WASHINGTON - Gallaudet University Associate Athletic Director for Communications
Sam Atkinson has been selected for induction into the College Sports Communicators (CSC) Hall of Fame, Class of 2026, one of the highest honors in intercollegiate athletics communications.
Atkinson will be formally inducted on June 8, 2026, during the CSC Convention in Las Vegas, held in conjunction with the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) Convention at Mandalay Bay Resort. He is one of six individuals selected nationally for the 2026 Hall of Fame class and was selected in his first year of eligibility.
The other members of the class include Kelly Bird (Lindfield University), Jerry Emig (The Ohio State University), Dee Outlaw (West Alabama University), Kevin Trainor (University of Arkansas) and Steve White (Western Carolina University).
Atkinson has spent 16 years at Gallaudet University, the world's only university designed to be fully accessible for Deaf and hard of hearing students, serving as a leader and storyteller for Bison Athletics. During his tenure, he has played a central role in elevating the visibility of Gallaudet student-athletes and programs on the national stage, helping to share stories rooted in access, inclusion, and opportunity. That work includes national and international media exposure surrounding Gallaudet Athletics initiatives such as the groundbreaking AT&T 5G Helmet project, which highlighted Deaf innovation and accessibility in college football.
"I'm deeply humbled by this honor and profoundly thankful for College Sports Communicators, an organization that has been a constant source of support, opportunity and community throughout my career," said Atkinson. "Gallaudet has given me an extraordinary platform to tell stories that matter, and I'm grateful to the student-athletes, coaches, staff and the entire Gallaudet Athletics community—especially those who have been part of our athletic communications team—as well as colleagues across college athletics and the media, who have worked alongside me and made this journey possible."
Atkinson joined Gallaudet in 2009 and currently serves as Associate Athletic Director for Communications, a role he has held since 2017 after previously serving as assistant athletic director and sports information director. His career in athletics communications began at his alma mater, Salisbury University, where he worked from 2006–09.
In addition to his work at Gallaudet, Atkinson has been a national leader within CSC. He served on the CSC Board of Directors beginning in 2015 and was elected President for the 2020–21 term, becoming only the second individual from an NCAA Division III institution to lead the organization in its history. He also chaired the CSC Goodwill and Wellness Committee for eight years, helping to establish long-standing initiatives that emphasize community service, volunteerism, and professional well-being across the membership.
Atkinson has also been deeply involved in national governance through the National Collegiate Athletic Association, serving on NCAA Division III championship committees for men's basketball and women's volleyball. In both roles, he made history as the first athletics communicator to chair those national committees. He is currently a participant in the NCAA Pathway Program, a yearlong leadership development initiative designed to prepare senior administrators for athletic director and conference commissioner roles.
"I was floored when I learned of this amazing honor today. It is important to understand that this is a massive organization; only twice in history has a person from Division Three served as president. Since Sam finished his previous term not long ago, this clearly shows that his work has been deeply meaningful to so many people. I feel fortunate to be his colleague, and I want to thank him for leading others and for putting Gallaudet on the map through his work and leadership." said Gallaudet Athletic Director
Warren Keller, '10.
Established in 1969, the CSC Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who have made sustained and outstanding contributions to the field of intercollegiate athletics communications. With the 2026 class, 266 individuals will have been inducted into the Hall of Fame, with honorees permanently recognized at the NCAA Hall of Champions in Indianapolis.
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