Ed Chamness has been affiliated with Marauder athletics since joining the Central State University family in 1970. He was first hired to teach English and journalism while also advising student publications in the Department of English. In addition, he served in the Office of Alumni Relations and Alumni Affairs as a writer and photographer which included taking pictures of athletics teams and individuals while documenting athletic events.
During his time on the faculty, Chamness organized existing journalism courses within the Department of English and courses from other departments into an interdisciplinary major in Communications which was approved by the University Senate and has grown to be one of the University's most prolific programs.
President Lewis Jackson appointed Chamness to the position of Director of Information Services in 1972. At the beginning of this new role, a vacancy in Department of Intercollegiate Athletics added a new dimension to his duties and started an affiliation which continued throughout his Central State career.
Prior to the 1972 football season, Chamness was called upon to take on the responsibilities of Sports Information Director on a temporary basis. That appointment afforded him the opportunity to work with some of the legendary figures and future Hall of Famers in Marauder athletic history. Dr. Vivian Lewis was Director of Athletics and her husband, Gaston F. (Country) Lewis was a member of the faculty after retiring from coaching. James Walker was the head football coach and William C. Lucas was head basketball coach.
While continuing to support the athletic program with photographic services and working with the Sports Information Office, Chamness was called upon at various times to take on the sports information responsibilities over the ensuing years.
The whole Chamness family became involved in the athletic program as Chamness' wife, Janice, filmed football games for the coaches and for 18 years, beginning in 1972. She also was the athletic department secretary for several years. His sons, Jon Eric and Ramon, came along to road trips and served as ball boys at home and away games.
Following his retirement in 2007, Chamness has continued to work with the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, primarily on a volunteer basis, as it has continued to grow and develop. He is a regular fixture at all athletic home events and continues to assist the Sports Information Office when called upon.
Chamness said he has been privileged to work directly with many great coaches including James Walker and Billy Joe in football; Lu Wims and Norman Ward, Sr., in men's basketball; Josh Culbreath in track; and Theresa Check in women's basketball. In addition, he has seen the development of student-athletes like Rosie Turner, Pat Tramble, Al West, Donte Jackson,
Sheba Harris and
James Rollins who have returned to Central State over the years to carry on the great Marauder athletic tradition as coaches and teachers.
Chamness is a graduate of Kansas State University and worked and taught at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater before coming to Central State. He and his wife, Janice (a 1979 graduate and Central State retiree) live in Wilberforce. Their sons have blessed them with thirteen grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
