Starting back where he began
Alexander returns to TCU for new role as director of admissions marketing

By Bethany McCormack
Staff Reporter

After graduating in May 2000, Ben Alexander returned to campus this semester in a new role — staff member.

The former advertising/public relations major and Student Government Association president is now the director of admissions marketing at TCU.

Alexander said his job is to attract prospective high school students to the campus. He will be working on the admissions Web site, designing the TCU Viewbook, setting up an admissions video and creating various mail-out materials.

“One of the things that really attracted me about this job was the fact that it gives me the opportunity to work for an organization that I really love,” Alexander said.

He said he feels especially prepared for the job since he has first-hand experience with the classes, students, faculty and even eating in The Main. Actively involved in campus life as a student, Alexander said he also participated in the Wesley Foundation, University Ministries and Programming Council.

Ray Brown, dean of admissions, said Alexander’s experience as a student contributed to his being hired for this position.

“Ben has an unusually rich understanding of the university for one so young,” Brown said. “As president of the SGA, he had a vantage point that not many faculty and staff would have had.”

Alexander also said his time here was beneficial.

“Just being a student here has really helped me to appreciate everything that TCU is and everything that TCU is going to become in the next few years,” Alexander said.

Working on orientation staff for three years in a row and getting to know people that he otherwise would not have met is one of the most valuable experiences he had at TCU, Alexander said.

He said he credits his freshman year roommate, Zu Williams, with getting him involved in different activities on campus.

“He got me involved with orientation staff, which opened the door to get involved with other things,” Alexander said.

Kay Higgins, director of new student programs, said she has known Alexander since he was a freshman and worked with him for three summers on the orientation staff. Higgins said she was thrilled when she learned of Alexander’s new position in the admissions office.

“(Alexander) is one of the most phenomenal people I have ever known,” Higgins said. “He’s very bright, very thoughtful ... (he’s) just a remarkable human being.”

Alexander, who originally planned on attending a state school, said his high school English teacher first got him interested in TCU. He said he was sold on the school by the personal attention he received when he came to visit.

“I have to do my best to give perspective students a great idea of what the people are like here, because I think people are what really sets TCU apart from other schools,” Alexander said.

He said he hopes to stay involved with student activities and be visible on campus in this job.

Brown said he is pleased with Alexander’s work so far.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve been so impressed by someone so young so quickly,” he said.

Alexander said he learned recently about the importance of taking chances in life, and applying for this position was evidence of that. Alexander said he didn’t think he had any hopes of getting this job, but now is glad he tried.

“This is an excellent opportunity for me right now, and I’m just very blessed to have this job so young out of college,” Alexander said.

Bethany McCormack
b.s.mccormack@student.tcu.edu