DALLAS – The National Association for Athletics Compliance selected Colgate's Taurian Houston for its 2016 Rising Star Award.
 
Houston was presented the honor here Sunday during the NAAC Awards Luncheon as part of the greater National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics Convention.
 
"I'm extremely humbled and honored to be recognized by my peers," Houston said. "I have to thank my mom, Daphne Saunders-Johnson, and all the mentors in my life who have been such a positive influence on me. It's just as much their award as it is mine.
 
"A lot of times there is doubt that comes into play when you're taking on new roles. To be recognized by my peers for trying to make compliance more of an advocacy versus an enforcement, it's definitely a great opportunity. I'm looking forward to what the future holds."
 
Houston joined the Colgate staff in June 2015 as Assistant Athletics Director for Compliance. He manages all of the department's guidelines for NCAA, Patriot League and ECAC Hockey compliance. Additionally, Houston serves as sports administrator for Colgate's volleyball, women's lacrosse, cross country and track and field squads.
 
Complementing his many responsibilities within the athletics department, Houston also is a member of Colgate University's Faculty Affairs Committee and Equity Grievance Panel. He serves as athletics liaison to the Equity Diversity Office.
 
NAAC Member Since 2012
The Northern Virginia native arrived at Colgate from Dartmouth, where he spent one year as a compliance specialist. His duties there included approving all recruiting visits, reporting secondary violations, and processing initial and continuing eligibility certifications per NCAA and Ivy League legislation.
 
Before his time at Dartmouth, Houston served a year with the NCAA's Academic and Membership Affairs Department in Indianapolis as a postgraduate intern. He was responsible for handling student-athlete reinstatement and eligibility extension cases, verifying APR data submissions, and coordinating community outreach programs sponsored by the national office.
 
Houston has been a member of NAAC since 2012 and is an active participant in the organization's networking initiatives. He is a member of the Minority Opportunities Athletic Association, and in 2014 received the MOAA's inaugural Founders' Grant. Houston also holds the title of adjunct professor in the sports management program at nearby Morrisville State College.