Presented to College Sports Communicators members who have completed 25 years in the athletics communications profession. Vetted and voted on by the Special Awards Committee
Steven Aldridge is the Associate Director of Athletics, while still leading the Sports Communication department at Union University.
Steven Aldridge has spent his entire sports information career at Union University in Jackson, Tennessee. In his nearly 26 years as the SID at Union, Aldridge has served on the NAIA-SIDA and D2SIDA cabinets. He is the former chair of the Gulf South Conference SIDs.
In 2012, Aldridge was awarded the 36th Clarence “Ike” Pearson Award, the highest honor given to an NAIA SID. He is a five-time recipient of the TranSouth Conference SID of the Year Award, Union University staff member of the year, and Union’s Servant Leadership Program supervisor of the year.
He has served as several conference sport chairs, regional chair for numerous Division II CCA region sports awards, and also region and national rater for D2SIDA basketball rankings.
“It is truly a gift from God that he placed this university in my life. It is an honor to reach the 25-year mark in my career in sports information, and even more of an honor to have done so at a place that I love, Union University,” Steven Aldridge said. “I want to thank my wife, Stacy, and my children, Haley and Justin, for being supportive, flexible, and joining me on this journey.
“To my Union family, thank you. My time here as a student and now staff member is approaching 30 years, and it has truly been a great place to be.
“And to the coaches and student-athletes that I’ve been privileged to work with and cover, the memories are countless. I have had the opportunity to work with some of the finest SIDs in the business and been blessed with students and graduate assistants who raised the standard in our office over the years. To each of you, I thank you.”
Quotes
Jo Jo Freeman, The University of the South (Sewanee) Athletic Communications Associate – “Steven has always been a friend and supporter in our business. Someone to call for advice or just chat about life. His easy-going personality helped solve problems in tense situations and his willingness to step into roles further illustrates his selfless personality and humble attitude.”
Gregory Ruff, Trevecca Nazarene University Assistant Athletic Director – Communications and Broadcasting – “Steven Aldridge is one of the finest sports information directors—and now assistant athletic directors—I have known in my more than 30+ years in the profession. We spent over a decade working alongside one another while our institutions competed in the TranSouth Athletic Conference of the NAIA, with Stephen serving as SID at Union and me in the same role at Trevecca. During that time, we were elected to co-lead the TranSouth communications area. Steven carried that responsibility with exceptional integrity and balance. He represented Union with pride, yet never allowed institutional allegiance to influence his decision-making when wearing his TranSouth hat. It was inspiring to watch someone manage dual roles with such professionalism, ensuring that neither responsibility compromised the other. In challenging situations—especially when tensions were high—Steven consistently demonstrated a calm, level-headed presence. He had a unique ability to guide conversations toward resolution, often helping coaches and administrators who were testing boundaries clearly see the appropriate path forward.
“Steven Aldridge is a leader in every sense of the word: a leader of integrity, wisdom, and steady judgment. He owns an uncommon ability to navigate difficult circumstances with clarity and sound options, earning the trust and respect of everyone he works with. He is richly deserving of recognition by the College Sports Communicators. He is also a tremendous husband, father, son, friend, and man of faith.”
Mark Campbell, Union University Director of Athletics – “Steven Aldridge is a friend and trusted colleague. We have worked together for the past 25+ years. He is a tireless worker and servant. He serves our university in so many capacities and he does it seeking nothing in return. Trust is a huge part of anything great and he is trusted by everyone at Union University. He deserves every recognition that is available, and it will never fully communicate the legacy of impact he has made here. Union Athletics would not be the same without his service.”
