College Sports Information Directors of America

Kevin Trainor – University of Arkansas Alumni Association, Chief Operating Officer and Associate Executive Director

By Charlie Fiss, Cotton Bowl Athletic Association, Retired Vice President of Communications and Historian 

“To be recognized by my peers as a CSC Hall of Famer is truly one of the highest honors I can imagine. I have such love and respect for the men and women in this profession, and enjoyed more than 30 years working in college sports at my beloved alma mater, the University of Arkansas. I am grateful to my family and so many others who have been part of my personal and professional journey.” — Kevin Trainor, CSC Hall of Fame Class of 2026

Kevin Trainor, the dynamic and charismatic leader from the University of Arkansas, is a modern-day version of the beloved 20th-century cowboy philosopher Will Rogers. 

Blessed with many of the same qualities as Rogers, Trainor is witty and observant, kind and approachable, honest and straightforward, resilient and adaptable, and one who strongly believes in the intrinsic value of hard work. Combine these virtues with an infectious sense of humor, and it’s easy to understand why Trainor is such a crowd favorite in the world of sports communications.

The secret sauce to his overwhelming success in life is a genuine love for his fellow man. Inspiring and uplifting others is his calling card. No matter the time of day or how busy his schedule may be, Trainor has an open-door policy for anyone seeking advice or simply needing to talk.

His conversations often begin with a funny, thought-provoking one-liner, and end with a punch line that never fails to hit its mark.

Today, Trainor serves as Associate Executive Director & Chief Operating Officer of the Arkansas Alumni Association following a celebrated 30-year career with the Razorbacks’ athletics program. He made the transition from athletics to this newly created on-campus position last August (2025) in a move that will undoubtedly help his alma mater grow in stature, inside and out.

The Fredonia, Kansas native served as the 70th president of the College Sports Communicators from 2024-25. During his tenure on the Executive Board of Directors, the organization went through one of the more transformative periods in its 69-year history. The most dramatic occurrence was a rebranding effort that led to the renaming of the organization from College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) to College Sports Communicators (CSC). In addition, he was involved in the hiring of two executive directors. 

“I think the thing that fuels my passion at work is the same thing that fuels my passion in life – relationships,” said Trainor. “Finding ways to navigate the matrix of human emotion to genuinely connect and build relationships with people that are vastly different is rewarding to me. I am fueled by interaction with others. As I advance in my career, I reflect more on those relationships than I do the big events, championships and victories on the field or court. I hold dear the lifelong bonds I have developed with players, coaches, administrators, media members and fans.

“I am so grateful for those who invested in me, people like Charlie Fiss (Cotton Bowl Athletic Association), Doug Vance (College Sports Communicators), Langston Rogers (Ole Miss), Claude Felton (Georgia), Herb Vincent (Southeastern Conference), Rick Schaeffer (Arkansas), and Bill Rogers (Arkansas). And now, my oldest daughter Emma has entered this profession and is doing amazing things.”

This summer, during the annual convention in Las Vegas, Trainor will enjoy the fruits of more than three decades of labor when he joins five others with their enshrinement into the CSC’s Hall of Fame. It’s the ultimate honor for those individuals who have crafted a career in athletic communications.

ALL IN THE FAMILY

In a moment of self-reflection, Trainor points directly to his family for giving him the inspiration and wherewithal that have carried him to the pinnacle of his profession.

“All of the opportunities I have been afforded wouldn’t have been possible without the love and support of my family,” Trainor said proudly. “Beginning with my parents, John and Helen, my brother Kendall, and then my wife Ruth and our two daughters Emma and Ellie, they are my ‘Why’ and the bedrock of my support.”

If anyone could put their finger on what it is exactly that makes Kevin such an effective leader and father, it’s his mom and dad.

"Knowledge is power, and knowing when and how to use it is wisdom. KT, as we call him, is wise beyond his years, which are now starting to pile up," his folks said with a laugh in typical Trainor fashion.

As mentioned, daughter Emma is now following in her dad’s footsteps as Assistant Director of Communications at Ole Miss, serving as the primary point of contact for women’s basketball.

Soon, Ellie will enter her senior year at Arkansas with a double major in Psychology and Spanish. Both daughters have gained tremendous insight into the inner workings of intercollegiate athletics by tagging along with their father, traveling the USA to assist with media operations for major events and championships.

“If I had to pin down a primary trait that makes my dad so wonderful, it would be his love of people,” Ellie said proudly. “I’m very lucky to have a father who loves to be around people. That translates into being an empathetic and charismatic parent to Emma and me.

“He always wants others to feel seen and appreciated enough to be themselves,” she added. “We joke that Emma followed in my dad’s footsteps by pursuing a career in college athletics, and I followed my mom by studying psychology. But I think my dad is equally as versed in psychology. He just obtained his degree through field work, interacting with people and understanding their perspective.”

ESTABLISHING A CAREER

You might say that Trainor’s love for the communications industry literally grew from the ground up. As he was finding his way in life, Trainor once attended a CSC convention by sleeping on the hotel room floor of a fellow SID. This speaks volumes to his unwavering desire to find his way and earn a seat at the table. And that’s exactly what he did.

“Growing up playing sports, I loved being around the games and the culture that surrounded sports,” Trainor said. “I also had some skill and enjoyed writing. So, I thought this was a great way to stay involved in sports well beyond my playing days. Helping to tell the stories of amazing student-athletes and coaches while being a part of great traditions that bring people together was a draw for me.

“My brother Kendall had come to Arkansas and was an All-American in football and played baseball,” Trainor noted. “I saw the passion the Razorback fan base had for athletics. When it came time to choose a school, I wanted to find a place where I could pursue my dream to work in athletics. I visited several campuses, but it felt like Arkansas was where I needed to be. It was a great decision! Fayetteville has been my home for more than 35 years.” 

Thus was born the legend of Kevin Trainor.
 

HALL OF FAME CREDENTIALS

In addition to his administrative duties at Arkansas and with the CSC, Trainor finds time to serve as a board member for numerous professional associations. They include the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame, Brandon Burlsworth Foundation, College Baseball Foundation, Ex-Officio Board representative for the Football Writers Association of America, and a role on the NCAA Division I Baseball Tournament Site Representative Committee.

His volunteer work includes 29 games as a team liaison for the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic. He fills this same role for the College Football Playoff National Championship Game, dating back to the inaugural title game in 2015. Since 2011, he has served as news conference moderator for Southeastern Conference football and basketball events. He also serves the National Football Foundation as a moderator during Hall of Fame weekend. Another event on his annual work calendar is the NCAA Men’s Final Four.

This is a schedule that would make the average person dizzy. 

Granted, there is no “official” KT Fan Club. But if one did exist, friends and colleagues would be knocking down the door to secure a membership card.

“Kevin’s selection to the CSC Hall of Fame is well deserved and allows us the opportunity to recognize him for his loyal and dedicated service to our organization,” said Langston Rogers, the longtime communications director at Ole Miss and now the university’s historian for athletics. “Having known Kevin for well over 30 years, it has been a pleasure watching him become the ultimate professional in the athletics communications field.” 

Herb Vincent, Associate Commissioner of the Southeastern Conference, also chimed in with his appreciation for the work Trainor does for so many.

“I’ve been fortunate to know Kevin Trainor not just as an outstanding professional, but as a genuinely tremendous person and friend,” said Vincent. “Kevin has an easy way of connecting with people, pairing exceptional relationship-building skills with real-world experience to become one of the most trusted strategic communicators in our profession. What truly sets him apart is how generously he uses his knowledge and influence to uplift and advocate for others. Kevin is someone people enjoy being around, and a truly deserving inductee into the CSC Hall of Fame.”

Doug Vance, who served as Executive Director of the College Sports Communicators until his retirement in 2022, was also quick to praise Trainor and his value to the profession.

"I could not have been happier and prouder when I learned Kevin was a member of this year’s Hall of Fame class,” said Vance. “I first met him years ago at a CSC Convention. I have watched his impressive climb from afar as a friend and colleague in both the profession and in his national organization. Without question, he’s rightfully earned his entry into our Hall of Fame."

LIKE FATHER, LIKE DAUGHTER

A father’s love is the guiding light for his children. Emma treasures the role her dad plays in her life and is grateful for the encouragement he gave her to pursue a career in communications.

“I’ve heard a lot of people say they think their dad is the best father ever, and while I respect their opinions, I KNOW that my dad is the best in the entire world,” she said emphatically. “He has remained a steady and unwavering presence in my life, from the simple act of answering every phone call to the significant commitment of attending all of my sporting events as a kid, even while managing the demands of a busy career. My dad’s kindness is evident in every interaction he has with others, and it’s a quality that draws all types of people to him. He leads our family with patience and selflessness, revealing God’s love through all that he does.

“My dad inspired my love for sports,” Emma said in appreciation. “It’s been such an honor working in this career path and being known as ‘Kevin Trainor’s daughter.’ It’s one of my favorite titles in life. I couldn’t ask for a better role model or mentor who truly knows every facet of this crazy, but very fulfilling job path. Not many people get the opportunity to learn directly from someone whom they admire professionally and personally, but I count myself lucky to have that with him.”

Will Rogers never met a man he didn’t like. He would have loved Kevin Trainor.

Emma Trainor, University of Mississippi Assistant Director of Communications – Women’s Basketball: “So proud of my dad becoming a College Sports Communicators Hall of Famer. Following his footsteps into the field has been such an honor and I continue to be inspired by his work thic every day. Beyond the accolades, he is an incredible father and even better person!”

Doug Vance, Former CSC Executive Director: “I first met Kevin when I interviewed him for an internship at the CSC Convention. I knew right away he was going to be someone who would be highly successful in our profession. I watched him grow in the job and emerge as one of the outstanding leaders of our profession. He's certainly carved out a hall of fame career and I'm both proud and excited to see him recognized for his many achievements.”

Claude Felton, University of Georgia Sr. Associate Athletic Director for Communications (Ret.): “I have known Kevin throughout his entire 30-year professional journey and have had the privilege of working alongside him at numerous special events, as well as during many Georgia-Arkansas competitions. During that time, Kevin has consistently demonstrated a humble demeanor paired with uncommon vision and foresight. He has been a steady voice of reason during challenging moments and a trusted resource for colleagues seeking thoughtful guidance. Above all, Kevin exemplified professionalism, the highest standards of integrity, and a genuine servant attitude in his dealings with the media, while always acting with the best interests of the Arkansas Razorbacks at heart. Kevin is a true standard-bearer for the values represented by the CSC Hall of Fame, and no one is more deserving of this honor.”

Herb Vincent, Southeastern Conference Associate Commissioner: “I’ve been fortunate to know Kevin Trainor not just as an outstanding professional, but as a genuinely tremendous person and friend. Kevin has an easy way of connecting with people, pairing exceptional relationship-building skills with real-world experience to become one of the most trusted strategic communicators in our profession. What truly sets him apart is how generously he uses his knowledge and influence to uplift and advocate for others in the sports communications field. His work on the sport’s biggest stages has also brought great pride and distinction to his alma mater. Fueled by hard work, keen instincts, and a sharp wit, Kevin is someone people enjoy being around, and a truly deserving inductee into the CSC Hall of Fame. “

Langston Rogers, University of Mississippi Special Assistant to the Athletics Director/History: “Kevin Trainor’s selection to our CSC Hall of Fame is well deserved and allows us the opportunity to recognize him for his loyal and dedicated service to our organization. Having known Kevin for over 30 years, it has been a pleasure watching him become the ultimate professional in the athletics communication field, and he has earned the respect of all who know him.  Kevin’s vast knowledge and leadership skills placed him in a unique position to excel in our officer rotation, which led him to a productive and successful term as President in 2024-25. We are forever grateful for his many contributions during seven years on CSC’s Executive Board of Directors and know he will continue to be a tremendous asset in the years to come.”