Staff

Preston Lewis

Director

Responsibilities:

• Overall Strategic Planning/Administration for Communications and Marketing
• Public Information Officer (Requirement, Texas Public Information Act)
• Emergency Communications Officer
• Editor, ASU Magazine
• TTUS/TTU Liaison
• Coverage Assignments:
  • Administration (President, Vice Presidents)
  • Development
  • Facilities Planning and Construction
  • Information Technology
  • Institutional Research and Effectiveness
  • Risk Management
  • College of Graduate Studies
  • Department of History
  • Library
  • West Texas Collection

Biography:

Preston Lewis has been the director of communications and marketing at Angelo State University since 1999. 

Prior to that, he worked two decades at Texas Tech University, serving as manager of the news bureaus for both Texas Tech University and Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center.  He also worked two years as director of development for the Texas Tech University Libraries, including one year as interim director of the Southwest Collection. 

Lewis has received numerous professional awards, including 18 gold, silver and bronze awards from the regional Council for the Advancement and Support of Education plus a dozen ADDY Awards from the American Advertising Federation of San Angelo.  

He has published 24 western, historical and juvenile novels as well as numerous articles and book reviews on the Old West.  He is a six-time finalist for Western Writers of America (WWA) Spur Awards in both fiction and non-fiction categories, winning Spurs for his True West article “Bluster’s Last Stand” on the Battle of Yellowhouse Canyon and for best novel for his Texas revolution-era Blood of Texas. 

He has served as president of WWA, West Texas Historical Association, Tom Green County Historical Society and the Friends of the Porter Henderson Library and West Texas Collection. 

Lewis holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Baylor University and a master’s degree in journalism from Ohio State University where he was a Kiplinger Fellow in Public Affairs Reporting.  In 2004, he received his second master’s degree, this time in history from Angelo State University.  His thesis examined organized horse racing in the Concho Valley between 1886 and 1896.

He and his wife, Harriet, who is on ASU’s Physical Therapy faculty, have a married daughter, a married son and two granddaughters, Hannah and Cora Belle.

Becky Brackin

Director of Community Relations

Responsibilities:

• Coordination of all aspects of university/community relations
• Point of service and support for community constituents in San Angelo and the region
• Facilitation of communications for the internal ASU community
• Prioritization of participation and sponsorship of community events
• Management of database for community engagement initiatives
• Coordination of the Community Relations Council that includes members of the ASU community and San Angelo community
• Coordination of calendar priorities and communication of events internally and externally

Biography:

Becky Brackin came to Angelo State University in October 2009 as the university’s first director of community relations. No stranger to the campus, Brackin earned a B.B.A. from ASU in 1985.

Before joining ASU, Brackin was president and publisher of the San Angelo Standard-Times daily newspaper and gosanangelo.com. She was previously online and marketing director for the newspaper.
Brackin has worked in the community and public relations field for some 20 years. She was employed as community relations coordinator and ultimately director of public relations for the San Angelo Independent School District for 10 years before accepting a position at the Standard-Times.

While at the school district, her public relations team’s work earned recognition from the Texas School Public Relations Association and the National School Public Relations Association. She and her co-workers were also recognized by the education fraternity Kappa Delta Pi with a Point of Excellence Award for dedication to community partnerships and mentoring for San Angelo’s students.

Brackin graduated from Leadership San Angelo in 1993. She continued involvement with the Leadership program as a member then president of the Leadership San Angelo Alumni Association board of directors.

In 2007, Brackin was tapped to facilitate a focus group for the UTSA University of Texas, San Antonio, South-West Texas Border Small Business Development Center Network, as well as the initial strategic planning meetings for Angelo State University. In 2008, she completed the Executive Development Program through the American Press Institute.

Brackin serves on boards of directors for the United Way of the Concho Valley, West Texas Rehabilitation Center, Concho Valley Center for Entrepreneurial Development, and San Angelo Chamber of Commerce, and on advisory boards for the Junior League of San Angelo, West Texas Training Center and San Angelo Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Brackin and her husband, Mark, have two children.

Michael Martin

Director of Graphics

Responsibilities:

• Supervision of Art/Design
• Coordination of Creative Projects
• Planning/Design/Implementation-Publications
• Art Director, ASU Magazine
• Coverage Assignments:
  • ASU Magazine
  • Admissions Viewbook
  • Admissions Travel Piece
  • Major Design Projects

Biography:

The longest-serving member of the Communications and Marketing staff, Michael Martin joined the ASU team in 1977.  In his 30-plus years with the university, Martin has guided ASU publications from pen and ink and paste-ups into the digital age.

His work includes the ASU ram’s horn logo which was the overwhelming first choice of ASU students, faculty, staff and alumni when a new university logo was being adopted in conjunction with ASU’s new affiliation with the Texas Tech University System.  His work is seen everywhere from ASU’s recruiting publications to the university police cars to the banners lining the Mall to the basketball court in Stephens Arena.

Martin is the graphics director for the Angelo State University Magazine.  He is the only two-time recipient of the university’s Staff Excellence Award.

A member of the University and College Designers Association, the American Advertising Federation of San Angelo and the National Association of PhotoShop Professionals, Martin’s efforts have earned numerous awards on the local, regional and national levels.  

A native of Amarillo, Martin earned his art and advertising degree from Texas State Technical Institute under the mentorship of Bob Bayle and Lloyd Cook.  

Away from the office, Martin enjoys painting, biking and, when he can find the time, backpacking.  He and his wife, Hildy, share their home with an assortment of cats and two large dogs.

Tom Nurre

News and Information Specialist

Responsibilities:

• Overall Media Liaison for Contacts and Placements
• ProfNet Coordinator
• RamPort News Channel Coordinator
• ASU Radio Service Production
• Media Feature/News Writer
• Feature Writer, ASU Magazine
• Coverage Assignments:
  • Admissions
  • College of Business
  • College of Nursing and Allied Health
  • College of Sciences
  • Center for Academic Excellence
  • Enrollment Management
  • Honors Program
  • International Programs

Biography:

A 1991 graduate of ASU, Tom joined the Office of Communications and Marketing in Sept. 2006 after spending 16 years as a local radio and TV journalist and sports broadcaster.

Since his arrival, he has won a Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) Award for feature writing and shared in several San Angelo Advertising Federation “ADDY” Awards for the ASU Web site and ASU Magazine.
 
As a student, Tom cut his teeth in media as sports editor of the Ram Page from 1990-91 and received his bachelor’s degree in journalism in 1991.  Since 1990, he has been a fixture on local radio and television, beginning with stints as news/sports director at KGKL-Radio and then as “Top of the Morning” anchor and sports director at KLST-TV.  

Starting in 1998, he has logged literally thousands of bus miles traveling as the radio play-by-play voice of the San Angelo Outlaws and Saints hockey teams, San Angelo Colts baseball team and San Angelo Stampede Express arena football team.  As the first broadcaster for the newly-revived Colts in 2000, he was a member of the front office staff that was named Organization of the Year by the Texas-Louisiana League.  He has also handled sports broadcasting duties for Central and Lake View high schools and ASU.

A San Angelo native, Tom traveled extensively with his Air Force family, living in the Philippines, Iowa, San Antonio, Alaska and England before returning to San Angelo in 1986.  He shares his home with a fat, lazy cat named Charley.

Roy Ivey

News and Information Specialist

Responsibilities:

• Media Relations
• ProfNet Assistant
• Media Feature/News Writer
• Feature Writer, ASU Magazine
• Coverage Assignments:
  • College of Education
  • College of Liberal and Fine Arts
  • Dean of Student Life
  • Residential Programs
  • University Center Program Council
  • Special Events Facilities/Services

Biography:

Roy Ivey is a San Angelo native who grew up in Robert Lee. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism from Angelo State University. Before coming to work at ASU, Ivey worked at the San Angelo Standard-Times and the Ballinger Ledger.

He is married to Dr. Sarah Logan, director of Institutional Research and Effectiveness at ASU. A lifelong resident of the Concho Valley, Ivey is an Eagle Scout with a love for nature and counts photography and gardening as hobbies. He also has an interest in music from Beethoven to ZZ Top.

Jayna Phinney

Web Information Specialist

Responsibilities:

• Web Writer
• Brochure Writer/Editor
• Internal Communications
• Feature Writer, ASU Magazine
• Coverage Assignments:
  • Academic Departments
  • Administrative Departments
  • Special Features

Biography:

Jayna Phinney joined the Office of Communications and Marketing in 2009. Prior to that, she worked as the business and health reporter for the San Angelo Standard-Times, where she was part of reporting teams that earned two E. W. Scripps honors for news coverage.

She earned a bachelor's degree in journalism and mass communications from New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, N.M. Jayna grew up in Silver City, N.M., with her parents and three siblings.

In her spare time, Jayna enjoys gardening, reading and playing tennis.

Bree Walker

Graphic Artist

Responsibilities:

• Art/Design Implementation
• Planning/Design/Implementation-Web Site
• Planning/Design/Implementation-Publications
• Coverage Assignments:
  • Departmental Newsletters
  • Recruiting Materials
  • Promotional Materials
  • C&M Web Site

Biography:

San Angelo native, Bree Walker, is a 2000 graduate of Texas Tech University with a BFA in design communications and specialization in packaging.  Bree served as president of the Texas Tech University Design Communication Association, and represented the students on the Texas Tech committee to hire a new design communication program director.

She has ten years experience in corporate graphic design and marketing. After working as an art director at Brook Mays Music Co. in Dallas, Bree entered the workforce in San Angelo as Shannon Health System's first graphic designer, then creative director at Agilight, Inc. and eventually started her own free-lance design company, Ballyhoo Concepts.

Bree has won a total of eight Gold ADDY awards and eight Silver ADDY awards from the San Angelo Advertising Federation.

Bree started working for Angelo State University in February 2008, fulfilling a long-time goal of being a part of the ASU team.

Leonor Constancio

Publications Assistant

Responsibilities:

• Quality Control for Media and Publication Writing
• Proofreader, ASU Magazine
• Design Assistance
• Secretarial/Receptionist Duties
• Maintenance of Office Budget Accounts
• Coverage Assignments:
  • University Letterhead/Business Cards
  • Meeting/program brochures

Biography:

Leonor joined the ASU family as publications assistant in the Office of Communications and Marketing in the summer of 2007.  She brought with her over 20 years of experience in printing, publications and administration. 

As an account executive for the former San Angelo branch of Taylor Publishing Company, she oversaw the production of yearbooks for over 400 schools.  Her duties included page design issues, deadline compliance, technical support, quality-assurance and budget control.  She especially enjoyed the training seminars, where she worked closely with yearbook advisers and students, gaining valuable knowledge and experience she now puts to good use at ASU.

From 2006-07, Leonor was executive assistant to Lorenzo Lasater, the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce’s 2007 Civic Leader of the Year.

Born and raised in Ozona, Texas, she moved to the “big city” of San Angelo in 1983, where she earned her diploma from American Commercial College in 1984. 

In her spare time Leonor enjoys traveling with her family.  She and her husband, Arturo, have a son, Levi, who is currently attending the University of Texas-El Paso and majoring in graphic design.  They also have one four-legged “daughter” named Troubles, whose name speaks for itself.

Danny Meyer

University Photographer

Responsibilities:

• Photographic Documentation of University
• Maintenance of University Image Library
• Support Image Needs of ASU Web Site
• RamPort ASU Snapshot Channel Coordinator
• Media Feature/News Photography
• Chief Photographer, ASU Magazine
• Coverage Assignments: 
  • Academic Life
  • Athletic Life
  • Faculty/Staff Life
  • Student Life
  • Community Life

Biography:

Danny joined the Office of Communications and Marketing in the fall of 2007 after spending five years as a staff photographer at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo.

His eye-catching pictures grace almost every page of the ASU Web site, ASU Magazine and the numerous university brochures and newsletters.  He has also added numerous ADDY Awards from the American Advertising Federation of San Angelo to the department’s trophy case.

In his time at the Air Force Academy, Danny photographed every manner of military ceremonies, academic and cultural activities and sporting events.  Some of his more illustrious subjects included President George W. Bush, Vice President Dick Cheney and numerous congressional leaders and he also photographed the funeral of former President Ronald Reagan.  In 2006, one of his pictures took second place in the world-wide Air Force Media Contest.  He has also received a Merit Award from the Professional Photographers of America.

A native of Louisville, Ky., Danny has also operated his own commercial photography business since 1996.  Some of his assignments have included the Kentucky Derby, Breeders Cup races, NCAA basketball playoffs, and NFL and NBA contests.

Danny received his degree in photographic technology in 1995 from the Ohio Institute of Photography and Technology, where he also won a scholarship from the Professional Photographers of Ohio.

Tina Doyle

Photographer

Communication, Drama & Journalism
Angelo State University
ASU Station #10895
San Angelo, TX 76909-0895
Office: (325) 942-2344, ext. 361

Responsibilities:

• Photographic Documentation of University
• Maintenance of University Image Library
• Support Image Needs of ASU Web Site
• Media Feature/News Photography
• Photographer, ASU Magazine
• Coverage Assignments:
  • Academic Life
  • Athletic Life
  • Faculty/Staff Life
  • Student Life
  • Community Life

Biography:

Tina joined the ASU faculty and staff at the same time in 1995 as both a journalism instructor and university photographer.  Many of her photos have been instrumental in winning ADDY Awards from the San Angelo Advertising Federation for the Communications and Marketing Office.

A native of West Texas, Tina grew up in Big Spring and graduated from Big Spring High School in 1975.

Also an ASU alumnus, Tina earned a bachelor’s degree in English from ASU in 1977 and later went on to get a master’s degree in photography from Sam Houston State University in 1994. Prior to re-joining the ASU community as instructor and photographer, Tina worked at the Big Spring Herald, in several photo labs and studios, and as a freelance photographer. 

Tina is particularly interested in the history of photography and has quite the collection of early picture-taking equipment and images.  She served on the board of directors of the International Photography Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City, Okla., from 2000-06 and continues to research various historical aspects of photography for articles in the organization’s newsletter.

Dave Wester

Sports Information Director

Sports Information
Angelo State University
ASU Station #10899
San Angelo, TX 76909-0899
Office: (325) 942-2378
Fax: (325) 942-2298

Responsibilities:

• Overall marketing responsibilities for ASU Athletics
• Primary Athletic Media Liaison for ASU Athletics
• Maintenance of All Statistical Information Required by NCAA
• Publications management, including all sports media guides and programs
• Production of news releases for general use
• Promotional coordination for Athletic Department and Athletic Foundation
• Liaison with NCAA News
• Maintenance of ASU Sports Web Site
• Maintenance of Sports Channel on RamPort
• Sports Feature/News Writer
• Sports Writer, ASU Magazine
• Coverage Assignments:
• Football
• Women’s Basketball
• Softball
• Track and Field/Cross Country
• Athletic Foundation

Biography:

Dave Wester is in his third year as the ASU sports information director.

He took over SID duties at Angelo State in December of 2005 after spending just over five years in the same position at Southeastern Oklahoma State University, a fellow member of the Lone Star Conference.

While at SOSU, he worked with baseball, basketball, football, softball and tennis programs that all qualified for regional competition, including a women’s basketball team that was the NCAA Division II national runner-up in 2002. He is a longtime member of the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) and has served on the Academic All-America Committee since 1995.

A  native of Oologah, Okla., Wester earned his bachelor’s degree in mass communications from Oklahoma City University and went on to spend five-plus years in the sports information office at the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), formerly in Tulsa, Okla. He is currently working towards his master’s degree in communications at ASU.  Dave and his fiance, Dawn Schneider, are to be married in June of 2008.

Ronn Rowland

Assistant SID

Sports Information
Angelo State University
ASU Station #10899
San Angelo, TX 76909-0899
Office: (325) 942-2378
Fax: (325) 942-2298

Responsibilities:

• Secondary marketing responsibilities for ASU Athletics
• Athletic Media Liaison for ASU Athletics at Direction of SID
• Maintenance of All Statistical Information Required by NCAA
• Publications management, including assigned sports media guides and programs
• Production of news releases for general use
• Sports Feature/News Writer
• Sports Writer, ASU Magazine
• Maintenance of Sports Channel on RamPort
• Maintenance of ASU Sports Web Site
• Coverage Assignments:
  • Volleyball
  • Soccer
  • Men’s Basketball
  • Baseball

Biography:

Ronn Rowland is in his second year as the ASU assistant sports information director.

Rowland came to ASU after an eight-year hiatus from the sports information field. He was the sports information director at Pacific University in Forest Grove, Ore., from 1996-1998. During his time there he was the main contact for all 14 varsity sports.

A native of Houston, Rowland received his bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Texas. While at Texas he was the top student assistant in the Longhorns women’s athletics media relations department, where he served on the statistic crews for the 1994 NCAA Division I Midwest Regional Women’s Basketball tournament, the 1994 NCAA Division I Women’s Volleyball Final Four and the 1995 NCAA Division I Women’s Swimming and Diving Championships.

Rowland and his wife Rebecca have one daughter, Holly, age 8.