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. 

Bill Salyer — Illinois State University Director of Athletic Communications
 

"I am honored to be able to remain in this wonderful profession for a quarter century and am thankful for those that have helped me along my path from starting." — Bill Salyer, 2026 CSC 25-Year Award recipient

Bill Salyer is a communications professional who has spent time at many different schools from the NCAA Division I to Division III levels.

After graduating from Wilmington College in 2001, he began working at his alma mater as sports information director. He spent nearly five years at Wilmington before moving on to serve as director of athletic media services at Allegheny College. Salyer spent nearly three years in Meadville, Pennsylvania, before moving back to his home state of Indiana to start at IPFW (now PFW).

After starting as assistant director of athletic media services, he was promoted to assistant athletic director in November 2011. After nearly eight years at IPFW, he was named associate director of athletics communications at the University of Memphis. He spent just over two years at Memphis before moving back to the Midwest to become assistant director of athletics communications, and later director of athletics communications, at Illinois State University, where he has been for nearly nine years.
 

Brent Harris, Wabash College Athletics and Recreation Communications Director, CSC 25-Year Award recipient: “It's been my pleasure to work with Bill since he started at Wilmington College and as a colleague in the North Coast Athletic Conference during his time at Allegheny College. Bill is not only a passionate and skilled athletics communications director, but also brings great joy and a pleasant demeanor to any event. I'm thrilled to be part of the same cohort that will be recognized for 25 years of service in this profession, and so very proud of the work he continues to provide.”

Mike Williams, Illinois State University Associate Athletic Director for Communications, past CSC Bud Nangle Ethics Award recipient: "We are extremely fortunate to have Bill as part of our staff here at Illinois State. One of the best decisions I have ever made in this business was to hire him to come work with us. Not only does he bring a wealth of experience and professionalism to what we do, but he is always willing to step in and help wherever needed. He has become a trusted colleague, friend and mentor to so many here at Illinois State and in his previous stops in the profession because he truly cares about the success of the student-athletes and coaches he works with. Not only is he great at the forward-facing parts of the job, but he does so many things behind the scenes to help our department function at a high level so we can be at our best for the Redbirds. Congrats to him on 25 years in the profession and here's to many more!"

Dave Winder, Murray State Associate Athletic Director – Communications: “I've worked with Bill for more than a decade and in the same conference (MVC) for four years. Bill cares deeply about his work and he has taught me many things over the years, especially in the area of technology. As one goes through their careers, there are those colleagues that you are excited to see and Bill certainly is that to me. Always a professional, Bill Salyer has fun working in this business and that's something all of us should do more.”

Mike Kern, Missouri Valley Conference Senior Associate Commissioner / Chief of Staff, past CSC 25-Year Award recipient: “Illinois State and the Missouri Valley Conference are fortunate to have a professional like Bill in our ranks. It's not easy to be great at what you do, be respected by your peers, revered by the media, and trusted by your coaches. Bill has mastered all of that, and more. Happy to call him a friend. Congrats on 25 years in the biz, Bill!”

Derrick Sloboda, Purdue University Fort Wayne Assistant Athletic Director - Media Services: “Bill is a true professional in the industry. He puts student-athletes first and values connections with people. I've texted Bill many questions that start with "you probably don't remember, but..." and he is quick with a response and interested in the resolution. No matter how silly an inquiry. It has been 10 years since he's been at Purdue Fort Wayne and people still bring him up and the work he did.”

Jody Jones, Coastal Carolina University Asst. Director of Media Relations: “I first met Bill when he was at Memphis, and he’s always been someone I’ve respected — not just for how he does the job, but for how he treats people. He’s genuine, he cares, and he’s always been someone people trust. That’s the kind of impact that sticks with you.”