College Sports Information Directors of America

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Scottie Rodgers – Sun Belt Conference, Associate Commissioner, Strategic Communications

CoSIDA 25-Year Award

by Jason Southard, Coast Guard Academy Assistant Athletic Director for Media Relations

There are certain people on this earth where only one name is needed, like Prince, Madonna or Elvis. When it comes to the Sun Belt Conference's Associate Commissioner for Strategic Communications Scottie Rodgers, that is indeed the case.

I would also say that contrary to the lyrics of the song "Scotty Doesn't Know" by Lustra ("Scottie doesn't know, so don't tell Scotty.") - he DOES know. Scottie knows everyone and everything.

If you have ever attended the CoSIDA convention and attempted to navigate the lobby with Scottie, you better give yourself an extra hour. He stops and talks to more people than a politician in an election year.

Scottie is a people person and knows that networking is vital in the field of athletic communications. He is a founding father of the informal group, Young CoSIDA. YC was known as a social and networking group whose mission is to help enhance the relationships among intercollegiate athletics communications professionals via networking and social opportunities, previously culminating with an event during CoSIDA as a part of the NACDA & Affiliates Convention.
 

(Editor’s note: YC hosted an annual social and fundraising event at CoSIDA conventions. YC disbanded after the 2019 convention and a tremendous run of helping raise more than $37,000 for CoSIDA-recognized charities over the years, including a one-year record of $7,999 for Samaritan's Feet and Frontline Outreach at the 2019 Convention in Orlando). 

"The evolution of YC is truly one of the most amazing things I've been associated with. We changed the style and approach to networking in our profession and college athletics in ways that will live on for years to come," said Rodgers. "The friendships cultivated, the professional relationships built and the impact we made in the communities we touched through our charitable donations are things that will always make me proud and bring a smile to my face."

Scottie is in his third academic year at the Sun Belt Conference office. In his role with the league office, Rodgers provides a critical role in advancing the Sun Belt Conference's message through multiple channels. He works with the Sun Belt communications staff to lead campaigns that shape how the conference is viewed externally, while also pushing internal communications between the conference office and its 12 member institutions.

Rodgers has been active with CoSIDA since 1996, serving on the Diversity and Inclusion Committee since February 2017, the Special Awards Committee since June 2014. He also has served on the Black College Sports Information Directors (BCSIDA) Steering Committee since June 2015.

Rodgers came to the Sun Belt office from Tulane University where he was Associate Director of Athletics, Strategic Communications for a 16-month stint (2016-17) after spending eight years (2008-16) as the Associate Executive Director, Communications and External Relations at The Ivy League office.

In his early years, Scottie spent a little more than two years (2005-08) at CBS Sports Digital as a senior director of university relations. He was also the assistant and later associate director for the Division I Women's Basketball Championship at the NCAA National Office (2000-05) after working in various capacities at the Southeastern Conference Office (1995-2000).

The profession is much different now than when Scottie began his career.

"So much has changed since I first started. We are tasked with wearing multiple hats and to be attentive to multiple constituents all at the same time," said Rodgers. "Without question, the direction our jobs have evolved has brought on a number of challenges in today's world of college athletics. The one thing that has not changed is being a positive advocate for the good in sports, on or off the fields of play, and that brings you rewards and experiences that you will cherish for a lifetime."

Rodgers has worked on the media operations staff for the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic since 2000, as a publicity assistant coordinating celebrity interviews at the Kentucky Derby from 2002-07. He also was associated with the media operations for the New York Yankees for the 2008 Major League Baseball All-Star Game, five American League Division Series, two American League Championship Series, and the 2009 World Series.

Scottie loves the profession of athletic communications because of the people and enjoys helping the younger folks he meets at various events. "Our profession is so great because the people are so great. So many people have and continue to help me, guide me and encourage me along my journey," said Rodgers. "I am forever thankful to all of them for that. I take the kindness I receive and pay it forward in taking time to connect with and be a mentor to the younger generation of communications professionals."

There is one thing Scottie loves more than line dancing to the Wobble and the movie Coming to America: Alabama Crimson Tide Football.

A native of Atmore, Ala., Scottie graduated from the University of Alabama with a bachelor of arts in communication in 1995. He spent three years as student assistant in the athletics communications office during his time in Tuscaloosa.

I see a lot of saluting in my position at the Coast Guard Academy, so it's only right that I salute my twin brother from another mother, Scottie Rodgers, for his 25 years of service to the profession. Roll Tide!