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Know Your Neighbor: Rosalee Rush
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Stanislaus States new Senior Associate Vice President for Communications, Marketing and Media Relations, Rosalee Rush, was drawn to the university because of its focus on student success, as well as President Ellen Junns commitment to creating an inclusive learning environment. - photo by Photo Contributed

Stanislaus State’s new Senior Associate Vice President for Communications, Marketing and Media Relations, Rosalee Rush, was drawn to the university because of its focus on student success, as well as President Ellen Junn’s commitment to creating an inclusive learning environment. Before coming to Turlock, Rush served in a similar role at Bloomsbury University of Pennsylvania. She is a Michigan native, however, earning both her master’s and bachelor’s degrees in journalism from Michigan State University. Joining Rush in Turlock are her husband, Ty, and three children, Dominic, Kayden and Jordan Grace.

 

Q: How did you first become interested in marketing and communications?

A: Written communication has always been the way I connect with people, the world and events around me. I love to observe and listen to people’s stories. Marketing and communications provides me with the platform to do that on a larger scale and to create narratives to positively impact others.

 

Q: What is unique about handling media relations for a university like Stanislaus State?

A: The mission of a public university such as Stanislaus State is critically important. Media relations plays an integral role in helping the University achieve its mission and vision through the sharing of outstanding student and faculty accomplishments, research and learning that is helping to transform lives and the surrounding region now and in the future. Stan State has an incredible opportunity, one that most universities do not, to brand itself meaningfully for the significant progress it is making in improving graduation rates of its student population, of which 77 percent are first generation and more than 50 percent Hispanic.

 

Q: As a newcomer to Turlock, what do you like about the city so far?

A: I enjoy the many different restaurant choices and the ability to interact with people of differing perspectives and cultural backgrounds on a daily basis.

 

Q: How do you hope to inspire young women who may want to follow in your shoes?

A: I’ve been fortunate to have mentors who encouraged and challenged me to grow and learn constantly. As a result, I'm always looking for opportunities to connect people and encourage them to be open to new ways of thinking and learning on a daily basis. My advice to young women is to take time to truly understand who you really are and your passions. Set aside time weekly for self-reflection. Once you discover your passion, make it your personal mission to learn every aspect related to pursuing and fulfilling your purpose.

 

Q: What is your favorite thing to do for fun?

A: I love to spend time with my family. We frequently have impromptu old-fashion game nights, where we play board games, Uno or Nerf wars. Personally, I love to roller skate.

 

Q: What is the last TV show or book that captivated you?

A: I read a lot of blogs and books for personal and professional growth. Currently, I'm reading two books; "Radical Candor" by Kim Scott and "Post-Traumatic Slave Syndrome: America's Legacy of Enduring Injury and Healing" by Dr. Joy Leary. 

 

Q: What is one thing that people would be surprised to learn about you?

A: I’m a classically trained flutist.