Bledsoe Named to Alumni Post

Bledsoe replaces Kathy Bowman, who plans to be married and is moving to Lamesa. Bledsoe's appointment was announced by Gary Bouse, executive director of University Advancement.

"We are extremely pleased that Theresa Bledsoe has chosen to join Sam Houston State University," said Bouse. "Theresa has extensive experience in such areas as special event planning, publications, and marketing that will enable her to be very successful as director of alumni relations."

Nationally accredited in educational public relations, Bledsoe graduated from Sam Houston State University with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in management. She also holds an Associate in Arts degree in business administration from Tarrant County Junior College and is working toward a master's degree in liberal arts at Houston Baptist University.

In addition to coordinating Huntsville ISD's public relations program for the last 12 years, Bledsoe has also directed district functions in the areas of communications, media relations, special events, volunteer services and business partnerships.

She has served as the district's coordinator for the Texas Scholars program and facilitated activities of the Huntsville Education Foundation since its inception. For the last 11 years, Bledsoe has written articles and contributed photos featuring Huntsville ISD students and staff for the Sunday edition of The Huntsville Item.

"I am honored to have the opportunity to serve Sam Houston State University, my alma mater," said Bledsoe. "I look forward to working with Gary Bouse, executive director of University Advancement and supporting Advancement activities, including the Office of Public Relations and administration. Most of all, I am committed to building alliances with students--past, present and future--and working closely with the Alumni Association Advisory Board, university deans, faculty, and staff."

Bledsoe is a member of the Huntsville Rotary Club and serves as chair of the Career Development Committee. She also acts as an ambassador for the Huntsville-Walker County Chamber of Commerce.

Currently, Bledsoe holds the office of vice-president/East Texas area for the Texas School Public Relations Association (TSPRA), representing Education Service Center regions 6, 7, and 8. In addition, she is an active member of the National School Public Relations Association, Texas Association of School Boards, and the Texas Council of Women School Executives.

A native Texan, Bledsoe has lived in Huntsville since 1986. In her free time she enjoys photography, genealogy, working as a community volunteer, and writing short stories.

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SHSU Media Contact: Frank Krystyniak
May 21, 1999
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