Larry Crum, a 2005 graduate of Marshall University with a degree in public relations, has been named the new assistant director of alumni relations at Marshall.
He assumed his new position Tuesday, Jan. 20.
Crum joins the Marshall University Alumni Association after more than six years as the media and public relations manager for the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) in Norwalk, Ohio, where he oversaw the daily media and PR functions for one of the largest motorsports sanctioning bodies in the United States.
Prior to that, from 2004 to 2009, Crum worked as sports editor at Ohio Valley Publishing, which included newspapers in Gallipolis, Ohio, Pomeroy, Ohio, and Point Pleasant, W.Va. Crum is a native of Point Pleasant.
“I am thrilled to have this wonderful opportunity to return home and give back to Marshall University. Marshall has been a big part of my life and I look forward to supporting the many wonderful programs, events and opportunities that the Marshall University Alumni Association affords to Herd alumni around the globe,” Crum said. “Right now is a very exciting time to be here and I truly look forward to working with the university, students and MU alumni in promoting this great institution.”
Matt Hayes, executive director of Marshall University Alumni Relations, said Crum is a tremendous addition to the alumni relations team.
“His extensive experience in the area of event planning and execution will provide our organization with both fresh perspective and the ability to continue our tradition of creating memorable experiences for all alumni and friends of Marshall University,” Hayes said.
Crum plans to use social media togrow the alumni membership. While working with the IHRA, he generated record growth utilizing social media campaigns, live event coverage, unique fan interaction and contests using Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
“We are very fortunate to attract and add Larry Crum to our alumni relations staff,” said Dr. Ron Area, chief executive officer of the Marshall Foundation Inc. “His career experiences and expertise in multiple areas of marketing and social media complement the new avenues we are pursuing in alumni relations.”
Crum’s wife, Amanda, graduated from Marshall with a business degree in 2008. They are the parents of Peyton, who is 3 years old.
“There are a lot of big things coming around,” Crum said. “There’s a lot of potential here. I just want to help in any little way I can.”
