College Sports Information Directors of America

25-Year Award
Presented to College Sports Communicators members who have completed 25 years in the athletics communications profession. Vetted and voted on by the Special Awards Committee. 

Lifetime Achievement Award
Presented to individuals who have served at least 25 years in the athletics communications profession (as of July 2025) who are retiring or leaving the profession. Years of service vetted by the Special Awards Committee. 

Steve East – University of Central Arkansas Associate AD for Media Relations

Steve East is in his 31st year as Associate Athletic Director for Media Relations at the University of Central Arkansas. East, who grew up in Searcy, Ark., is a 1985 graduate of UCA with a degree in journalism. He spent nine years as a sportswriter at the Arkansas Democrat/Arkansas Democrat-Gazette in Little Rock before returning to his alma mater in July 1994.

East is a long-time member of CSC and is a past chair of the former Charity Committee. He is also a past member of the NCAA Division II Harlon Hill Award committee (given annually to the individual selected as the most valuable player in NCAA Division II) and the Division II Football Hall of Fame committee. He has also served as president of the Conway Cancer Foundation board. 

East is married to the former Carrie McCadden, also a UCA graduate and a Conway native.

Brad Teague, Ph.D., CMEL, IFR, UCA Aviation Academy Director: "Steve East is the consummate professional in our industry. He works long and tirelessly for his university and the sports information profession. The University of Central Arkansas athletics program would not be as respected if not for his steady hand and graciousness. We congratulate Steve on this well-deserved recognition."

Matt Whiting, University of Central Arkansas Director of Athletics: "Steve has worked steadfastly to promote Central Arkansas Athletics his entire career. He's a professional, committed to his craft, and is well-respected by his colleagues and peers. His legacy at the University of Central Arkansas is truly remarkable, and we congratulate Steve on this well-deserved recognition."

Scott Goode, Harding University Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Information, CSC 25-Year Award recipient (2025): "Steve East has been a great friend and mentor to many sports information directors throughout his career at UCA. Steve is one of the most genuine people I have ever met, always willing to help out, provide great advice and help produce the next generation of sports information directors."

Doug Ireland, former Northwestern State SID, CSC 25-Year Award recipient (2014): "A consummate professional who makes every encounter feel like a visit with a very good friend – that's a one-liner on Steve East, but there's so much more. It has been obvious how highly regarded Steve is, for the same reasons, by his colleagues at UCA. He's a top-notch human with character, integrity, perspective, kindness, a healthy sense of humor, and responsiveness that is a shining example to all of us, not just people in our business.
 
Here's a snapshot that says so much about Steve: after a basketball game as our team was about to leave the UCA arena, our bus driver experienced chest pains. One call to Steve unleashed a rapid-fire response and 10 minutes later, there he was, standing with us providing comfort and facilitating everything he could to help.
 
The many kindnesses he has shown visiting SIDs and coaches in the wide range of sports have earned him such widespread admiration. If there was a stat that a coach or a peer reasonably questioned, he was always accommodating, and with those who weren't reasonable, I am sure he was exceedingly patient. You always knew going to UCA that Steve and his crew would do things right and treat you like a welcomed guest."



Lance Fleming, former Abilene Christian SID, P4X Foundation co-founder: "I first met Steve East in 2001 when ACU and Central Arkansas met in football in Conway, Arkansas. I was fairly new to the profession (fourth year), but Steve couldn't have been nicer. He treated me like we were old friends, and that continued the next year when the Bears came to Abilene to play the Wildcats.

Our teams went their separate ways for many years, but my relationship with Steve continued through phone calls, emails, questions or a job issue, etc. When ACU moved to NCAA Division I affiliation and the Southland Conference in 2013, I was met by the great men and women of that league who welcomed me, my staff, and ACU with open arms, perhaps none more than Steve and UCA.

I always enjoyed our time together, whether it be a football or basketball game, Southland Conference Football Media Days in Lake Charles, La., or at the Southland Postseason Basketball Tournament in Katy. He was and is widely respected by everyone in the Southland because of his professionalism and genuine nature. 

One of the things I miss the most about our profession is the camaraderie between everyone in the Southland. Those were special days in my career, and I miss those men and women greatly. Perhaps none more than Steve. I can think of no one who deserves this honor more than Steve East. Congratulations, my friend."

East looking back on his memorable career…
"It has been an absolute honor and privilege to work at my alma mater, the University of Central Arkansas, for the past 31 years. There is just something about working at your alma mater (and your wife's alma mater) that hits home on a daily basis. The amazing student-athletes, from Scottie Pippen to Gavin Stone, have made it a special place each and every day, along with some outstanding coaches and administrators. I have only had two "adult" jobs in my life, a sportswriter for nine years and here at UCA for 31. Once I returned to UCA in 1994, there was never anywhere else I wanted or needed to go."