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. 

Tammy Wilson — Southeastern Conference Director of Communications

Over the last 29-plus years, Wilson has been an important fixture in the Southeastern Conference. As director of communications, Wilson currently oversees the communication efforts for women’s basketball as well as men’s and women’s tennis. She also coordinates the SECFootball and Basketball Media Days. 

She has been in her current role since the 2013-14 academic year. Prior to that, Wilson was the SEC’s associate director for media relations from July 2001 through September 2013. In her first three years at the SEC, she was media relations assistant her first year and then served as an assistant director and handled the promotion and marketing of women’s basketball and baseball.

Wilson had two other stops in her athletic communications career. She was sports information graduate assistant at the University of Alabama, for two years (1994-96) before spending time at East Carolina University as sports information intern. 

Wilson graduated from the University of Central Florida in August 1992 with a bachelor’s in radio/TV before receiving a master’s degree in advertising/public relations from the University of Alabama in 1996.

Herb Vincent, Southeastern Conference Associate Commissioner/Communications, CSC Past President (2020), CSC Hall of Fame (2021), CSC President’s Award (2021), CSC Arch Ward Award (2019), CSC 25-Year Award (2012): "Tammy Wilson is a seasoned communications professional who has consistently exemplified excellence in her work with the Southeastern Conference. In addition to handling the daily media relations tasks of her position, she has played a pivotal role in elevating SEC Media Days through her creativity and meticulous attention to detail. A passionate advocate for women’s sports within the SEC, Tammy remains a steadfast and loyal supporter of SEC member schools, continuously serving the conference with dedication and commitment."

Diana Koval, University of South Carolina Associate AD, Communications/Public Relations: "Tammy Wilson is an institution at the SEC, and that’s a gift to the communications directors and coaches she works with. She navigates the constant changes in communications and college athletics overall in a way that shows she cares about us and about what we’re trying to do on our individual campuses. Tammy is always there to be a sounding board, to offer perspective and advice — and often with a sarcastic quip that lets you know she empathizes with what you’re dealing with! I’m so thankful for everything she has done for me on the women’s basketball side and for the younger communications staff that have moved through our office working with her in the sport of tennis."

Looking back on her years of service, how the industry has changed, and what she’s learned…  
"The time I’ve spent in this profession is so incredibly special and fulfilling. It has at times challenged me but it’s taught me to believe in myself. So much has changed in the business of college athletics which has helped me grow not only professionally but personally. I consider myself extremely lucky to have spent a majority of my career in the Southeastern Conference where I’ve made long lasting friends that I can call on whenever needed."
 
Advice or insights to share with younger athletic communicators as they manage their careers…
"Keep a journal of funny, insightful and even mundane things that happen during your career. It will make a great read when you need a boost and help you remember why the long hours are worth it. Also, make sure to take time for yourself. It can be as simple as a walk in the middle of the day or as glorious as a two-week vacation — just make sure you listen to yourself and take the time when you need it."