BU Welcomes New Sports Information Director

Photo courtesy of burams.com

Alumna Kristen Parker (’18) is the new sports information director (SID) for Rams’ Athletics, the university announced this summer.

Parker is a Virginia native, most recently living in Lee County before returning to Bluefield. Her husband Tracey, also a 2018 BU grad, accepted a new job with the Virginia State Police, relocating the couple and their two children back to their alma mater town. Parker spoke about her excitement to work for her alma mater.

“Bluefield holds a special place in my heart because I met my husband here, and it really changed my life,” Parker said. “There are people here that you can lean on that have been in the same shoes, and thankfully, I get to be in a fun role – highlighting [student] success when they need it most.”

After graduating from Bluefield in 2018, Parker served many roles at Thomas Walker High School in Lee County, including special education and government teacher, athletic director, and softball and volleyball coach. With her experience in athletic administration, Parker has been around the business for many years but decided to start a new journey here at BU in sports information.

“At a small school you wear multiple hats and perform different roles,” she said. “So I feel that I learn something new every week regarding the social media aspect of game-day setup and broadcasting.”

The SID job description is no easy task as she must ensure that all social media, official athletics websites, statistics, and live feeds are on time and up to date, but Parker has goals as she enters her first year with the Rams. Encouraging local high schools to share with their students that BU offers programs for the sports management and journalism fields with real-world experience is at the top of her list.

“We want to put ourselves out there through social media,” Parker said, “so kids know about us and our department.”

Social media plays a vital role in today’s world of sports and statistics. Parker hopes to utilize all platforms to the best of her ability by implementing a “Weekly Athlete Spotlight” campaign to highlight the success of individual athletes.

Those who follow the @BluefieldRams Instagram account will find game day posts, halftime and final score updates, and weekly sports recaps, which are posted by Parker.

To engage the student body and alumni, she has already begun working with the Student Government Association on campus to implement theme nights for game days with the hope of making the campus environment more cohesive amongst athletes and their peers. Athletic Director Corey Mullins is also excited to see what Parker has in store for the new face of Rams sports.

“[Kristen] really loves BU,” Mullins said. “As an alum and former student-athlete, she understands what’s so great about this place. I am excited about the energy she brings and the initiatives she has already taken to problem-solve early. She understands these athletes and how they want to be represented on social media.”

In addition to showcasing athletes, Parker has developed work-study and volunteer opportunities for BU students who want to work within a sports field. Photography/videography, broadcasting, writing, social media, and statistical analysis opportunities are available.

“We not only have work-study students but also student volunteers that want to be involved in creating this winning atmosphere,” Parker said.

She is most excited to get to work for her first year at the school by expanding the reach to prospective student-athletes.

“I want to promote Bluefield and its athletes by building communication and community with local newspapers and news stations to show that good things are happening at BU,” Parker said.

Parker takes over for Bob Redd who served as sports information director for nine years.