Adam Minichino, a Communications Specialist at Mississippi University for Women

Adam Minichino has over 26 years of experience in journalism. He has held positions at newspapers in Connecticut, Mississippi and Florida. Currently he serves as sports editor at The Commercial Dispatch in Columbus.

He recently was diagnosed with COVID-19 after hospitalization for breathing issues, and passed away on July 6. Get more reliable local news delivered directly to your inbox.

Early Life and Education

Adam Minichino was born and educated at the University of Connecticut. Initially a journalist working in Middletown and Norwich newspapers before making Columbus home where he served as Sports Editor of the Commercial Dispatch for more than 10 years covering youth, high school, collegiate, and professional athletics – but also making time for spending quality time with family.

He is survived by his daughters Donna Guth and Lisa Brown; sister Yvonne Huling; grandchildren Amanda Minichino (Adam), Charlotte Leathers, Anna Dunn, Joey Brown and Lee Brown as well as great-grandchildren Madi Guth, Abbie Kate Leathers Austin Minichino Bryan Lee Bullet Brown Melany Spencer Holly Dunn Kyle Dunn as well as their devoted companion Bailey Young.

Professional Career

Adam Minichino has enjoyed a lengthy journalism career that spans over two decades. He has worked at newspapers in Connecticut, Georgia and Florida before eventually serving as sports editor at Columbus Dispatch in Ohio. One of Adam’s notable contributions was creating the award-winning Columbus Dispatch Mascot (droopy-eyed basketball player embodies spirit of sports department). Adam also worked briefly as an umpire for Brinkman/Froemming School of Professional Baseball before making a foray into television production – before eventually taking up communications specialist job in Mississippi University Women’s Public Affairs office.

Achievement and Honors

Adam earned his degree in Journalism at the University of Connecticut and served as Sports Editor at various newspapers for 26-plus years before accepting a position with The W as Communications Specialist. Adam enjoys The W’s small campus atmosphere and can write about various subjects; he encourages everyone to reach out with ideas or suggestions and is always happy to assist!

Erich participated in numerous extracurricular activities, including Student Government, Class Secretary (grades 9-12), senior captain for his varsity cross country running team and four-year state qualifying DECA team member as well as being a peer mentor and volunteering at Pentucket Summer Dance Camp and Merrimack Valley Hope Mission.

Personal Life

Adam Minichino, longtime sports editor for The Dispatch, recently accepted an offer as communications specialist at Mississippi University for Women. This opportunity will give him an opportunity to interact with students and faculty on campus while focusing his work primarily on its various athletic programs.

Minichino held an extensive newspaper career before joining The Dispatch in 2008. Beginning his coverage of women’s basketball for UConn Huskies games through college papers, then working at Middletown Press and Norwich Bulletin newspapers before going onto work for The Athens Banner-Herald in Georgia and Leesburg Commercial Daily Commercial newspaper in Florida over his 26+ year reporting career.