Big South's Mark Simpson Honored with CSC 25-Year Award for Excellence in Sports Communications
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (www.BigSouthSports.com) – The Big South Conference proudly announces that its Senior Associate Commissioner-Communications & Branding, Mark Simpson, has been honored with the distinguished 25-Year Award by College Sports Communicators (CSC). This award recognizes CSC members who have dedicated 25 years full-time or more to the sports communications profession or have been a member for 25 years.
Simpson, now in his 21st year on the conference staff, has been a cornerstone of the Big South's communications strategy. A member of the Conference Staff Senior Leadership Team, he is responsible for all areas of the league’s Communications & Branding efforts, as well as media services and media operations for its 19 Division I sports. He serves as the primary communications contact for men’s basketball and men's and women's golf, as well as supporting the publicity and promotional efforts with the Big South-OVC Football Association. Simpson also coordinates the Big South Hall of Fame and the Conference’s records and archives, in addition to overseeing the league's social media and digital media content and strategies.
Simpson’s journey with the Big South began in 2004 as Director of Public Relations. He was promoted to Assistant Commissioner-PR in 2009 before elevating to Associate Commissioner in 2018. In July 2024, he was promoted once again to his current role as Senior Associate Commissioner.
“I am incredibly honored and humbled to receive this recognition from the College Sports Communicators,” said Simpson. “I could not have made it to this moment without the love and support of my family, as well as the terrific mentors, supportive Commissioners, my amazing assistants past and present, the talented co-workers and CSC colleagues I have had the pleasure to work with all these years, and the great relationships with many, many media members. My sincerest THANKS and GRATITUDE for all they have done.”
"CSC's Special Awards program annually honors many outstanding athletics communicators for their contributions to the profession and national association. Recognizing those who have contributed to CSC and their organizations, like Mark, is a hallmark of our organization," said CSC Interim Executive Director Will Roleson. "It's so important for us to annually recognize honorees for excellence and to commemorate the significant 25-year work anniversary for those who have long-time, impactful service to college sports communications. CSC salutes Mark for his quarter century of work and leadership. He has played a significant role in the Big South Conference's successes and communications efforts. We look forward to recognizing this year's honorees for their achievements at our upcoming June convention."
Prior to his time in the Big South, Simpson’s had a stint as Assistant Commissioner for Media Relations for the Mid-Continent Conference from 1996-98. He was also the Assistant Director of Media Services at Northwestern University from 1994-96, where he assisted with the 1995 Big Ten football champion and Rose Bowl Wildcats, as well as serving as the primary contact for women’s basketball, baseball and golf.
"Mark Simpson embodies what it means to be a dedicated and servant leader,” said Big South Commissioner Sherika A. Montgomery. “Mark has told the story of the Big South Conference for over 20 years. From Conference rebranding efforts to highlighting countless student-athlete accomplishments, Mark Simpson has positively impacted the Big South Conference and the sports communications profession for a quarter of a century. We are elated to celebrate Mark and this beyond-deserving recognition. In addition to Mark’s external leadership, his internal leadership has developed and mentored many college sports communicators over the years."
Simpson is a member of the College Sports Communicators and the United States Basketball Writers Association (USBWA), and has served on the media relations staffs of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament in Charlotte in 2005, 2011, 2015, 2018 and 2024, as well as the 2005 NCAA Opening Round game in Dayton, the 1997 NCAA Men’s Golf Championship and the 2000 ECHL All-Star Game.
Brett Redden, Assistant Athletic Director for Communications at Winthrop University, added, "The Big South Conference office and its membership through the years have been extremely fortunate to have the communications office in the hands of Mark Simpson. He is the ultimate professional and strives to do things in a first-class manner. He’s played a big role in my journey through communications, and I have learned so much from him over many conversations throughout the years. I’m incredibly grateful for his advice and input that’s made me better at my job."
Simpson's recognition by CSC is not only a testament to his individual achievements but also to the collective success of the Big South Conference in the realm of sports communications. His work has been instrumental in shaping the conference's image and narrative, ensuring that the achievements of its student-athletes and teams are celebrated on a broader scale.
All 2025 CSC special award winners will be honored at CSC's 68th annual convention, #CSCUnite25, from June 8-11 at the Orlando World Center Marriott Resort. The convention is held in conjunction with NACDA and Affiliates Convention Week.
For more information on the CSC 25-Year Awards, please visit
CSC's official announcement. To learn more about Mark Simpson's career and contributions to the Big South Conference, please see his
staff bio.