Panhandle State Alumni Association Names New Director of Alumni Relations

The Panhandle State Alumni Association has named Shawn Joy the Director of Alumni Relations. Joy is no stranger to Panhandle State as he serves as the Head Baseball Coach and the Assistant Athletic Director. Joy will continue both of these roles moving into the Alumni Association. Joy is taking over this new role after the previous Director, Chyanna Black, was named the Executive Director of the Foundation.

Originally from Topeka, Kansas, Joy and his wife Maegan moved to Goodwell in 2019. With three successful coaching seasons, Joy has built a program that serves the community and engages in campus life and alumni. He plans to continue his outreach efforts while in the Alumni Association and find ways to connect with alumni that has not already been done.

University President, Dr. Julie Dinger commented, “Shawn Joy is the best person to continue the momentum of progress in the Alumni Association. I am confident that Shawn’s exceptional skills and dedication to the alumni of OPSU will take alumni engagement to new heights.”

Joy received a Bachelor of Science in Recreation Management from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. He is currently working on a Masters from East Central University and will complete the program in December.

Interim President of the Alumni Association Board, Katie Quebedeaux stated, “Shawn has been an active part of OPSU for many years. His enthusiasm and excitement for our Aggie Family is unmatched and the future of the OPSU Alumni & Friends is bright with Shawn as our Executive Director. I look forward to his innovative ideas as we move forward in continued excellence!”

As the new Director of Alumni Relations, Joy hopes to spread his enthusiasm for campus and community involvement from students to alumni. Joy states, “I’m excited and grateful for this opportunity. We want our Aggie Alums to be proud and engaged. We have a great alumni base and we’re going to showcase that.”

Vice President of Advancement Dr. Ryan Blanton stated, “Shawn is a great asset to the Advancement team. I look forward to working with him on initiatives not only within the Alumni Association, but also within our community.”