ESU alum named VP for WashingtonPost.Newsweek

Rob Curley

Rob Curley, one of the most critically acclaimed and award-winning web developers in the world, will join Washingtonpost.Newsweek Interactive as the Vice President of Product Development.

Curley, a self-described “Internet nerd from Kansas,” earned a Bachelor’s of Integrated Studies degree from ESU in 2001.

He will begin his new position with WPNI on Oct.1.

Shortly after starting his new job in Washington, DC, Curley will return to Emporia to speak with ESU classes. On Oct. 13 and 14, Curley will visit with ESU students, as well as give a presentation that will be open to the public. More information on Curley’s free public presentation will be released at a later date.

“The addition of an interactive pioneer like Rob reflects the on-going commitment of WPNI to online content and tools, organization-wide. It further underscores the importance WPNI ascribes to online methods and strategies that facilitate direct and open participation of our readers,” said Caroline H. Little, CEO and publisher. “We look forward to deploying the many bold ideas Rob brings as we continue to strengthen and deepen WPNI’s industry-leading audience.”

“The nationally recognized faculty and quality programs at ESU prepare graduates to become leaders who make a positive and professional impact wherever they go. ESU prides itself in preparing students for successful careers. It is an honor to see Rob carrying out the mission of our University,” said Dr. John Schwenn, Interim President.

Curley will be responsible for leading a team dedicated to the rapid development and deployment of new tools for journalists and viewers. He will lead his team to champion the acceleration of WPNI’s industry-leading innovation in online news and technology. WPNI currently oversees washingtonpost.com, Newsweek.com, and Slate, all recipients

of numerous industry awards. These properties, as well as WPNI’s BudgetTravelOnline.com, also have experienced rapid user and revenue growth.

“Rob is multitalented, ingenious, and inspiring. ESU is extremely proud of his accomplishments," said Dr. Gary Bleeker, Curley’s former professor and academic advisor.

He joins WPNI from the Naples Daily News where he directed new media and convergence. He has distinguished himself in the emerging new-media realm of hyper-local media convergence. In 2001, the Newspaper Association of America named Curley its New Media Pioneer of the Year, making him the youngest person to ever win the award. Curley’s online development teams at the Lawrence Journal-World, the Topeka Capital-Journal and the Naples (Florida) Daily News garnered numerous national and international online journalism awards from Editor & Publisher magazine, Mediaweek Magazine and the Newspaper Association of America.

While a student at Emporia State, Curley was a freelance writer for various newspapers across Kansas, but also wrote for the ESU student newspaper, The Bulletin. In 1994, while writing for The Bulletin, Curley was named the Kansas Collegiate Sports Writer of the Year by the Kansas Associated Collegiate Press.

More information on Rob Curley can be found at his website at robcurley.com, and interviews can be set up through ESU Public Affairs and Marketing at 620-341-5454.

Last Updated July 2, 2007>