Columbus State University announced today that Michael Tullier, APR, will begin July 1 as the university’s Executive Director of Marketing and External Relations. Tullier comes to CSU from Tuskegee University, where he was Senior Director of Communications, Public Relations and Marketing. 

“It is my honor to welcome Michael to CSU,” said CSU President Chris Markwood. “His experience and expertise will be invaluable to our team.”

As Executive Director of Marketing and External Relations, Tullier will be responsible for providing strategic leadership in the development, integration and execution of all marketing and external relations activities, to include internal and external communication, student recruitment, media relations, constituent and community relations, and reputation management and branding.

Tullier, who is an accredited public relations professional, brings more than 25 years of experience in strategic communications to CSU. At Tuskegee, he helped to increase digital engagement, expand fundraising to include a text-to-give and Giving Tuesday campaigns, and launch the university’s first-ever virtual campus tour microsite. Prior to his role at Tuskegee, he worked at Auburn University for 16 years, where his specialties included academic, research and fundraising communications and marketing.  

He has served in local, regional and national leadership positions with the Public Relations Council of Alabama, Southern Public Relations Federation and Public Relations Society of America. He was recognized by PRCA with its Philip R. Forrest Jr. State Practitioner of the Year award in 2004, and by SPRF with its Professional Achievement Award in 2005. During his 20-plus-year membership in Rotary International, he has served as president of the Auburn Rotary Club and is a Paul Harris Fellow. He is also an active Boy Scout volunteer and serves as assistant scoutmaster of Chattahoochee Council’s Troop 50. 

He holds a bachelor’s degree in mass communication from Louisiana State University’s Manship School of Mass Communication and a master’s degree in public administration from Auburn University.