Hall of Fame
Chris Mitchell has distinguished himself as one of the top professionals in the field of collegiate athletics since his graduation from McKendree. He has become one of the most respected individuals at any level in the sports information world, publicizing the achievements and successes of scores of student-athletes while also serving his peers and making a difference through his committee work with the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA).
Chris played tennis during his four years at McKendree, and served as team captain. He helped lead the Bearcats to a regional championship and an appearance at the NAIA Men's Tennis National Championships in his senior year of 1999. Following his playing career, Chris began his sports information career as an assistant for one year at McKendree. The following year, he was hired as a staff assistant at Duke University, where he spent the 2000-01 academic year.
From there, Chris was hired as the assistant sports information director at Washington University in St. Louis. He served in that role from 2001-03 before being promoted to head the department. In 2015, Chris was elevated into the role of assistant director of athletics for communications, where he is responsible for all strategic communications for the Bears' 19 athletic programs, including directing all media, public relations and social networking efforts. He was instrumental in developing the WashU Sports Network, which includes live video for all WashU home events.
A member of CoSIDA for more than two decades, Chris has been a valued member of several national committees. He served as chair of the Membership Services Committee, and since 2009 has been a key member of the organization's Goodwill and Wellness Committee. Chris has been chair of the difference-making committee since 2017 and has instrumental in founding the CoSIDA 5K and helping to organize local outreach initiatives such as Samaritan's Feet.
For his work in the field of sports information and through CoSIDA, Chris was recognized as the 2018 winner of the Warren Berg Award, presented annually to a CoSIDA College Division member who has made outstanding contributions to the field of college athletic communications and who, by his activities, has brought dignity and prestige to the profession.
