Asbury University has named Colton Back as its new director of strategic communications.
Back brings a strong background in athletics communications, athletics recruiting and marketing, along with a personal connection to Asbury as both an undergraduate and graduate alumnus.
“Colton is a committed and dynamic leader on this campus. He has served this university with excellence and a servant’s heart. We are fortunate to have Colton leading the strategic communications team,” said Dr. Kevin Brown, president of Asbury University.
The Office of Strategic Communications advances Asbury’s brand by developing creative, tailored messaging that highlights the university’s distinct value in higher education. In his new role, Back will lead a team responsible for strengthening institutional storytelling and engagement, helping prospective traditional undergraduate, graduate, adult and online learners around the world discover Asbury’s Christ-centered education and community.
“Colton is a proven communicator and leader who knows how to build an audience, elevate a story, and move a team forward,” said Jennifer McChord, vice president for enrollment and marketing. “He brings strong communications experience and a deep commitment to telling the Asbury story with clarity, warmth and excellence so more students and families can see what makes Asbury special and feel invited into our mission.”
Since 2022, Back has served as director of athletic communications and events for Asbury Athletics, helping expand the visibility of TeamAU and connect with a growing audience. Under his leadership, Asbury Athletics strengthened its game-day communications operations, grew its social media presence and enhanced livestream production. He also partnered with the Office of Strategic Communications to elevate the student-athlete story, support recruiting events and contribute to university wide marketing and communications initiatives. In addition, Back has served as an adjunct professor in Asbury’s Dayton School of Business and holds a leadership role for the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) Athletic Communicators for Christ.
Back has been instrumental in building the Asbury Sports Digital Network (ASDN), which livestreams more than 100 on-campus events each year. Under his leadership, the network now features enhanced multicamera productions with full sponsor integration. The platform has emerged as one of the university’s key communications channels and reached more than 30,000 unique users during the 2024-25 academic year.
“I am deeply honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve as director of strategic communications for Asbury University,” Back said. “God has used Asbury to shape me in profound ways, and that gives me a personal commitment to stewarding the university’s voice with excellence and care. I believe in the mission Jesus has given to Asbury, and I’m eager to serve in a role that strengthens that pursuit.”
“We are grateful for Colton’s many contributions to the growth and success of TeamAU,” said Mark Whitworth, vice president for athletics and university communications. “We look forward to continuing to work together as he steps into this new role.”
Back is originally from Russell Springs, Kentucky. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in sport management from Asbury University in 2020 and received an MBA in nonprofit management from Asbury University in 2022. Back and his wife, Ellie, are expecting their first child in January.