LAS VEGAS – A career dedicated to telling stories, advocating for inclusion and advancing the profession of athletic communications earned Gallaudet University Associate Athletic Director for Communications Sam Atkinson one of the profession's highest honors as he was inducted into the College Sports Communicators (CSC) Hall of Fame Class of 2026 during a ceremony held June 8 at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Convention Center.
Atkinson was one of six members honored during the annual CSC Convention, receiving his Hall of Fame plaque from CSC President Patrick Crawford and ESPN broadcaster Holly Rowe before delivering an acceptance speech celebrating the people and opportunities that shaped his career.
Now entering his 16th year at Gallaudet University, Atkinson has become one of the most respected leaders in collegiate athletic communications. At the world's only university designed to be fully accessible for Deaf and hard of hearing students, he has helped elevate the visibility of Bison Athletics by sharing the stories of student-athletes while championing accessibility, inclusion and innovation.
His work has reached audiences around the world, including through the groundbreaking AT&T 5G Helmet project, which brought national and international attention to Gallaudet's commitment to advancing accessibility in college football.
"I was honored to be inducted into the College Sports Communicators Hall of Fame in June 2026," said Atkinson. "When I attended my first CSC convention years ago, I didn't know anyone and never imagined this moment. That's why my final message wasn't about accomplishments. It was about opening doors. I hope my journey serves as a reminder that leaders can come from any division, any campus and any background. Keep showing up. Keep getting involved. You never know where that first opportunity might lead."
Since arriving at Gallaudet in 2009, Atkinson has served in multiple leadership roles within the department, including sports information director, assistant athletic director and, since 2017, associate athletic director for communications. Before joining the Bison, he launched his career at his alma mater, Salisbury University, where he worked in athletic communications from 2006-09.
His influence has extended well beyond his campus.
Atkinson joined the CSC Board of Directors in 2015 before serving as the organization's president during the 2020-21 academic year, becoming only the second representative from an NCAA Division III institution to hold the position. He also chaired the CSC Goodwill and Wellness Committee for eight years, helping establish initiatives centered on community service, volunteerism and the well-being of members across the profession.
His leadership has also reached the NCAA level. Atkinson has served on the NCAA Division III Men's Basketball Committee and the NCAA Division III Women's Volleyball Committee, becoming the first athletic communicator to chair either national championship committee. He is currently a member of the NCAA Pathway Program, a yearlong leadership initiative designed to prepare senior administrators for athletic director and conference commissioner roles.
Joining Atkinson in the CSC Hall of Fame Class of 2026 were Kelly Bird (Linfield University), Jerry Emig (Ohio State University), Dee Outlaw (University of West Alabama), Kevin Trainor (University of Arkansas) and Steve White (Western Carolina University).
Established in 1969, the CSC Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who have made sustained and distinguished contributions to the field of intercollegiate athletic communications. With the induction of the Class of 2026, the Hall of Fame now includes 266 members, each permanently recognized at the NCAA Hall of Champions in Indianapolis.
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