Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Cole Steward Named Assistant Director of Development for Saluki Athletics
04/21/2026 | 2:37:00 | General
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Southern Illinois University Athletics and the SIU Foundation announced that Cole Steward joined Saluki Athletics as assistant director of development on April 1, 2026.
In his role, Steward works to expand and enhance the donor experience for SIU Athletics, with a focus on relationship-building and cultivating long-term support of Saluki programs. He plays a key role in engaging alumni, donors and friends while advancing the mission and future success of Saluki Athletics.
A native of Salem, Illinois, Steward returns to SIU after spending four years at Western Kentucky University, where he served as athletic advising coordinator. In that role, he supported student-athletes through academic planning, eligibility oversight, and leadership and character development.
Steward is a graduate of Southern Illinois University and a former Saluki Football student-athlete, competing under head coach Nick Hill from 2017-2021.
"SIU has always meant a great deal to me, both as a student-athlete and as an alumnus," Steward said. "I'm grateful for the opportunity to give back to the Salukis and help build strong relationships that support our student-athletes and programs for years to come."
He earned a bachelor's degree in sport administration and a master's degree in education in kinesiology with an emphasis in sport studies from Southern Illinois University.
Steward resides in Southern Illinois with his wife, Alli.
He can be reached at coles@foundation.siu.edu.
In his role, Steward works to expand and enhance the donor experience for SIU Athletics, with a focus on relationship-building and cultivating long-term support of Saluki programs. He plays a key role in engaging alumni, donors and friends while advancing the mission and future success of Saluki Athletics.
A native of Salem, Illinois, Steward returns to SIU after spending four years at Western Kentucky University, where he served as athletic advising coordinator. In that role, he supported student-athletes through academic planning, eligibility oversight, and leadership and character development.
Steward is a graduate of Southern Illinois University and a former Saluki Football student-athlete, competing under head coach Nick Hill from 2017-2021.
"SIU has always meant a great deal to me, both as a student-athlete and as an alumnus," Steward said. "I'm grateful for the opportunity to give back to the Salukis and help build strong relationships that support our student-athletes and programs for years to come."
He earned a bachelor's degree in sport administration and a master's degree in education in kinesiology with an emphasis in sport studies from Southern Illinois University.
Steward resides in Southern Illinois with his wife, Alli.
He can be reached at coles@foundation.siu.edu.
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