Media

Dave Kidwell

Year Inducted: 2003

Category: Media

Schools / Organizations:

Eastern Illinois University

Biography:

Dave Kidwell was one of the longest-tenured employees in Eastern Illinois University history after spending 44 years in the athletic department. Kidwell started as sports information director in 1972 and was promoted to assistant athletics director for marketing and sports information in 1997. He retired from that position in 2006 but then became the assistant athletics director for special projects until 2016.

Kidwell supervised public relations and publicity for 22 sports programs and was in charge of the external relations in marketing and event promotions. He administered the EIU Lettermen’s Club, hosted the weekly “Panther Country” coaches shows on WEIU television, assisted with fundraising and was the athletic liaison for cheer teams, dance groups and the marching band.

The 1970 Eastern Illinois graduate coordinated publicity for eight men’s basketball teams that qualified for the NCAA tournament and promoted nine men’s basketball student-athletes who earned All-American honors. He served two years on the EIU Council of University Administrators and was the university’s acting Director of Information in 1986.

Publications edited by Kidwell won national honors from the College Sports Information Directors of America (COSIDA). He also received an IHSA Distinguished Service award after helping run the state boys’ and girls’ track meets for more than 40 years. He was inducted into the Eastern Illinois Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2017.