Dr. James Ebben was being inducted for his vision and leadership in expanding the Edgewood College Athletics program. Serving as Edgewood College president from 1987-2005, Dr. Ebben successfully guided a significant increase in enrollment, in part with a commitment to Eagle Athletics. Under Dr. Ebben's tenure, the Edgewood College Athletics Department expanded from three to 10 varsity sports, laying the foundation for Edgewood College's current sport sponsorship. He also guided the Eagles from the former NSCAA to the NAIA and eventually to NCAA Division III status.