Craig Threlkeld joined the Atlantic Sun Conference as the Director of Public Relations in October 2011.

Threlkeld, 42, brings nearly 20 years of professional communications experience to the position, having worked in a variety of settings including publishing, higher education, health care, and athletics. Previously he served as the Director of Public Relations at Shelton State Community College in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where his duties included development and execution of the institution's strategic communications. Highlights during his tenure at the college included the achievement of a five-year high in enrollment, direction of a complete Web site redesign, increased ticket sales for on-campus events, and significant enhancement of the institution's brand and image.

"We are thrilled to bring Craig on board with the A-Sun and look forward to his significant contributions to our Public Relations program," said Gumbart. "He has a breadth of knowledge and experience that make him an extremely valuable addition to the team. The A-Sun has extensive success stories to share, and Craig will jump start our increased focus on publicizing the achievements of our outstanding student-athletes, athletic teams and universities."

Threlkeld is a graduate of the University of Alabama, holding a bachelor's degree in advertising. He began his career as a freelance writer and in 1994 became managing editor for Tennis Industry magazine in New York City, a business-to-business publication serving the tennis community. Other significant publishing experience includes ownership and publication of Tuscaloosa Christian Family and West Alabama Christian Family magazines in Tuscaloosa (2002-2008).

In the field of athletics, Threlkeld was a member of the University of Alabama sports information staff (1995-97) and served as the sports information director at Samford University (2000-2002). He has worked numerous conference and NCAA championship events and regularly worked with ESPN, Fox, CSS and CBS College Sports in the production of televised college athletic events for the Southeastern Conference, the Atlantic Coast Conference, Conference USA, the Ohio Valley Conference, and the Southern Conference.

Working with the non-profit Hospice of West Alabama (2005-2008), Threlkeld coordinated all forms of the agency's communications including a complete Web site redesign, community and physician relations, development of marketing materials, and crisis planning.

As a member of the UAB Creative and Marketing Group (1998-2000), he crafted copy for clients including the University of Alabama at Birmingham and the UAB Health System and developed content that provided the impetus for several integrated marketing campaigns, including several for Blazer athletics.

Threlkeld has garnered several awards for his work, including two CoSIDA awards for publication excellence and a CASE Award silver medal. A native of Orlando, Fla., Threlkeld is married to the former Tara Ellis of Trussville, Ala., and they have three children: Katie Beth (9), Joshua (4) and Abi (3).