David Remund, a Drake University 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.
Remund 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’m pleased that David has accepted the position of director of alumni relations,” said Drake University President Marty Martin. “His connections to Drake as a two-time alumnus and a former assistant professor of public relations give him a unique perspective and passion for the University that will serve to strengthen our relationships with the more than 70,000 Drake alumni around the world.”
Remund holds a Bachelor of Arts in public relations and advertising and a Master of Communication Leadership from Drake University. 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.
Remund 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 return home to Drake coincides perfectly with the culmination of his professional experiences,” said John Smith, vice president of alumni and development. “All who were part of the selection process are energized by his optimism for Drake’s promising future and we’re collectively confident that he will be received well by all in the Drake community.”
Raised in a family of six children, Remund became the first of his siblings to attend a private university when he enrolled at Drake on an academic scholarship. When his father died unexpectedly during David’s junior year at Drake, faculty, staff members, and administrators put their arms around him—literally and figuratively—in a tremendous show of support.
Remund plans to pay that generosity forward with leadership that helps the Office of Alumni Relations create meaningful and memorable experiences for current, former, and future Bulldogs, with a contagious pride that alumni will carry with them through their lives.
“Being away from Drake the past two years, I have come to realize and appreciate more than ever what a unique and special place Drake is,” Remund said. “There’s such an exceptional spirit at Drake, and a true commitment to helping people live their dreams and become leaders within their respective fields and communities. I’m honored to have the opportunity to provide leadership for our alumni family worldwide.”