College Sports Information Directors of America

Bob Kenworthy Community Service Award
Presented annually to a College Sports Communicators member for civic involvement, community service and accomplishments within and/or outside of the athletics communications profession. Voted on by the Special Awards Committee.

Travis Jarome — Jackson State University Associate Athletic Director, Public Relations/Sports Media
 

“I am humbled and honored to receive this award. From the day I started volunteering, I never imagined I would receive an award for giving back and paying it forward; it was just something that I liked to do. The Bible says in 1 Peter 4:10 - ‘Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms.’ To be able to be the hands and feet of Jesus is an awesome feeling, and is something I look forward to any time I can get out to make an impact.” — Travis Jarome, 2026 CSC Bob Kenworthy Community Service Award recipient

Travis Jarome begins his third year at Jackson State as associate athletic director of public relations/sports media and his 22nd year in athletics. Since his arrival at Jackson State, Jarome has represented the Tigers on the national stage by hosting a webinar with Jen Fry and Scottie Rodgers, speaking at the NCAA Inclusion Forum in Indianapolis (April 2024), and moderating a panel at the CSC/NACDA Convention (June 2024). He has also served a two-year term on the CSC Executive Board beginning in June 2024.

Prior to Jackson State, Jarome served at a number of institutions and held leadership roles, while also being named SWAC SID of the Year on two different occasions. Jarome was named SWAC SID of the Year for 2020–21 after serving as chair of the SWAC sports information committee.
 

Danielle Percival, Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) Assistant Commissioner: "Travis is one of the most generous individuals in the profession. Whether it is giving of his time to serve the membership through committees and leadership opportunities or working to mentor others in the industry, there is no one more deserving than him. He has helped mold many up-and-coming minds and his work has changed the profession for the better."

Jasher Cox, former SIAC and SWAC colleague: "Travis Jarome has been a trendsetter and visionary in the field of media relations and sports communications, consistently setting the standard for excellence. He is reliable, trustworthy, and deeply committed to doing the work the right way. What stands out most is his dedication to elevating young professionals in the industry through mentorship and opportunity. His administrative influence across the profession makes him a highly deserving 2026 CSC Special Awards recipient."

Andrew Roberts, Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Associate Commissioner: "Travis is a very deserving recipient of this award as he consistently exemplifies all of the outstanding qualities that embody its true meaning."