May 10, 2022

CCAA Hall of Fame Inductee: Judy Smith

Judy Smith, who served the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) in parts of five decades, was inducted into the CCAA Hall of Fame in the Builder Category.

The long-time Athletic Director at Dalhousie Agricultural Campus (DAL AC) – formerly Nova Scotia Agricultural College (NSAC) – was a fixture at the CCAA boardroom table and hosted a record number of CCAA Championships.

"Judy is the rock on which the CCAA has been built, and as a builder her CCAA resume is unsurpassed," said Sandra Murray-MacDonell, Chief Executive Officer of the CCAA. "To our student-athletes, coaches and administrators, she has been a mentor, a female role model, an advocate, a confidante and a friend."

Smith first represented Nova Scotia as a delegate in 1978-79 before serving as CCAA Women's Basketball Convenor from 1979-85. She then joined the CCAA Executive from 1985-99, which included a four-year term as CCAA President from 1990-94. After a brief absence, Smith returned to the CCAA table in 2003 and represented the Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association (ACAA) for five years. She then re-joined the CCAA Executive from 2008-14, serving once again as CCAA President from 2010-12.

In all, Smith served the CCAA for 36 years with 28 years of elected service.

"My involvement in the CCAA was an ongoing professional development opportunity," said Smith, who in 2008, earned the prestigious CCAA Athletic Director of the Year award. "Learning from other CCAA members and staff and working in the development/updating of policies provided a great education that enhanced my ability to manage work responsibilities."

One extraordinary experience Smith recalls was representing the CCAA in a Human Rights Challenge to an eligibility rule. When it came to tackling government funding concerns, legal issues or eligibility matters, she was fearless.

Now retired, Smith continues to assist the CCAA in resolving Code of Conduct disputes.

"Judy epitomizes the values of integrity and strong leadership," said Murray-MacDonell. "While Judy is modest and doesn't like the limelight, she is also courageous and unafraid of potential conflict or criticism when standing up for the greater good."

During her remarkable career, Smith developed the reputation of a leader who never shied away from a challenge according to Andrew Harding, Associate Director of the Department of Athletics and Recreation at DAL AC.

"On countless occasions she was counted on to lead sport organizations and host national championships, all the while ensuring that NSAC/DAL AC athletes had the best possible student experience," said Harding. "Her commitment to our students and facilities developed a standard that our staff who knew her continue to strive for, and one that I am constantly reminded of."

As an Athletic Director, Smith hosted an incredible 20 CCAA Championships: Men's Basketball in 1980, 1988, 1995, 2002, 2007 and 2012; Women's Basketball in 1980, 1988, 1995, 2003, 2008 and 2013; Men's Soccer in 1990; Badminton in 1994, 1999 and 2019; Women's Volleyball in 1996 and 2006; Men's Volleyball in 1996; and Women's Soccer as co-hosts in 2017.

In 2019, the CCAA re-named an Exemplary Leadership Award in honour of Smith.

The 'Judy Smith Exemplary Leadership Award' is now presented annually at the CCAA Women's Basketball National Championship to a participating student-athlete, who demonstrates attitudes and behaviour in sport that are ethical and create standards for others to follow.

"I have so many great memories of times at CCAA meetings and Championships," said Smith. "Attending CCAA Championships and seeing outstanding student-athletes compete at the highest level provided wonderful memories."

The 2022 CCAA Hall of Fame Banquet will take place on Tuesday, June 14 in Halifax, NS.