Tuel ready to tell the stories of ESU

Jesse Tuel is the new associate director of advancement communications

Jesse Tuel knew early in his college career that he one day wanted to work for Emporia State University and wanted to write stories for, Spotlight , the ESU alumni magazine published twice a year.

That dream has become a reality for Tuel, who recently became ESU's associate director of advancement communications.

“I had my eye on writing for the Spotlight as a student,” Tuel said. “I love being on campus and the atmosphere. The chance to work at the university that gave me so much is an opportunity I could not pass up.”

As an ESU student, Tuel, served as an ambassador and a member of the ESU basketball team. Tuel credits his professors and ESU for preparing him for his current position and other positions he has held.

“The atmosphere at ESU allows a student who wants to become involved the opportunity to do so. Professors and advisors are always eager and willing to help,” Tuel said. “The experiences helped mold me as a student and now as a professional.”

Tuel, a native of Lawrence , earned a bachelor's degree in business management in December 2001.

The position, which is out of University and Alumni Relations, entails a wide range of activities that includes writing and releasing press releases about ESU, alumni and university advancement, working with Public Affairs and Marketing, coordinating communications for fundraising, alumni relations, scholarship and campaign materials and updating web content.

“My main goal is to make sure everything we publish is timely, pertinent and valuable to readers,” Tuel said.

He is also responsible for putting together two publications: Spotlight , which is published twice a year for all alumni and the Honor Roll of Donors , a publication that highlights the universities supporters.

“Advancement communications is vital to our efforts to keep our alumni involved in the University. Jesse brings a unique incite to this job, and to the campus, with his background as a student, a student athlete, an ambassador, a recent graduate and a journalist,” said Boyce Baumgardner, executive director for university advancement.

Most recently Tuel was a reporter for the Emporia Gazette. While at the Gazette he covered ESU news. In 2002, he was a reporter for the Chanute Tribune in Chanute.

“I am looking forward to being on campus and wearing a shirt with an ESU logo and representing the university,” Tuel said. “Wearing a shirt with an ESU logo may seem small, but I like walking around campus and knowing people.”

“I get to work with these people and tell the stories that come out of this university and that come out of the alumni,” he said. “Everybody has a story to tell.”

Tuel and his wife Stacy, who is an admissions counselor, are expecting their first child in January.

Last Updated July 2, 2007>