Jason Fein, current Director of Athletics at NCAA Division III institution Drew University who began his athletic career in sports information, was featured in the recent
College Athletics and the Law newsletter in an article entitled "AD relies on cross-campus collaboration, staff empowerment to find innovative solutions."
As part of the article, Fein singled out the work of athletic communications professionals as integral
Jason Fein, Drew University Director of Athletics
to the work of the institution. The sidebar was called "Recognizing importance of public perception" and stated:
Recognizing importance of public perception
Like most athletics directors, Jason Fein has worked his way up through the ranks in college athletics. In fact, he's worked in nearly every area, including coaching, sports information, compliance, and fundraising. "The varied nature of each of those experiences has helped me learn along the way," said Fein, AD at Drew University. The years he spent working in sports information, in particular, have helped him become a better AD in several ways.
"I gained a good understanding of how we are perceived by the public, the fans, parents, faculty, and other folks outside the athletic department. I'm always trying to convey to our staff just how important it is that we stay cognizant of the fact that people are watching, and it's important that we set the right example," Fein said.
"And in this age of social media and a 24-hour, internet news cycle, it's even more important to remember that we have to set the standard for our student-athletes and portray the right image," he added.
Because he worked as a sports information director, Fein has a greater appreciation for SIDs.
"Whether it be your own websites, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snap-chat, or whatever other technologies are coming down the line, it always seems to add more to the plates of the athletic communications staff. I try to remember just how many folks spend so many hours working to help promote the achievements of our student-athletes. I think it's important to remember that, and to acknowledge staff for their efforts as best we can," he said.
Fein was the inaugural CoSIDA Rising Star honoree for the college division. He received the honor in 2006 as the sports information director at the College of Staten Island. Completing his eighth year as Drew AD, Fein was recognized as a 2015-16 Division III Under Armour AD of the Year by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA). He has participated in numerous CoSIDA conventions as a panelist and has participated in CoSIDA continuing education online sessions.