Michael Tullier, APR

Biography

Michael Tullier has worked in public relations for more than 30 years, with most of his experience focused on the higher education sector.

He began his career leading and supporting nonprofit organizations, specifically food and community blood banks. His university experience includes leading institutional-level communication and marketing, and specific practice in academic, fundraising, alumni relations and research communications. That work included previous roles at Auburn University and Tuskegee University before he began his current duties in 2020 at Columbus State University, where he now leads the Office of Strategic Communication + Marketing as its executive director, a university spokesperson, and its public information officer. At each institution, he has shared his experience with students as a frequent adjunct instructor or guest lecturer.

Throughout his career, his work has received awards from CASE, the Southern Public Relations Federation and the Public Relations Council of Alabama. He is the Public Relations Council of Alabama’s 2004 Philip R. Forrest Jr. State Practitioner of the Year and the Southern Public Relations Federation’s 2005 Professional Achievement Award recipient.

Michael holds the Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) credential from the Universal Accreditation Board, for which he served as national chair in 2008. He earned a bachelor's degree in mass communication from Louisiana State University, a master of public administration from Auburn University, and a Certificate in Nonprofit Management & Leadership from Auburn University at Montgomery. He is a 1997 graduate of Leadership Lee County (Alabama).

An Eagle Scout, Alumnus of the Year and Silver Beaver recipient, Michael has been involved in Scouting America nearly his entire life. He currently serves on the board of the Columbus-based Chattahoochee Council. A member of the Columbus Rotary Club, he is a 25-plus-year Rotarian, past Auburn Rotary Club president and Paul Harris Fellow. He volunteers his time with Columbus 2025 and as a judge for the Page One Tucker-Wilder Journalism Award. He is a member of the Public Relations Society of America and an editorial board member of the Journal of Education Advancement & Marketing.