Hello CSC members! The month of August is in full swing, so I will only ask for a tiny amount of your time in reading this letter.
I am thrilled, honored and excited to be serving as CSC President for the 2025-26 year. To think my career in college athletics has led me to this point is both extremely humbling and very surprising.
An opportunity to lead can be looked at as simply as when a friend or coworker asks for your advice on a particular subject. You might be an expert on what is asked and be able to give immediate guidance. Or, on the flip side, you might be just as clueless as your friend or coworker, but you ultimately end up finding the answer together.
Throughout my career, I have moved from school to school and opportunity to opportunity with the hopes of growing my ability to make a difference. I certainly needed to do some growing and learning myself in the early years of my career, but hey, we all do. The best version of myself is still somewhere out there in the future, much like all of us.
This year is my fifth at Purdue University as associate athletics director for strategic communications, and with that, I also receive this rare opportunity to offer leadership and guidance to our profession as a whole. An important platform that I do not take lightly.
As I mentioned above, there are going to be instances and scenarios where I am perfectly suited to give the clear answer CSC needs. Best practices in sports communications, social and digital execution, brand management and media relations? I’ve got you. Star Wars trivia and the best places for a slice of pizza? I’m on it.
But the ever-changing and dynamic universe of college athletics? I know a little bit.
Together, we know a lot.
During my presidential term in 2025-26, I will be helping CSC’s executive board, full-time staff, advisory council and committees focus on the following guiding principles for our more than 4,700 members:
How can you revolutionize your approach?
- As the college athletics industry changes and transforms, CSC members can continue to find success by seeking out and adapting to emerging technologies and trends in the communications, creative and digital fields. It is always worth having knowledge and understanding of what is new and on the cutting edge. Create your own competitive advantage.
How can you best support your team?
- Whether you are a member of a 10-person office or a one-stop-shop, your role is as important as ever to the overall success of your school, conference or organization. Make sure your top priorities align with those of your supervisor and team
?How can you best support yourself?
- The college sports industry is unlike any other. While many of us love and embrace the lifestyle of long days and weekends at the stadium or out on the road; it can take a toll. Focus on being great on the job. Perfect your craft and advocate for yourself. Focus on being great off the job. Refuel your mind and body to be the best version of you. Both facets of your life complement the other.
Our team at CSC, including my fellow executive board members, the CSC staff, the advisory council, divisional cabinets and numerous committees are all ready to support you and your ambitions this coming year.
Stay on the lookout for opportunities to get involved. Make sure you renew your organization’s membership. And most of all: have fun. We work in sports and it’s a special place to be. Do not forget how great it is!
Have an awesome rest of your summers and get ready for the fall season.
Patrick Crawford
2025-26 CSC President
A video message from CSC President Patrick Crawford: