SU Welcomes New Alumni Relations Director Jason Curtin

SALISBURY, MD---Six years after graduating from Salisbury University, Jason Curtin has returned as the University’s new alumni director.

After receiving his Bachelor of Arts in communication arts from SU in 1998, he went on to earn a Master of Education in higher education administration from the University of South Carolina, where he gained experience as a graduate advisor.

His career in higher education administration began in May 2002, when he became associate alumni director, then interim alumni director, at Furman University in Greenville, SC. The next year, he was promoted to associate director of annual giving.

While Curtin enjoyed his time at Furman, he felt a strong attraction to his Alma Mater. When he learned SU was seeking a new alumni director, he saw what he considered the opportunity of a lifetime.

“The option came up to do what I wanted to do in higher education for my own Alma Mater,” he said. “It was a no-brainer. I get to do what I love for a school that I love.”

The Calvert County native said an active alumni board and knowledgeable, dedicated staff made his transition into the position easy. So easy, in fact, that he already has found time to start laying groundwork for some new programs at the Office of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving.

These include creating a student-alumni council to give students more involvement in alumni and Advancement Division events and offer mentoring opportunities for students.

“That’s what we’re all here for,” he said.

He also is working with alumni chapter presidents to increase chapter sizes and start chapters in new cities including Dover, Dallas, Atlanta, Los Angels and Charlotte, NC.

In the meantime, he’s settling into Salisbury again—this time with his wife of three years, Jennifer—rekindling old acquaintances and making new ones.

Rosemary Thomas, vice president for SU Advancement, said she looked forward to Curtin’s work on campus: “His commitment to his Alma Mater and enthusiasm for the new position will undoubtedly lead us toward significant growth in the areas of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving,” she said. “Jason was very involved as a student here at SU and I believe this will allow him to make connections with students while they are here and ultimately lead to enhanced loyalty among graduates. We are pleased to have him back at Salisbury University.”

The sentiment is mutual.

“I’m thrilled to be back,” Curtin said. “It’s like a homecoming for me.”