Michael Poorman

Michael Poorman serves as the Director of Alumni Relations for the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications at Pennsylvania State University, overseeing alumni programs, events, and boards for over 27,000 alumni. He concurrently teaches courses such as COMM 170 (Introduction to the Sports Industry) and has taught various other courses including COMM 476 (sports writing), a Joe Paterno-focused communications course, and freshman seminars on branding and Penn State history. He holds a Bachelor's in Journalism and Political Science from Penn State (1982) and is pursuing a Master's in History and Philosophy of Sport in the College of Health and Human Development.

His professional contributions include board memberships at the Penn State All-Sports Museum, the John Curley Center for Sports Journalism, and organizations like First Night State College. He advises the women’s field hockey team and has served in key editorial roles for regional history projects, including books on State College and the Collegian Chronicles. His work on the A&E documentary *Happy Valley* and his current StateCollege.com column further highlight his media engagement.

Poorman’s programs in alumni mentoring and communications have earned university-wide awards. His academic interests span sports industry dynamics, media history, and the intersection of sports and communications, reflected in his teaching and historical research projects.