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. 

Drew Dickerson – Atlantic 10 Conference Assistant Commissioner -- Communications

Drew Dickerson has 28 years of experience and proven ability in public relations, communications, marketing, social media, leadership and event management. In his current role at the Atlantic 10 Conference as assistant commissioner of communications, he is the conference media relations contact for men's basketball, field hockey, volleyball, men's lacrosse, golf, rowing, and baseball.

He has spent the last 14 years at the A-10. Prior to that, he served at Morehead State as director of athletic media relations for two years (2009-11), was Radford University’s Assistant AD for media relations (November 2003-June 2008). He also spent five years as assistant commissioner of the Big South Conference from 1998 to 2003.

Bernadette McGlade, Atlantic 10 Conference Commissioner: "Drew Dickerson is the consummate professional as a 25-year veteran in the external communications sports industry.  Drew has worked hard to build the all-important professional relationships that allow him to be recognized as one of the best in the business.  His methods of distributing the sports news, statistical information, award selection and honors for student-athletes, institutions and the conference have been a valued asset to the A-10.  The Atlantic 10 Conference congratulates Drew on this milestone!"

Phil Martelli, former St. Joseph’s (PA) men’s basketball head coach and now TV analyst: "With great joy, I want to salute Drew Dickerson on reaching 25 years in college athletic communications. He is a WE first person in a ME first world. His greatest skill is his calm, caring attitude at all – administrators, coaches, players and media partners. I am delighted to call Drew a friend."

Brian Sereno, George Washington UniversityAssociate Athletics Director/Communications: "In a world where the value of trust is lacking, the greatest compliment one can be paid is to be seen as a person of integrity. That is Drew Dickerson. Drew conducts himself as a man of high character, who understands that in his role as a communicator, truth is of the essence. Furthermore, his perspective on the fact that we work in a business that is meant to be fun — where others pay to come to events that we get paid to be at — is never lost on Drew. His smile is ever-present, and he doesn't take himself too seriously, which provides refreshing joy to those in his company."

Doug Hauschild, University of Dayton Director of Athletics Communication Media Relations, CSC Hall of Fame (2020), CSC Lester Jordan Award (2021), CSC Bob Kenworthy Community Service Award (2009), CSC 25-Year Award (2008): "Drew Dickerson’s 25 years as a college sports publicist has run the gamut at all levels of the D-I experience. He has worked as an SID at small shops to his current duties as Assistant Commissioner at the Atlantic 10 Conference, which includes serving as media coordinator for several NCAA men’s basketball tournament games. Congratulations to Drew for serving thousands of student-athletes in his career."

Joe Lunardi, ESPN Bracketologist: "Drew Dickerson is a fair and tireless advocate for the Atlantic 10 and its member institutions. Beyond that, he is adept at old-school media relations. He understands the role of contemporary media and goes out of his way to provide access and information. This is never more in evidence than at the Atlantic 10 men’s basketball championship tournament, which remains best-in-class for accommodating the wide range of needs for an ever-wider range of media. Especially as a broadcaster, we are always in good hands with Drew."

Kyle Kallander, retired Big South Commissioner: "It is a distinct pleasure for me to help recognize Drew Dickerson for this prestigious honor! Drew is 100 percent dedicated to his craft. His concern for the student-athlete is so admirable and is reflected in his approach and finished product. His care for quality is reflected through his hard work. His selflessness is always reflected by being the ultimate team player. It was an honor to have Drew on our Big South team! Congratulations, Drew! Well-deserved!"

Thorr Bjorn, University of Rhode Island Director of Athletics: "Congratulations to Drew on his 25-year anniversary in the field of sports communications and media relations. I’ve had the pleasure of working with Drew for many years in his role at the Atlantic 10 Conference and he’s always provided terrific work and valuable advice when needed. Well-earned, Drew!"

Scottie Rodgers, Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic VP of Communications, 2025 CSC Hall of Fame inductee and CSC Mary Jo Haverbeck Trailblazer Award recipient, CSC President’s Award (2021, 2024), CSC 25-Year Award (2020): "Drew has been a stalwart and a great colleague and friend to so many of us in our profession. He’s truly one of the great people in college athletics. I am proud of this accomplishment for him and proud to call him a friend."

Dickerson’s thoughts on his quarter century of service to the profession…
It’s hard to believe it’s been 25 years. I’m proud to be part of such a unique profession with so many colleagues that I’m able to call friends. Many of these people have played a significant role in my professional and personal success and I owe them a huge debt of gratitude. I’m humbled by this recognition and offer a big thank you to the staff, board and membership of CSC. 

Advice and tips to other athletic communications professionals…
Look out for yourself and your colleagues (and lift them up when they need it). This is a very demanding profession and it requires a good amount of time to do it right, and that can be very taxing on you. Take mental health days, visit with friends and family and find ways to laugh. A lot.

Be kind and professional at all times and build friendships. There will be many, many times through your career when you need a favor, from another SID, a media member, a coach, etc. If you’ve laid that groundwork early on, you will have a wide range of people to lean on if you need something.

Stand up for yourself and your work. You will work just as hard as anyone else at your school/conference and your work is valuable. Fight for salary, hours, additional staffing. You are all immensely talented and creative, and we all wear so many hats. Always remember that!