College Sports Communicators

ON-DEMAND WEBINAR: "Mentorship Matters: Giving and receiving with impact" Presented by the Career Services Committee and the Mentorship Committee Mentorship is a dynamic relationship rooted in trust, curiosity, and mutual growth. Whether you're offering guidance or seeking it, this session will explore how to bring your best self to the table as both mentor and mentee.  We'll discuss how to lead with professional authenticity, prepare thoughtfully, and follow up with intention. Participants will learn how mentorships - whether brief or long-term - can thrive across departments, institutions, and career stages. We'll highlight the value of both internal and external mentors, and how understanding people is key to building strong connections.  No matter your role or level, there's always something new to learn and someone to learn from. Join us to discover how mentorship can spark personal and professional development, and leave with practical strategies to build relationships that matter. Hear from panelists: - Josh Yonis (Moderator) - Assistant Commissioner, Strategic Communications - Conference USA - Bryce Johnson – Director of Athletic Communications - Guilford College - Kristen Keller – Associate Athletic Director, Sports Brands & Communications - University of Southern California  - Joe Reinsch – Assistant Commissioner - The Pacific West Conference - Jennifer Lynne Williams – Chief Development Officer - USA Basketball Foundation This webinar is presented as a collaboration between the Career Services Committee and the Mentorship Committee. This session is pre-recorded and is available on-demand starting Tuesday, October 28 at 12:00 p.m. ET in the hub and on CSC channels such as YouTube and podcasts. Visit CollegeSportsCommunicators/ProfessionalDevelopment for a complete list of available professional development opportunities.

CSC Voices, Beyond the Scoreboard host: Trip Durham, 2D Consulting, LLC Guest: Dr. Thomas Newsom, Pittsburg State University President From stat sheets to the president’s office, Dr. Thomas Newsom’s path to leading Pittsburg State University is a story of growth, gratitude, and genuine connection. The former student-athlete and athletics communicator shares how lessons learned on the field — and in the press box — continue to shape his approach to leadership today. In this conversation, we explore: * How relationships built on shared experiences and trust create lasting impact. * Why authenticity and humility remain essential in every leadership role. * The value of embracing “drinking from the fire hose” as a mindset for learning. * Why Division II holds a special place in his heart — and what “Life in the Balance” really means. * What it means to be an unapologetic athletics president and champion for student success. * How family, faith, and favorite 80s anthems keep him grounded outside the office.

ON-DEMAND WEBINAR: "Students are our most valuable resource – but how do we recruit, train and retain them?" Presented by the Young Professionals Committee and the Professional Development and Education Committee Students are our industry’s most valuable resource. With the myriad of responsibilities on our ever-growing to-do lists, we all turn to students to help fill the gaps. But how do we recruit, train and retain student workers? Listen to Patrick Murphy, Lynn Walsh and Jamie Chagnon as they do a deep dive into what works – and what doesn’t – in the realm of building out your student staff. The group covers how to recruit quality student workers, what training models work for different areas (stats, creative) and everything in between. Hear from panelists: - Patrick Murphy (Moderator) - Athletics Communications Coordinator - Colorado School of Mines - Jamie Chagnon - Director of Athletic Communications - Tufts University - Lynn Walsh - Director of Athletics Communications and Creative Content - College of Charleston This webinar is presented as a collaboration between the Young Professionals Committee and the Professional Development and Education Committee, who is charged with coordinating and enhancing year-round continuing education, professional development and leadership opportunities, resources and training to help members at all levels excel as professionals and strategic communicators. Unable to attend our live professional development webinars? Selected sessions may later be available on-demand in the hub and on CSC channels such as YouTube and podcasts. Visit CollegeSportsCommunicators/ProfessionalDevelopment for a complete list of available professional development opportunities.

CSC Voices, Beyond the Scoreboard host: Trip Durham, 2D Consulting, LLC Guest: Patrick Crawford, 2025-26 CSC President and Purdue University Associate AD for Strategic Communications From becoming CSC President earlier than expected to many life firsts (homeownership, parenthood, and marathons!), Patrick Crawford’s 2025 has been full of milestones. In this conversation, he shares how people-first leadership, adaptability, and a forward-thinking approach to digital trends are shaping his presidential year. Patrick also discusses brand stewardship at Purdue, keeping teams healthy and energized, and why every moment — big or small — deserves full attention. Plus, you’ll hear his lighthearted takes on media credential photos and nacho-cheese mishaps. In this conversation, we explore: * Leadership starts with people — strong relationships are the foundation for success in a demanding profession. * Adaptability is essential; embrace evolving digital tools, platforms, and creative strategies. * Prioritizing health and wellness for yourself and your team to avoid burnout. * Treat every moment like it’s the biggest — whether it’s a Final Four run or a regular season game. * Brand stewardship means proactive improvement, not simply repeating what worked last year. * Communicators can drive revenue generation through forward-thinking social media and NIL opportunities. * Humor and camaraderie build connection within the profession.

CSC Voices, Beyond the Scoreboard host: Trip Durham, 2D Consulting, LLC Guest: Andrea Williams, University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) Director of Intercollegiate Athletics In this CSC Voices: Beyond the Scoreboard episode, UIC Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Andrea Williams sheds light on modern leadership in sports athletics — from mastering the art of listening to defining servant and situational leadership. With over 25 years in collegiate and professional athletics, she unpacks how empathy, inclusion, and innovation can power high-performing, authentic teams. In this conversation, we explore: * Developing listening skills and embracing curiosity as essential tools for communications professionals and leaders alike. * Leading with servant and situational leadership to create inclusive environments where individuals thrive. * Building confidence through humility and vulnerability, and how that fosters trust within teams. * Defining success through coaching and mentorship, and recognizing those “quiet moments” when impact is most felt. * Encouraging creativity and innovation, even when staffing and budgets are limited. * Balancing support and challenge to maintain high accountability without sacrificing compassion. * Ensuring the student-athlete voice is heard — through advisory committees and meaningful feedback processes.