This study compares the utilization of technology in sports information departments of Division I-A, Division I-AA and Division II schools within the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The utilization was determined by a survey of the Atlantic Coast Conference, Southern Conference and South Atlantic Conference. The survey was comprised of 40 questions seeking demographic information and the use of technology within the three conferences. Areas of data presentation included the use of computers, facsimile technology, electronic mail, the internet and computer statistical programs. The results of the survey indicated that there was not a distinct difference in the way technology was utilized among the three conferences.

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The purpose of this study is to determine the frequency with which college sports information directors (SIDs) are promoted to athletics director (AD) positions. Results reveal some reasons why SIDs, the primary communications officer in the athletics department, may or may not be considered as qualified candidates for AD jobs. This study illustrates that current ADs predominately come from the ranks of former coaches, compliance officers, business managers and fund raisers, while few were formerly SIDs. In addition, this study sought to determine whether the SID develops skills and experience most closely related with ADs. The variables examined in this study include the SIDs' perception of themselves and their desire to move into the director's role, and their perception of skills and characteristics required to be an AD. Variables to be considered include the number of ADs who have been SIDs, the number of SIDs who have interviewed for AD positions and who express interest in developing skills associated with AD positions. A survey instrument was constructed to determine if SIDs perceive themselves as qualified to be ADs and to measure their interest in the position. In addition to providing self evaluations of their ability and interest in serving as ADs, SIDs were asked questions regarding the background experience of their supervisors and the hiring history of their institutions, which should provide a sufficient picture of hiring practices for AD positions. Data collected for this study reinforces the findings in the literature review that the majority of communications professionals are content with technician roles, even in advanced stages of their careers. Results indicate that SIDs perceive that they are toiling in an underrated profession and that, for the majority, their personality and training can be tailored for the AD job. However, the significant lack of interest by SIDs in pursuing AD positions was a surprising result of the investigation. Few SIDs are being interviewed for AD jobs because few apply for the positions.

Title IX began the change of integrating women's sports into universities, but it was up to each university's athletic administration, external media sources, and public relations practitioners to determine how female athletes and sports were supported and publicized. In 1976, Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah hired Ellen Larsen as its first female sports information director responsible for women's sports. Through her 19 years as a sports information director at BYU, Larsen was an advocate for her athletes and helped pave the way for future female athletic administration roles. While there is plenty of literature on male sports information directors, literature on female sports information directors is thin. Even less has been published on pioneer women in this role. This paper will tell the story of Ellen Larsen, BYU's first female sports information director, and describe her pioneering impact in the publicizing of women's athletics at BYU from 1976 to 1995.

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