Noble-Watson Joins Claflin University Staff as New SID

After conducting a national search, Claflin University has named Romanda Noble-Watson to the position of sports information director.

Joining the University’s athletic administrative team after 16 years at NCAA Division I programs, Noble-Watson brings vast knowledge on communication and promotion and a solid work ethic to the Panther staff.

A native of Washington, D.C., she served as the assistant sports information director at South Carolina State University for the past seven years. Prior to her stint at S.C. State, Noble-Watson served as the assistant sports information director at Howard University for six-and-a-half years and as the sports information director at the University of Maryland-Eastern Shore from 1997 to 2000.

She received her bachelor’s degree in communication studies from the University of Maryland University College, and is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., the Black College Sports Information Directors Association, Female Athletic Media Relations Executives and College Sports Information Directors of America, where she is a member of the Special Awards Committee. She has also served as the timeout coordinator for the first and second rounds of the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Tournament.

“Our Sports Information office is an essential part of our athletics operation,” said Dr. Jerome Fitch, director of athletics. “It is the public face of Claflin University athletics, responsible for our branding and coordinating all sports communication with the media. Additionally it requires critical behind the scenes details such as communicating with our conference office, the NCAA, maintaining accurate statistics, upkeep of our athletics website, social media, as well as ushering in new initiatives. Mrs. Noble-Watson’s many years of expertise makes her the perfect fit for communicating the future of Claflin athletics.”

Noble-Watson said she is eager to tell Claflin’s athletic stories, and boost the department’s brand and international profile.

“I'm grateful to President Tisdale and Dr. Fitch for giving me this opportunity at Claflin University,” she said. “My goal is to provide the best possible coverage for Claflin Athletics and its student-athletes, not just in the Claflin community but worldwide.”

Claflin University holds membership in NCAA Division II and the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. Men’s teams include basketball, baseball, track and field, and cross country. Women’s teams include basketball, softball, volleyball, track and field, and cross country.