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From the Desk of President Jessica Poole – What's in a name?
by Jessica Poole – 2022-23 College Sports Communicators President
Chicago State University, Deputy Athletic Director/Chief Operating Officer @JessPooleA2
Last week’s vote on our new name, College Sports Communicators, has got me thinking about the famous Shakespeare quote from Romeo and Juliet.
“What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell just as sweet.”
This quote reminds me that while a name is important it’s the intrinsic capabilities and qualities that really matter — and it’s those things that should be at the forefront as we move ahead with our new name and branding.
This organization has been built on communicating and telling the stories of our various student-athletes, coaches and departments and that isn’t going to change any time soon. It's our backbone, our cornerstone, our calling card so to speak.
What has changed is how we communicate.
The technology revolution has turned our industry on its head in so many ways. Ways that have revolutionized our industry and also given us the opportunity to expand how we see our industry and how others see our industry.
We've added multimedia, digital, social media, photography and videography to our industry. All storytellers and communicators in their own right.
These additional modes of communication help to enhance and complement the stories that we've been telling for many years. With strong written, social, audio and visual that each of these different communicators bring to the table, the stories we tell are that much stronger and effective.
The name CoSIDA has strong tradition and history associated with it.
History and tradition are the backbone of our organization. Our history and tradition have placed me as the first black female president of our organization. Our history and tradition will always remain.
The rebranding exploration that led up to our new moniker College Sports Communicators is the next step in the history of our organization.
In a word, our new name is about inclusion. It’s a step that will position us for continued growth and inclusivity, something our organization has long been at the forefront of in the collegiate athletics landscape.
Our organization has a proven track record of making changes that enhance, grow and develop our members. I can think of several things in recent years that have done just that for our members and organization. Things like the addition of an executive director, the decision to combine with NACDA, the formation of a Diversity & Inclusion committee and the implementation of the modernized governance structure and All-In membership model. These are just the most visible initiatives. There are so many more.
These pivotal and transformational moments in our organization have led us to this moment in time.
College Sports Communicators is a name for everybody who is a storyteller in college athletics but it doesn't take away from all that we have done and accomplished under the CoSIDA moniker.
This new name and the ensuing rebrand will take us into the next era of our organization, an era that will be marked by inclusivity and the growth of our organization.
I’ve been a part of this organization for over 15 years. Our organization and its members are family to me. The mission of this organization is deeply personal and I truly believe that our organization is laying the groundwork for an even greater future and I am so damn proud to be leading the organization during this time.
Take care of yourselves and each other!
Until next month,
Jess
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