College Sports Information Directors of America

Lifetime Achievement Award
Presented to individuals who have served at least 25 years in the athletics communications profession (as of July 2026) who are retiring or leaving the profession. Years of service vetted by the Special Awards Committee. Members may self-nominate for this award.

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 Moller — University of Missouri Associate Athletic Director for Communications (retired) 
 

“I’m incredibly grateful and truly humbled to be recognized by College Sports Communicators — an organization I was a proud member of my entire career. My 27 years in college athletics were deeply fulfilling, not because of accolades, but because of the people who made such an impact in my life, and their stories we were entrusted to tell. Communicators are the unsung heroes of athletic departments, in my opinion — asked to do it all, often behind the scenes, with professionalism, creativity, and heart. It was an honor to be part of a community that serves athletes, coaches, and institutions with such passion and purpose. I'm very pleased to share this recognition with so many outstanding colleagues and congratulate all of this year's award winners.” — Chad Moller, 2026 CSC Lifetime Achievement & 25-Year Award recipient

Chad Moller devoted more than 27 years to collegiate athletics communications, spending the majority of his career at the University of Missouri. He began his career in Mizzou’s sports information office in 1992, returned in 1996, and served the department until 2020. Throughout his tenure, Moller supported and promoted 20 sports programs, helping tell the stories of student-athletes, coaches and teams while building lasting relationships with media, industry colleagues and countless others.

Moller held several leadership roles at Missouri, finishing his career as associate director of athletics for strategic communications. He oversaw football communications during a period of sustained success, supported numerous All-Americans and national award winners, a Heisman Trophy finalist, managed large game-day media operations, and earned national recognition for publication excellence. He also served in athletic communications at Baylor University (1994–96) before returning to Missouri. Moller valued mentoring young professionals and students and credits the support of his family and colleagues as central to his career. He was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in 2022.
 

Gary Pinkel, University of Missouri Head Football Coach (retired): "I'm really pleased to see Chad being honored for what he achieved in his career. We worked together for 14 years, and to this day I count him as a trusted advisor and more importantly, a good friend. We enjoyed a lot of success, but when things were tough, that's when I leaned on Chad the most and I always knew I had someone in my corner to give me sound, logical and effective advice. Chad was a first-class representative of Mizzou and our football program, and he was an important part of our success."

Shawn Davis, University of Missouri Director of Social Media: "Chad taught me so much about life as an SID (do they even still use that term?). My time with Mizzou Athletics began as an intern, and I still remember walking into our office in Hearnes and looking up to Chad — knowing I wanted a job like his someday. More than a decade later, that journey culminated with the two of us walking out of Memorial Stadium together, each holding our “Senior Day” rocks from Mizzou’s iconic Rock M. 

I never imagined I’d get to work so closely alongside someone I admired and revered the way I did Chad. Sundays in the Hearnes hallway were quiet, save for Clutch blasting from one office and Tool from another, as we grinded through another set of notes, another game program, another round of media requests. You learn a lot about a person on days like that. From football road trips to golf outings at Gustin, the way Chad carried himself never wavered. His patience was enviable and, as a young and unseasoned professional, a constant reminder that I could be better. His unflappable approach, calmness, kindness, and expertise are qualities I still try to apply in my career today. Chad taught me a great deal professionally — but even more personally. I was always happy to cover football practice so he could be at Madison’s golf outings. Being a dad was, without question, Chad’s top priority. And as a young father myself, I totally get it. He let me know I could be great at my job while still being there for my children."

Eric Morrison, University of Missouri Deputy Athletics Director: "Chad Moller is a Mizzou Tiger. After 25 years representing this school, our coaches and student-athletes, no one would ever dispute that Chad put his heart into Mizzou. A lifetime of colleagues and professional contacts connected with Mizzou simply through Chad's connection, his calm presence or his black and gold pride. The lyrics of Mizzou's fight song, 'Fight Tiger', say it best to describe Chad's commitment; 'Fight Tiger you will always win. Proudly keep the colors flying skyward. In the end you'll win the victory, so Tigers Fight for Ol' Mizzou'."

Patrick Crawford, Purdue University Associate Athletics Director for Strategic Communications / 2025-26 CSC President: "Chad Moller is one of the most important leaders and mentors I've had in my career. During my time at Missouri, he was an advocate and protector of his people, but gave his staff and myself the power to make decisions and grow within our profession. I'm continually proud to have worked for him. Most of all, Chad is the most loyal and genuine friend anyone could possibly find. Work never felt like work with Chad. I'm thankful for the opportunities Chad gave me every day of my career."