May 24, 2006

University of Tennessee associate AD for media relations Bud Ford has been selected by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) to receive the Arch Ward Award at the organization's annual convention in Nashville July 3.

The Arch Ward Award is presented annually to a CoSIDA member who has made an outstanding contribution to the field of sports information, and who by his activities, has brought dignity and prestige to the profession.

A 40-year veteran of his profession who has the rare distinction of spending his entire career at his alma mater, the University of Tennessee graduate was promoted in April 2000 to the position of associate athletics director for media relations. He was elected to the CoSIDA Hall of Fame in May 2001.

Ford began his career as a part-time employee in the Volunteers publicity office while he completed undergraduate studies. He then pioneered the position of full-time assistant SID in 1966 upon completion of his degree in retailing. For the next 35 years, he worked alongside CoSIDA Hall of Fame member Haywood Harris. In January 1988, Ford was promoted to sports information director and in March 1989, was named assistant athletics director for sports information.

The Knoxville, Tenn., native works with an expanded staff of full-time and student employees in meeting the needs of the media who cover the Vols. Under his direction, Tennessee's publications have received more than 35 "Best in the Nation" honors.