Jullian Tackett receives KASA Nallia Award

FRANKFORT, KY (KASA)- The Kentucky Association of School Administrators Board of Directors selected Jullian Tackett, Commissioner of Kentucky High School Athletic Association, as the 2021 recipient of the William Nallia Award. Named in honor of the former executive director of KASA who led the tremendous growth of the association in its early years, the award is presented annually to an education leader who has shown a spirit of innovation and exemplary service to Kentucky’s students and educators.

“Jullian continues to have a direct and substantial impact on every school leader in the
commonwealth, said KASA Executive Director Dr. Rhonda Caldwell. “When he came into his current leadership position, he had a great opportunity to maintain the status quo and thus make things easier for himself. Instead, he chose the rockier path of doing what was right for Kentucky’s students.”

He approached his task of managing interscholastic athletics in Kentucky from the perspective of providing student-centered opportunities to increase participation and engagement. Bass fishing, archery, bowling, and lacrosse are just a sample of the expansion he has guided, all with the goal of serving students, to enhance and enrich their educational experiences. Rule changes and policy decision under his leadership have also been aimed at improving the student experience, rather than making things convenient for adults.

The COVID crisis brought unprecedented operational challenges, but he again navigated these uncharted waters with candor, calmness, and a fierce devotion to doing what was best for students.