College Sports Information Directors of America

Troy State graduate and former staff assistant Josh Underwood has been named assistant media relations director at Troy State University. Underwood, 23, graduated with a bachelor’s degree in print journalism in December 2002 and worked two years in the Troy State Media Relations office. He served one year as a student intern and two semesters as the department’s senior staff assistant before his promotion. "All of us in the athletics department are excited about having Josh join our office in a full-time capacity," Troy State Director of Athletics Media Relations Tom Strother said. "I believe he is ready for the challenge and added responsibility that being in a full-time role brings. We are excited about Josh’s future in our department." Prior to joining the media relations staff, the Valley, Ala., native worked three years at the Tropolitan, the Troy State student newspaper, serving as sports editor his final year. Underwood also worked as a reporter and photographer for the Valley Times-News from 2001-2002. He has also served as a media relations coordinator at numerous high school events around the state, including the Alabama High School Athletic Association "Super Six" football championships, the AHSAA state baseball championships and for the AHSAA’s five-day All-Star Sports Week, held each summer in Montgomery. Underwood’s responsibilities at Troy State will include serving as the primary contact for Troy State’s women’s basketball, baseball, cross country and track and field teams. In addition, he will serve as managing editor of the football game program, Troy State Gameday.