Mississippi University for Women Director of Athletics Buddy Foster is the 2026 recipient of the Dr. Lee McKinney Distinguished Service Award. The Dr. Lee McKinney SLIAC Distinguished Service Award is presented annually to the individual that has served or competed in the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and best exemplifies the qualities of leadership, dedication, service, and perseverance displayed by longtime Fontbonne University director of athletics, Lee McKinney.

Foster is in his sixth year with MUW and second year as their Director of Athletics. He has spent a total of six years working within the SLIAC after having served as head softball coach at Greenville University for four seasons. 

Foster has been a part of the MUW team that helped transition the school's athletic program to full-time NCAA Division III membership. Since arriving in the SLIAC and with Foster leading the athletic department the Owls have captured conference championships in men's golf and men's basketball, been home to two All-Americans, and 40 All-Conference selections.

The Owls have seen success not just in competition but in the classroom as well. They have had 55 All-Academic team honorees, 25 Academic All-District selections, and one CSC Academic All-American. The MUW athletic department has fully embraced the SLIAC Service Challenge award, finishing second last year and winning this year's trophy. 

Foster also sits on the NCAA Division III Student-Athlete Reinstatement Committee. Before stepping into a full-time administrative role, Foster was a highly successful softball coach. He guided the Owls program for three seasons, playing in the USCAA tournament all three years; finishing 2nd in 2023. Before that he was the Greenville softball coach from 2017-20, totaling 73 wins and two SLIAC Championships.