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 Accountability
• Risk Management
• College of Arts and Sciences Departments/Programs
  • 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 four granddaughters, Hannah Alane, Cora Belle, Miriam Faith and Carys Anne.

Tom Nurre

News and Information Specialist

Responsibilities:

• Overall Media Liaison for Contacts and Placements
• ProfNet Coordinator
• RamPort News Channel Coordinator
• Associate Editor, ASU Magazine
• Senior Publications/Website Editor
• ASU Radio Service Production
• Media Feature/News Writer

Coverage Assignments:

• College of Arts and Sciences Departments/Administration
  
  • Agriculture
  • Biology
  • Chemistry and Biochemistry
  • Mathematics and Computer Science
  • Physics
• College of Business Departments
  
  • Security Studies and Criminal Justice
• College of Health and Human Services Departments/Administration
  
  • Kinesiology
  • Nursing and Rehabilitation Sciences
• College of Graduate Studies
• Center for Security Studies
• Honors Program
• International Programs
• Multicultural Center
• Hispanic Serving Institution

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

Since his arrival, he has won four Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) Awards for feature writing and shared in numerous San Angelo Advertising Federation ADDY® Awards for the ASU website and ASU Magazine.  He was nominated for a 2008 Staff Excellence Award.

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 announcer for the San Angelo Outlaws and Saints hockey teams, San Angelo Colts baseball team and San Angelo Stampede Express arena football team.  As the first director of media relations and broadcasting 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.  His wife, Nana, is an ASU nursing graduate employed by Shannon Clinic. They share their home with a dapple dachshund named Baileys.

Roy Ivey

News and Information Specialist

Responsibilities:

• Media Relations
• ProfNet Assistant
• Media Feature/News Writer
• Feature Writer, ASU Magazine

Coverage Assignments:

• College of Arts and Sciences Departments/Programs
  
  • Art and Music
  • Communication, Mass Media and Theatre
  • English and Modern Languages
  • Political Science
• College of Education Departments/Administration
  
  • Curriculum and Instruction
  • Teacher Education
• College of Health and Human Services Departments
  
  • Psychology, Sociology and Social Work
• 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 Accountability 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, Academic/Administrative Departments
• Brochure Writer/Editor, Academic/Administrative Departments
• Internal Communications
• Feature Writer, ASU Magazine

Coverage Assignments:

• Admissions
• Center for Academic Excellence
• College of Business/Administration
  
  • Aerospace Studies/ROTC
  • Accounting, Economics and Finance
  • Management and Marketing
• Enrollment Management

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. While working at the newspaper, she met her husband, Matt.

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.

Jayna is pursuing a master’s degree in communication from ASU. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, reading and spending time with her daughter, Cameron, and her husband.

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.

Gabrielle Miller

Graphic Artist/Web Designer

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:
In August 2011, Gabrielle joined the Communications and Marketing team, bringing her vast experience in design with print as her specialty.

Originally from Wisconsin, Miller moved to Texas as a teenager, completed high school and graduated with a Bachelor of Fine of Arts from Texas A&I (now A&M) University in Kingsville. Her first job after college was with a stationery printing company in Brownwood, where she learned the basics of print and graphics techniques.

Miller ultimately landed in the world of newspapers from 1989 until 2008. She spent just more than 16 years at the San Angelo Standard-Times in the advertising department as a graphic designer and creative services manager. Through those years she saw tremendous change in the industry from antiquated to high-tech production. Her responsibilities included graphic design for various departments, creation of editorial graphics for the newsroom for a short stint, management and training of graphic artist staff, collaboration with the press department to deliver optimal print results, web ad design and more. During her time with the paper, she won numerous ADDY® awards and national recognition for her eye-catching advertising design, brochures, logos, etc.

Upon her departure from the Standard-Times, Miller joined local agency McLaughlin Advertising. While at the agency, she added photographer, writer and web designer to her repertoire. Working closely with clients such as Mr. Boots, West Texas Medical Associates, Sugar Daddy Desserts and others, she built an array of advertising and collateral.

Miller acquired her “dream job” in the ASU Office of Communications and Marketing. She and her husband, Jason, have two children.

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 advisors and students, gaining valuable knowledge and experience she now puts to good use at ASU.

Leonor is also a non-traditional student at ASU and is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in communication. Follow her blog to learn about her experiences.

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 grandson, Xavier.

Danny Meyer

University Photographer

Responsibilities:

• Photographic Documentation of University
• Maintenance of University Image Library
• Support Image Needs of ASU Website
• 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 website, 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, Mass Media and Theatre
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 website
• 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.

Brandon Ireton

Director of Athletic Communications
 
Responsibilities:

• Overall Strategic Planning/Administration for Athletic Communications
• Promotion of ASU Athletics
• Athletics Media Relations
• AngeloSports.com Management
• Athletics Community Engagement
• Sport Responsibilities: Football, Men’s Basketball, Track and Field, Cross Country, Golf

Biography:
Brandon Ireton is in his first year as director of athletic communications for the Angelo State Athletic Communications office. The West Texas native will oversee the coverage and promotion of Angelo State’s 13 men’s and women’s sports.

Prior to Angelo State, Ireton worked two years at Texas Tech as a graduate assistant before being promoted to assistant director of athletics communications for football, cross country and track and field. He also has been the primary media relations contact for women’s volleyball, women’s soccer, women’s tennis and women’s golf. Additionally, he served as the Texas Tech Athletic Department’s supervisor for student interns.

Prior to beginning his tenure at Texas Tech, Ireton worked in the Sports Information Office at Howard Payne University in Brownwood, assisting the director in daily operations and game-day preparation and coverage while he worked on his bachelor’s degree with a dual major in communication studies and public relations. He also earned a Master of Science in exercise and sports science with a concentration in sports management from Texas Tech University.

In addition to his collegiate sports promotion experience, Ireton also worked a summer doing customer relations and game support for the Midland Rockhounds minor league baseball team. He is a member of the College Sports Information Directors of America.

Ireton is a native of Stanton, where he graduated from high school.

Wes Bloomquist

Assistant Director of Athletic Communications
 
Responsibilities:

• Promotion of ASU Athletics
• Athletics Media Relations
• Sport Responsibility: Soccer, Football, Volleyball

Biography:
Wes Bloomquist is a second-year graduate assistant in the Angelo State Athletic Communication office. The Georgetown native is pursuing a master’s degree in communication.

Before arriving in San Angelo, Bloomquist enjoyed a career as a sports journalist in the newspaper industry. He began his journalism experience as the assistant sports editor at The Duncan Banner in Duncan, Okla., before covering south Texas athletics as a sports writer for three years at The Victoria Advocate. Also a licensed Texas real estate agent, Bloomquist has worked as a freelance writer for the Austin American-Statesman, Cedar Park Citizen, The Williamson County Sun, and the San Antonio Express-News.

Bloomquist graduated from the University of Texas at Tyler in 2005 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. While at UT-Tyler, he interned in the newsroom at Tyler’s CBS 19 television station and wrote for the student newspaper covering men’s and women’s soccer, men’s basketball, softball and baseball.

Tommy Schield

Athletic Communications Graduate Assistant
 
Responsibilities:

• Promotion of ASU Athletics
• Athletics Media Relations
• Sport Responsibilities: Soccer and Volleyball

Biography:
Tommy Schield is a second-year graduate assistant in the Angelo State Athletic Communications office. The Bellflower, Ill., native is currently pursuing his master’s degree in communications and serves as ASU’s primary media contact for football and softball.

Before arriving in San Angelo, Schield completed a one-year internship for Conference USA in Dallas, where he was the primary media contact for cross country, swimming and diving, men’s and women’s tennis, men’s and women’s golf and softball. He was also the secondary football contact.

Schield graduated from Illinois State University in 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in public relations. While at ISU, he was the media relations contact for men’s golf and helped with game-day operations for football, volleyball, men’s and women’s basketball, softball and baseball.