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. 

Nick Kornder — Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Assistant Commissioner for Media Relations
 

"It’s an honor to be recognized by College Sports Communicators. For 25 years, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside dedicated professionals who care deeply about telling the stories of student-athletes and collegiate programs. I’m grateful for the friendships, mentorships, and shared commitment to excellence that have made this journey so meaningful." — Nick Kornder, 2026 CSC 25-Year Award recipient

Nick Kornder has served as the NSIC assistant commissioner for media relations since 2006, overseeing conference communications, statistics, publications and digital media, including hosting NSIC Spotlight. He previously produced the Northern Sun Showcase television program.

Kornder has held numerous national leadership roles, including serving as president of the Division II Conference Information Directors Association and as a national media coordinator for multiple NCAA Division II championship events. Prior to joining the NSIC, he worked in media relations at Northern State University and the University of Minnesota Crookston, where he earned his degree and competed as a student-athlete. He resides in Lakeville, Minnesota, with his family.
 

Kelly Loft, Southwest Minnesota State University Assistant Athletic Director for Communications: "Nick has been incredibly dedicated to the communications profession and to student-athletes throughout his 25 years. Nick has worked at two Universities and now with the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference, so I’ve seen first-hand the outstanding job he did promoting student-athletes and teams at each institution and now with the league office. The NSIC is extremely fortunate to have him for the past 20 years leading the conference’s publicity efforts in various aspects, either via press releases, website, hosting a weekly podcast or social media. I’ve worked with Nick on countless projects over the years and he has always been easy to work with and professional. He is well deserving of this 25-year award for his incredible commitment to the profession."

Josh Deer, Concordia University, St. Paul Associate Athletic Director: "Throughout Nick's career with the Northern Sun, he has consistently elevated the league's public presence through various forms of media, with an intentional focus on elevating student-athletes. He does the little things behind the scenes that most people aren't aware of, and never asks for recognition or credit — but he realizes how much those details matter. I have always considered him a friend and mentor."

Roy Pickerill, Kentucky Wesleyan College SID Emeritus: "Nicki is one of our icons in NCAA Division II history. If you looked in the dictionary for the definition of a true sports communications' professional, Nick would be the answer. He is a man of integrity, commitment and dedication with a thirst for knowledge and a burning desire to see others succeed."

Stephanie Helgeson, University of Minnesota Crookston Director of Athletics: "Nick was a student-athlete and alumni at the University of Minnesota Crookston and started his career in media relations at his alma mater. His hard work and dedication has been impeccable. I have had the privilege to work with Nick over the last 25 years and his commitment to student athletes and always looking at their best interest has been very rewarding to see. With Nick's vision and leadership, he has helped the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) become one of the premier D2 conferences in the country. He is very deserving of the 2026 CSC 25-Year Award."

Ryan Jones, NCAA Director of Division II Governance and Member Services: "I've enjoyed working with Nick in our respective roles over the last nine years. He's been a great resource, providing valuable insight and feedback that we've incorporated into our work and made it better. It's been fun getting to know him outside of work during CSC Unite and our summer conference SID meetings in Indy. I look forward to sharing more of those times! Congrats on 25 years, Nick!"