ABILENE, Texas – Hardin-Simmons' Associate Vice-President for Athletics Dr. John Neese has announced a pair of promotions in the Athletic Communication department. 

Longtime director of athletic communications Chad Grubbs has been promoted to Associate Athletic Director for External Relations and assistant director Silas Lott has been promoted to director of athletic communication.
 
Grubbs, who has spent almost 25 years at Hardin-Simmons, will hand over the day-to-day duties of the office to Lott but will still be the primary sports contact for baseball, football and golf.
 
Along with other administrative duties, he is overseeing a revamping of the Cowboy Club and heading a new initiative to get former players back involved with HSU athletics.
 
"Promoting the teams, coaches and student-athletes of HSU has been my passion for the last 25 years," said Grubbs. "I have been there for so many great moments, seen so many different places and built so many relationships. I'm excited to expand on those relationships for my new role. I am so grateful for an administration and boss that let me take my new idea and put it into a plan."  
 
Lott will take over directing the day-to-day operations of the office. He is heading into his sixth season with the program. He has been the main contact for cross country, soccer, softball, tennis and track and field the last several years.

"I am ready for my new challenge," said Lott. "We have great student-athletes here at HSU and I am grateful to get to tell their stories." 

Samantha Tatum will also serve as the social media graduate assistant in the department.  
 
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