I’m pleased to announce that David Remund, a Drake alumnus and former assistant professor in Drake’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication, has been hired as the University’s director of alumni relations.

David brings a passion for Drake, extensive experience in higher education, and two decades of public relations experience—including leadership roles within three Fortune 250 corporations—to the alumni relations director position beginning Aug. 15. I believe his creativity, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the University will be the defining characteristics of his service as director.

David holds a B.A. in public relations and advertising and a Master of Communication Leadership from Drake. He also holds a Ph.D. in strategic communications from the University of North Carolina. He worked in communications and public relations roles at businesses including Sigler Companies, Bank of America, The Principal Financial Group, and Wells Fargo Home Mortgage.

He taught undergraduate and graduate-level public relations courses at Drake from 2011 to 2014, serving as co-director of the Master of Communication Leadership program. Most recently, he was assistant professor of public relations at the University of Oregon.

David’s leadership style, professional background, and passion for Drake uniquely position him to assume the leadership role as director of alumni relations. I am energized by his optimism and confident that he will be received well by all in the Drake community. Alumni and Development, and all of the University, will benefit from his return home to campus.

—John Smith, Vice President for Alumni and Development