Senior Uses Co-Op Experience to Help Current, Prospective Students Via Social Media

Spencer Barrett, an Eastern Kentucky University senior from Lancaster, is putting his public relations major to good use with social media in the Office of Admissions.

Working as a co-op student under Matt Schumacher, Barrett assists EKU’s social media efforts, “maintaining an online presence” with platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

“There is not just one way to connect with students,” Barrett said. “Social media communicates with students on different levels and give different viewpoints. It gives help people want.”

Barrett is also using the website Tumblr to help promote the University.

“Tumblr is an up-and-coming site,” he said, “so we thought it would be best to get ahead of the game and get EKU out there to users.”

Tumblr is used to reblog and share different links, images and posts. The website is being used to share valuable information and answer students’ questions. “Just today I shared links to a residence hall checklist and 50 Ramen recipes.”

While at EKU, Barrett has served three years as an orientation leader, and as a Colonel Camp and New Student Days leader.

“I don’t remember what I was like before EKU,” he said. “I really love it here, and I wanted to help give back. Everything I have been a part of here has helped me grow, and I have learned just as much inside the classroom as out. I feel better about going out and getting a job after being here.” Barrett plans to continue his work in social media after graduation.

To view the social media platforms, visit Eastern Kentucky University on Facebook, EKUAdmissions on Twitter and Instagram, and easternkentuckyuniversity.tumblr.com.