Henry Johnston, 3rd from left.
Royal Oak, MI — Baker College Director of Esports Henry Johnston has been recognized with the 2026 Outstanding Leadership Award by the National Association of Esports Coaches and Directors (NAECAD), one of the highest honors presented by the organization to leaders advancing the collegiate esports industry.
Presented during the organization’s annual convention, the award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the collegiate esports industry through leadership, service, advocacy, and professional development. Johnston was honored for his volunteer leadership on several national committees and his work advancing major initiatives that support
“I’m honored to receive this recognition,” said Johnston. “Over the past year, I’ve had the opportunity to serve on several committees within collegiate esports organizations and contribute to initiatives that help advance the industry. It’s rewarding to see those efforts recognized alongside the work we’re doing to continue growing Baker College’s esports program.”
“Henry’s leadership extends far beyond competition,” said Heather Bateman, Baker College Athletic Director. “He is deeply committed to creating opportunities for students while helping shape the future of collegiate esports at the national level. This recognition is a testament to his dedication, vision, and the impact he continues to make within Baker and the esports industry.”
Johnston’s national recognition reflects Baker College’s continued commitment to building a competitive esports program while contributing to the advancement of collegiate esports nationwide.
The National Association of Esports Coaches and Directors (NAECAD – pronounced Nay-cad), founded in 2019, is the primary professional organization for competitive esports coaches and directors at all levels of competitive play (club, high school, college, and professional). The NAECAD mission is to serve, legitimize, and advance competitive esports at all levels with NAECAD members at the epicenter of leadership, advocacy, and professional development. The NAECAD vision is for esports to be viewed as a prominent competitive sport with highly trained NAECAD members leading the professional development, growth, and quality of competitive esports.
Baker College is an independent, private, non-profit institution that grants associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees on six campuses across Michigan and online. Founded in 1911, the institution’s mission is to provide an inclusive, innovative, and transformative educational experience, driven by a student-first philosophy. Learn more about esports and follow on X, Meta, and Instagram.