LEBANON, Tenn.--Cumberland University Assistant Sports Information Director Harley Dixon has been named the 2025-26 Mid-South Conference Assistant Sports Information Director of the Year, recognizing an outstanding first season in his full-time role with the Phoenix.

After spending two years as a graduate assistant in Cumberland's Sports Information Office, Dixon transitioned into the Assistant Sports Information Director position for the 2025-26 academic year and quickly became an integral part of the department's communications and broadcast operations.

In his first year, Dixon revamped Cumberland's live broadcast production, elevating the overall quality and professionalism of the department's streams while creating a more engaging experience for Phoenix fans.

"Harley has enhanced our sports coverage and been a great asset to the sports information and athletic department," Vice President for Athletics Ron Pavan said.

Dixon served as the primary communications contact for men's and women's soccer, women's basketball, softball, men's and women's tennis, men's volleyball, and flag football while also assisting with communications efforts across the department. He served as the play-by-play voice for Cumberland men's and women's soccer and softball broadcasts and added color commentary duties for Phoenix basketball broadcasts.

Beyond his game-day responsibilities, Dixon oversees updates to Cumberland's athletics website, including biographies and statistics for more than 700 student-athletes, while helping preserve the department's history through extensive archival research. He also played a vital role in the successful hosting of the NAIA Men's Soccer National Championship Opening Round, helping showcase Cumberland University on the national stage.

"Harley has been an outstanding addition to our department from the moment he arrived on campus," Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Information Kyle Allen said. "He has elevated our broadcasts and the exposure of Cumberland Athletics. His work ethic, creativity, and willingness to learn have made a tremendous impact on Cumberland Athletics, and this recognition is well deserved."

During his time at Cumberland, Dixon has written game recaps, feature stories, previews, and promotional content while helping expand the department's digital presence through creative storytelling and social media. In 2024, he earned national recognition with a seventh-place finish in the NAIA-SIDA Publications Contest for his men's soccer season preview.

"It's an amazing feeling to be named the Mid-South Conference Assistant SID of the Year in a league with so many incredible athletics communicators," Dixon said. "Our entire office here at Cumberland is dedicated to going above and beyond what is asked of us, and from our interns and graduate assistants to our full-time staff, this award reflects the collective effort that goes into promoting our student-athletes and telling their stories every day. I'm incredibly grateful and humbled to work alongside such a talented group of people who make this recognition possible.

"Each school plays its part in raising the standard of the Mid-South Conference, and without our gifted student-athletes, administrators, coaches, and fellow sports information professionals, none of what I do would be possible."

A native of South Portsmouth, Kentucky, Dixon graduated from Shawnee State University in 2023 with a bachelor's degree in sport management, where he was a member of the men's tennis team and worked with the university's athletics communications office. He earned his master's degree in sports management from Cumberland University in May 2025 before joining the athletics communications staff full-time.

The Mid-South Conference Assistant Sports Information Director of the Year award is voted on by the conference's sports information directors and recognizes excellence in athletic communications, media relations, and service to both an institution and the conference.