LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) – Former longtime UNLV professor and faculty athletics representative Brackley Frayer has been named the Mountain West Dr. Albert C. Yates Distinguished Service Award winner for 2024-25, the league announced Tuesday.
 
Named in honor of the former Colorado State University president, the award is bestowed upon an individual who has served, supported and promoted the goals and ideals of the Mountain West or a member institution; an individual who, through personal effort and dedication, has enhanced the ability of the Conference and/or its member institutions to provide a positive experience for the student-athletes enrolled at any member institution.
 
Only 16 individuals have earned the distinction throughout the Conference's 26-year history. Frayer is the first from UNLV to receive the honor.
 
"Brackley has been a valued colleague at this university for decades and served as a great friend and advocate to all UNLV student-athletes for many years as we continue to set multiple records in the classroom," said UNLV Director of Athletics Erick Harper. "He is a passionate Rebel through and through and we congratulate him on this well-deserved honor from the Mountain West."
 
A professor emeritus in UNLV's theater department, Frayer served as the Rebels' FAR from 2008 until his retirement in 2024, when he wrapped up his 28-year tenure at the university. He served on the UNLV Faculty Senate, chaired the Rebels' Intercollegiate Athletic Council, and was a member of the MW Joint Council, chairing it in 2008-09 and 2018-19, during his time with the Rebels.
 
A pillar of support for the academic success of UNLV's student-athletes, Frayer was at the forefront of meeting their needs and advocated for their best interests at the institutional, Mountain West and NCAA levels. He was critical in establishing and maintaining an appropriate balance between academics and athletics at UNLV.
 
In addition to facilitating the academic certification of student-athletes every semester, Frayer juggled numerous responsibilities and traveled across the country over the years to push the agenda for student-athlete success. He was instrumental in relaying important information to the university as rules and regulations shifted over time.
 
DR. ALBERT C. YATES DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD ALL-TIME WINNERS
2024-25: Brackley Frayer, UNLV
2023-24: Carolayne Henry, Mountain West
2021-22: Janice Ruggiero, New Mexico; Lawrence Fan, San José State
2017-18: Dr. Jim Francis, Colorado State
2013-14: Marti Gasser, Air Force; Breda Bova, New Mexico
2012-13: Sally Roush, San Diego State
2010-11: Dr. Stephen Weber, San Diego State
2007-08: Barbara Burke, Wyoming
2006-07: Marsha Smeltzer, Colorado State; Larry Gerlach, Utah
2005-06: Rudy Davalos, New Mexico
2004-05: Elaine Michaelis, BYU
2000-01: LaVell Edwards, BYU
1999-00: Linda