GREAT FALLS, Mont. - At a recent University of Great Falls basketball game, former University of Great Falls president Gene McAllister was presented the Ron 'Swede' Kenison award.

The Kenison award is the Frontier's most prestigious award given to someone who could be a promoter of the conference, a long time employee of the conference or a long time supported of the conference who have made valuable contributions to the growth and well being of the Frontier Conference.

McAllister was the CEO at the University of Great Falls for 12 years. When he arrived on the Great Falls campus, the Argo athletic program was comprised of two sports, men and women's basketball. During McAllister's tenure, that program now offers volleyball, men and women's soccer, men and women's golf, men and women's cross country, and track and field, rodeo and more as it continues to grow.

"The Frontier Conference presidents and athletic directors appreciate so much what Gene did with advancing sports offerings in our league," Frontier Conference Commissioner Kent Paulson said. He championed the student-athlete experience at not only his University of Great Falls campus but also those members of competing teams as they visited the Great Falls campus. The Kenison award is bestowed on individuals who have given of their time and energy in serving the Frontier Conference and Dr. McAllister epitomizes ALL of those qualities and virtues."