TU’s Rob Knox named president of CoSIDA

By Kyle Hobstetter on July 6, 2018

With over 15 years of experience, Towson University’s Athletic Media Relations Associate Director Rob Knox has worked in all aspects of sports media.

He’s worked as a sports reporter, sports information director at several universities and as a statistics manager at ESPN. Now he can add president to his already impressive resume.

On June 30, Knox was named as the 64^th president of The College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) and will serve a one-year term after working as first vice president during the academic year.

“I am appreciative and blessed that my peers in the organization believe I am the best person for this role,” Knox said. “I know I have made some significant contributions along my journey, but to be the face and voice of an organization is overwhelming. The kind words and well wishes have meant the world to me.”

Knox was elected into the CoSIDA president’s rotation in 2015 when he applied for the vacant third vice president position. Being elected to the vice president’s position is a five-year commitment that puts those selected into the presidential rotation.

He wasn’t expecting to be elected into the rotation so quickly after leaving media relations to work as a statistics manager at ESPN from 2011-13. But once he received a call from former CoSIDA President Shelly Poe, he couldn’t wait to get started with the rest of the leadership group.

“I was in the lobby of the Orlando World Marriott, and when I heard the news, I was in awe and shock,” Knox said. “It’s surreal and humbling to be in this positon and leading a tremendous organization of talented professionals. It’s amazing.”

A 1996 graduate of Lincoln University, Knox is the second African-American and second graduate from a historically black colleges and university (HBCU) to hold the one-year post.

His time in the president’s rotation is also not the only time he’s been involved with CoSIDA. He was a college division representative from 2009-11 while working at Kutztown University. He was also part of the committee to hire CoSIDA’s first executive director position in 2006 and helped with the organization’s rebranding in 2008.

During his term as president, Knox is hoping to continue the organization’s momentum from its most recent convention in Washington D.C. He’s also hoping to build awareness of what sports information specialists do for their athletic departments. 

“I got involved because I wanted my voice to heard, to make a difference and to help the organization grow while serving as an inspiration to others,” Knox said. “We are looking to strengthen our partnership with the NCAA as well as continue our role of advocating for our profession while educating athletic administrators on the critical role we play daily helping to promote and enhance our brands.”

Knox has served as Towson University associate director of athletic communications since December 2015 and is the primary media contact for the Tigers’ men’s basketball, softball and golf teams.

During his time at TU, he has also completed the NCAA Leadership Institute and the NCAA Effective Facilitation Workshop training program. Now as he takes his next steps in his career, Knox believes TU has him more than prepared for his role as CoSIDA president.

“I have been challenged numerous times through my role as an athletic communicator,” Knox said. “The skills, confidence and leadership I gained from participating in these programs have helped me be a stronger asset to our student-athletes and Towson University at large.

“I’ve learned plenty from the administrative leadership team of Tim Leonard and Tricia Turley Brandenburg, Jon Dahlquist and Antwaine Smith," he continued. "I just thank them for believing in and trusting me here at Towson.”