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. 

Chad Grubbs — Hardin-Simmons University Associate Athletic Director - External Relations
 

“It has been an honor to serve the student-athletes, coaches and administrators that I have worked with for over 25 years. Getting to put them into the spotlight and to tell them they are getting a big award is a highlight of the job. I am grateful to have worked with the same AD my entire career and he was a former SID and has let me do things my way, supported my ideas and initiatives and given me the green light to take on new challenges with full support. Hardin-Simmons is one of the best places in the country to work and I am blessed for this honor.” — Chad Grubbs, 2026 CSC 25-Year Award recipient

Chad Grubbs is entering his 26th year as sports information director — and later associate athletic director for external relations — at Hardin-Simmons University, where he has spent his entire full-time career. Throughout his tenure, he has demonstrated a longstanding commitment not only to his institution, but also to conference, state and national organizations through service with CSC committees, D3SIDA, NCAA committees and the American Southwest Conference.

His national involvement includes serving as a voter in football, basketball, baseball and soccer polls, as well as service on All-America committees for football, basketball and baseball. He has contributed to American Southwest Conference long-range planning and hiring committees and served on NCAA regional advisory committees for men’s soccer, women’s soccer and women’s basketball. In addition, Grubbs completed a three-year term on the D3SIDA board and spent four years as chair of the CSC publications contest committee.

Over the course of his career, Grubbs has promoted 148 All-Americans and 56 CSC Academic All-Americans®, along with numerous national players and coaches of the year. His teams have captured 79 conference championships, with 118 teams and countless individuals advancing to NCAA postseason competition. Additionally, his programs have produced 178 American Southwest Conference players or position players of the year.

Mike Ezekiel, University of North Alabama Assistant Athletic Director for Communications: "Chad Grubbs is one of the most respected leaders and mentors in our industry. I have tremendous respect for his loyalty to Hardin-Simmons, the way he represents his department and how he has positively impacted others in the profession. When I was a young SID leading an office for the first time, he was always a phone call or a 15-minute drive away. I was fortunate to have Chad as a trusted resource while in Abilene, and I continue to value our friendship."

Adam Ledyard, East Texas Baptist University Assistant Athletic Director for Communications: "Chad is a gem in the athletic communications business. Being at Hardin-Simmons for 25 years is a great accomplishment, as you don't see that loyalty much anymore in our profession. He has helped elevate HSU to a national standard in athletics by promoting the teams and student-athletes who have received national rankings, awards, and championships. He has dedicated his career to NCAA Division III and HSU, and it is a privilege to have him as a colleague and friend. Congrats on receiving your 25-year award from CSC."

Amy Carlton, Lone Star Conference Communications and Award, former American Southwest Conference Commissioner: "A jack-of-all-SID-trades, Chad Grubbs has been and continues to be a leader, a mentor, a valued resource, and a trusted confidante within the Hardin-Simmons, American Southwest Conference, NCAA Division III and wider athletic media relations communities."

Justin Parker, Trinity University (TX) Associate AD/Sports Information Director: "Chad is one of the best SIDs in our business and he is more than deserving of this recognition. His dedication to the student-athletes at Hardin-Simmons is second to none and his commitment to excellence shows up in his work every day. I am proud to have worked with him for my entire career and I'm grateful for all he has taught me along the way."