ROME, Ga. - Former Shorter University track and field star Nick Dodson has been named to the NAIA Hall of Fame.  Dodson will join Walt Attaway as Shorter University's second member in the NAIA Hall of Fame.

Dodson was the first signee in the history of Shorter's track and field program in 2006, and went on to become one of Shorter's most decorated athletes in school history.

"I'm still in shock as this honor really caps off my athletic career. I can now close the book on my athletic career with the highest honor you can earn and reflect on so many great memories," said Dodson. "A lot of people have their fingerprint on my journey from family, friends, coaches, and teammates."

When Dodson graduated from Shorter, Dodson was a school-record holder in four different events, an 11-time All-American in five different events, and a two-time NAIA Champions of Character Award Recipient.

To this day, Dodson remains the record holder for Shorter and the Mid-South Conference for the 400-meter hurdles, clocking his best time at 50.84 seconds.

"In addition to being a great student-athlete, Nick was and is an outstanding young man, said Bill Peterson, the former Director of Intercollegiate Athletics at Shorter, and also was Dodson's position coach in football. "As a University, we were certainly blessed with his presence and he provided great guidance and leadership to our entire athletic program."

While Dodson only played football for one season while at Shorter, his impact on those around him was noticeable.

"I had the opportunity to play football with Nick here at Shorter University and he was one of the hardest working people I have ever met. He worked tirelessly to perfect his craft; whether it be on the football field or the track," said Shorter University football coach Zach Morrison, who was teammates with Dodson during the 2006 season. "I am so happy for Nick. He has done an outstanding job in his coaching career as well."

The decision to give up football paid great dividends for Dodson as his anchor leg of the 4x400 relay clinched the first team national championship in 2011. Dodson also won the national championship in the 400-meter hurdles that same year.

"He is a champion in every sense of the word," said Peterson. "I have seen Nick grow as a student, as a leader, and as a coach. He has a great spirit and reflects so favorably on his Christian faith."

"We are always proud of our student-athletes when they receive recognition and accolades following their time at Shorter University," said Tony Lundy, Director of Intercollegiate Athletics and Offensive Coordinator during Dodson's time with Shorter's football team.

During his time as a student as Shorter University, Dodson was involved in numerous other campus initiatives, including serving as a Fellowship of Christian Athletes Huddle Leader, a resident assistant, and intramural program coordinator.  In 2011, Dodson was named Shorter University's Male Athlete of the Year.

Dodson helped lead the Hawks to both the 2011 NAIA Indoor and Outdoor National Championships, winning the team title at both championships in just the fifth year as a program.

Upon graduation, Dodson also qualified for the 2012 United States Olympic Trials in the 400-meter hurdles.

Throughout his coaching career, Dodson has had 48 national qualifiers and 28 individual conference champions, and led both the Southeastern University men's and women's track teams to The Sun Conference title in their first season of competition.

Dodson will be honored during an induction ceremony at the 2020 NAIA Outdoor Track & Fields National Championship in Gulf Shores, Ala.

"Being inducted means so much to me as it shows all my hard work and dedication to my craft. As I continue to mentor and set examples for my children and student-athletes, this honor is something I will refer to as an example that all hard work brings a profit," said Dodson. "I want to thank everyone on the Hall of Fame committee for believing my career was such an honor. I also want to thank everyone who recommended me as it means a lot to my family and I."