Mike Carpenter was named the Roanoke College Director of Athletic Communications in January of 2024. Carpenter comes to Salem after having served as an Assistant Athletic Communications Director at Virginia Military Institute (VMI) since the fall of 2018.
During his stint with the Keydets the 25-year athletic communications veteran served as the primary contact for baseball, wrestling, men’s soccer, and the men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams. Carpenter was in charge of all aspects of his primary sports while assisting with preparation for men’s basketball and football in addition to gameday responsibilities. In August 2022, he added a secondary responsibility with men’s basketball.
Carpenter is no stranger to the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC), having served as the Sports Information Director (SID) at Lynchburg (College) University from 2000 – 2016. While with the Hornets, Mike was responsible for media relations and promotion of 21-varsity NCAA DIII athletic programs. Carpenter hosted numerous ODAC and NCAA Tournament events, handled the external and internal communications for the athletic department, and collaborated with local and national media outlets. His office was responsible for supervising a 12 to 14-person student work staff as well as hiring and mentoring several graduate assistants, many who went on to full time positions within the Athletic Communications field. Carpenter earned the 2007 ODAC SID of the Year award and served as the ODAC SID chairperson for two years.
A 1996 graduate of Slippery Rock University with a bachelor of science degree in sport management with a minor in journalism, Carpenter began his career as the sports information director and assistant public relations director at Thiel College from 1996-1998. He then served as the assistant sports information director and assistant public relations director at Mansfield University until his arrival at Lynchburg in 2000. Additionally, Carpenter served as a student assistant in the sports information office at Slippery Rock and completed internships at Mary Washington College and the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference.
Carpenter lives in Lynchburg with his wife, Misti.
