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. 

Dennis Switzer — Benedict College Senior Director of Athletic Communications
 

"I never anticipated making athletic communications my career, but it has been extremely fulfilling. On a daily basis, I am able to do so many things that I enjoy — writing, graphic design, photography, and statistics. I am honored to have spent the last 25 years being of service." — Dennis Switzer, 2026 CSC 25-Year Award recipient

Dennis Switzer has been with Benedict College since 2011, first serving as assistant sports information director for one year, then being promoted to sports information director, and now serving as senior director of athletic communications and social media. During his time at Benedict, Switzer also served as interim director of compliance for two years. As senior director of athletic communications and social media, he oversees all aspects of athletic communications and social media for the athletic department. Switzer is also responsible for all media relations for the athletic department and maintains the athletic website, writes game stories and press releases, takes photos, compiles statistics, and monitors and updates the athletic department’s social media accounts.

During his time at Benedict, Switzer has been recognized as employee of the year for the Benedict athletic department, as well as outstanding support staff member of the year for the entire college for the 2013–14 school year. He was recognized with a “Best of BC” award for exceptional service and loyalty in October 2017.

Switzer came to Benedict after serving as director of sports administration and information at the South Atlantic Conference for 11 years. He served as the national coordinator for the CSC Fred Stabley Sr. Writing Contest for four years and received two writing awards. He currently serves on the Scholarship Committee. Prior to the South Atlantic Conference, Switzer was a sportswriter for 15 years with The Herald in Rock Hill, S.C. During his time at The Herald, he was the paper’s beat writer for the Charlotte Hornets and won a pair of awards from the South Carolina Press Association.

A native of Murrells Inlet, S.C., Switzer is a 1984 graduate of the University of South Carolina, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism. Switzer and his wife, Nancy, have two daughters, Lauren and Krista. They welcomed their first grandchild in December 2025.
 

Ruben Perez, Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) Associate Commissioner for External Affairs: "Dennis Switzer’s recognition as a 2026 CSC Special Awards recipient is a well-deserved honor for a professional whose impact on college sports communications spans decades. Having known and worked with Dennis for more than 15 years, I can say without hesitation that his integrity, consistency, and commitment to telling the stories of student-athletes and institutions the right way set the standard for our profession. His 25 years of service reflect not only longevity, but excellence, leadership, and a genuine passion for college athletics."

Charles Ward, Golden Tigers Sports Network (Tuskegee University) Play-by-Play Voice of Golden Tigers Athletics: "Dennis is a consummate communications professional whose approach to his work with the Benedict College Athletics Department has been a consistent, guiding light for the current and next generation of sports information directors in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference."

Derrick Johnson, Fresno City College Associate Dean/Athletic Director: "Dennis is a consummate professional in the field of sports communication. I first met Dennis at Benedict College after his successful interview as the new Sports Information Director. His skill of deciphering statistical data in story form surpassed many in the field. One of Dennis’ most impactful qualities is his ability to make one see life from various lenses. Kindness, positivity, family, and consistency are pillars by which I will always remember my colleague and friend."