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Past CoSIDA 25-Year Award Recipients
Dom Donnelly – Tusculum University, Assistant Athletics Director for Communications
2019 CoSIDA 25-Year Award recipient
by Josh Manck –Texas A&M University-Commerce, Associate Athletics Director for Marketing and Communications
As Tusculum University Assistant AD for Communications
Dom Donnelly wraps up his 25th year in the athletics communications profession, it would be simple to write the article about his many accomplishments as an SID.
For those familiar with his work at Tusculum over the last 19 years, along with his previous stops, there is no question that Dom is the consummate professional. A small, private school in the mountains of East Tennessee, Tusculum University is frankly lucky to have a man of Dom’s professionalism and talent lead their communications efforts.
And writing that article about how great of an SID my friend is would be easy. He’s been fantastic for his university and his student-athletes. But when I think of my friend Dom and what he’s been to the communications profession, that’s not the only story.
To me, Dom is a teacher by example. He’s taught his student-athletes, his co-workers at Tusculum, his assistants, and every SID he’s come into contact with.
Donnelly helping out media at a 2010 women’s basketball game between Tusculum and East Tennessee State.
He has a long list of former assistants and students who have gone on to professional success, and many who are still successful in the athletics communications profession.
“I had 15 years experience when I first went to work with Dom, but I can say that from my first day on campus that I’ve learned so much about the human side of our profession from him. He is a true leader and treats everyone with respect, from coaches to student-athletes to media to colleagues,” said current Tusculum assistant director of athletic communications Jim Miller.
“Dom oversees a group of sport management students who work for us at home events. He does not — and will not — pass a student for the sake of passing them. He expects each and every one of them to earn their grade. He will not compromise his integrity.”
“Dom has served as a mentor for many in our profession,” said Wingate director of public relations and student-athlete recognition David Sherwood. “The way he treats others is apparent in this realm as well. Dom gives his assistants room to do their thing. All the while, he is watching and waiting in the wings to celebrate their successes.”
He’s been a great resource to SIDs at other institutions — especially those in Division II, the Southeast region, and the South Atlantic Conference. From the phone call for a baseball scoring decision and how to input it, to dealing with student-athlete media requests, to how he would deal with a coach, Dom always has the answer.
“Dom is one of the best in the business. He is highly respected by his peers, other administrators and is always very professional,” noted Christian Stryker, assistant commissioner of the South Atlantic Conference. “He is never afraid to lend a helping hand to those around him, whether it is giving some professional advice or jumping to keep stats, take pictures or conduct interviews during events.”
“Dom’s on my short list for a phone call anytime I need advice, have a problem I can’t seem to tackle, or need to be talked off the ledge when my emotions get too high,” said Randall Stewart, director of athletics communications at Newberry College. “He’s adapted as the industry has changed and has a knack for hiring good people around him that allows him to get the most out of his department. The hospitality he shows is always first-class.”
And with all of the professional expertise and mentorship, just as important in Dom’s story is his smile, laugh and personal connections. While we are all there to get the job done - keep the stats, shoot the video, whatever the case may be - we should be having fun and taking care of each other. Dom has never let any of us forget that, no matter how stressful the situation or game may be.
“Dom’s family, his faith and his friends are the most important parts of his life and he always tries to put them ahead of himself. Dom was the first person to visit the hospital after my daughter was born, on a busy Monday morning after Homecoming. That was a kind gesture that I’ve never forgotten,” Miller noted.
“Dom has allowed me to have as much flexibility I need for family. Many days I’ve had to leave early to pick up my kids from school, or stayed home with a sick child, or come in late due to other commitments. He has always given me the latitude I’ve needed to make sure I remain a happy and productive employee, and he has succeeded more than he knows.”
“I’ve known Dom for most of his career as an SID. He is a true professional and one of the best in the business,” said Michael MacEachern, assistant director of athletics for sports communications at Young Harris College. “The one thing I picked up from Dom is to work hard, but at the same time don’t take it too seriously and have fun.”
“Dom has taught me to have fun with my job. In the end it's sports and you have to enjoy what you are doing each day, so have fun doing it,” Stryker said.
“Dom is one in a million. Any time we travel to Tusculum, we know we will be treated with tremendous hospitality. His demeanor and smile tell you…you have a friend…win, lose or draw,” Sherwood said.
So as “The Dominator” wraps up 25 years, I personally hope the professional lessons, the hospitality, and the laughs keep rolling through Greene County for years to come. Dom Donnelly is one of the main reasons so many of us are good SIDs, and we could all afford to continue to learn from him.