Dr. Christin Van Wyk Greiman Named G-MAC 2026 Faculty Mentor of the Year

RELEASE COURTESY OF THE GREAT MIDWEST ATHLETIC CONFERENCE

INDIANAPOLIS- Dr. Christin Van Wyk Greiman of Northwood University has won the 2026 Great Midwest Faculty Mentor of the Year Award for her impact on student-athlete development on NU's campus. Each year, the conference's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) honors one faculty member who has made a difference at the annual awards banquet in Blue Ash, Ohio. This year's awards banquet will be held Wednesday, May 20.
 
"Earning this award means that you can put your head down, work hard, learn from your mistakes, and treat others with the respect you would want in return to make a difference- without a formal title or program," said Greiman. "My mentors challenged me to exceed my own expectations; my family taught me the value of gratitude and work ethic, and the student athletes, coaches, administrators, and those who nominated me remind me of the lasting impact of leading by example."
 
Dr. Greiman currently serves as the Department Chair of the Management Degree Program at Northwood.
 
A former student-athlete at herself, Dr. Greiman understands the challenges that come with balancing academic with athletics. She works diligently to bridge the gap between the two for student-athletes at Northwood. Because of her background in athletics, Dr. Greiman is able to connect with student-athletes on a different level. These shared experiences enhance Dr. Greiman's relationship with student-athletes to help them excel at the highest level possible.
 
"Dr. Greiman is so supportive of all our sports, every class she asks the athletes what competitions they have going on that week and then writes them on the board for everyone to know," said women's soccer player and SAAC member Lindsay Jacob. "She works really well with athletes to make sure they get any class work they missed and to help them stay caught up. She tries to make it to as many home competitions as she can as well!"
 
A Hope College graduate, Dr. Greiman has created an interactive environment for her students that enhances learning at a higher level. She has created and offers her students a variety of learning avenues that best-serves them. Outside of the classroom, Dr, Greiman can be seen supporting sporting events across campus.
 
"I had the pleasure of being one of Dr. Greiman's students and now have the honor of being her colleague," said Northwoood SAAC Advisor Michael McKerr. "As a Department Chair, she is an advocate for athletics and the rigorous lifestyle that it entails. As a professor, she is a role model for our students to show that excelling in athletics and academics can be done. We are extremely grateful for the impact she has had on all of our student athletes and there is no one more deserving of this award."
 
The Great Midwest Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) annually votes one faculty member to be honored and recognized for his/her impact on the student-athlete body on their respective campus at the spring awards banquet. As the Great Midwest award winner at the conference level, the league winner will also be nominated at the national level for consideration for the NCAA Division II Dr. Dave Pariser Faculty Mentor of the Year honor.