KANSAS CITY, Mo.- For the second time in his career, Southeastern University Director of Athletic Communications Donnie Smith has been named The NAIA Sports Information Director of the Year. Smith previously earned the same national honor in 2017. Smith began his career at the Regional Radio Sports Network and the Indiana Football Digest
Smith was nominated for the NAIA distinction after being named The Sun Conference Sports Information Director of the Year back in June for the second time in his career.
“It is an honor to accept this award on behalf of our team,” shared Smith. “What makes this truly special is the group I get to share it with because I’m incredibly blessed to work with great people on a daily basis that have a passion for what they do.”
During the 2020-2021 school year, Smith was vital in the promotion of Southeastern’s 13 NAIA National Championship team appearances and four NAIA national championships titles. He oversaw a staff that highlighted SEU winning 12 Sun Conference crowns (both regular season and tournament) and provided media coverage and services for an athletic department that achieved 73 weekly conference awards, 192 all-conference selections, five Champions of Character recipients, 11 conference players of the year, and 51 NAIA All-American placements. The Fire hosted four conference championships and three NAIA opening rounds during the year.
“In spite of all the challenges the 2020-21 school year brought, our team approached each day with a great attitude and worked extremely hard to cover each event at the highest level possible,” added Smith.
Smith’s work with the Fire Network has also been a driving force for Southeastern and The Sun Conference’s increased exposure on the digital network front.
“To win this award once is an incredible honor, but to be honored twice in such a short period of time says everything you need to know about Donnie,” stated Southeastern Director of Athletics Drew Watson. “He is humble, hardworking, and pays attention to detail in each aspect of his job. He leads by example, so it is no surprise that he and his staff didn’t miss a beat as they adjusted so well during a year that was not easy to manage. He is the best at his craft, and I am so proud of him and this accomplishment.”
Smith has been a member of the NAIA-Sports Information Director’s Association Executive Board since 2017, currently serving as the association’s First Vice President. Additionally, Smith serves as the chair of the NAIA Workshop Committee and is a member of the NAIA Council for Student-Athletes.
“I would like to thank Andrew Tew, our group of graduate assistants, interns, and student workers for all of their efforts in making our team successful,” summed up Smith.
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