.