Barb Kenison is the first recipient of the Ron "Swede" Kenison Memorial Award. She was presented the award at a Frontier Conference game between Montana Western and Montana Tech. The award was established by Commissioner Kent Paulson, along with the league's presidents and athletic directors.

The award will differ from the league's service award given to people who have served the conference in a particular award for long periods of time. This award will be given to people who have demonstrated a long-time dedication to the Frontier Conference through acts of service to the league.

"It is only fitting that the first Ron "Swede" Kenison Memorial award presentation be held in Swede's hometown of Butte, Mont. and during a game between Montana Tech and Swede's alma mater of Montana Western." Paulson said. "And even more fitting that the first award be presented to Swede's wife Barb. Barb's tireless dedication to the league did not go unnoticed. To us close to "Swede" often reminded him who the real Commissioner of the Frontier Conference was. Barb truly represents what this award stands for: character, dedication, leadership, loyalty and service."

Kenison was the longest tenured commissioner in the history of the Frontier Conference.