In 1997, the Missouri Valley Conference — the nation’s second oldest conference -- instituted an Athletics Hall of Fame.
The Valley Hall of Fame classes include players and coaches from all sports — both men and women — and administrators who were instrumental in the development of the Conference.
To be eligible for the Conference Hall of Fame, an individual must have participated, coached or served in an administrative capacity during the time his/her institution was a member of the MVC, completed their athletic eligibility, left the coaching ranks or been out of the Missouri Valley Conference for at least five years. Individuals do not have to be MVC graduates; they need only to have attended or worked at an MVC institution.
In addition, the Missouri Valley Conference honors individuals in the following categories: “Institutional Great,” “Lifetime Achievement,” “Paul Morrison Award,” “Coaches Wing,” and "Veterans Committee Selections."
Institutional Greats include players, coaches or administrators who have worked or participated at a Conference school when that school was not a Valley member.
Lifetime Achievement recognizes former players, coaches, administrators or alumni of league members who have carved out a notable place in history — either athletically or professionally.
The Paul Morrison Award is given to those individuals who have made significant contributions to their respective institutions, the Conference, or to athletics, in general.
The Coaches Wing of the Hall of Fame honors the great coaches in Conference history.
Veterans Committee selections identifies individuals from non-current members.