ESU grad gets a top job in Internet business
By The Emporia Gazette (Contact)
Friday, September 8, 2006
A 2001 graduate of Emporia State University is the new vice president of product development for Washingtonpost.Newsweek Interactive.
Rob Curley, a self-described “Internet nerd from Kansas,” graduated from Osage City High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in Integrated Studies degree from ESU. He will begin his new job Oct. 1.
Shortly after starting his new job in Washington, D.C., Curley will return to Emporia to speak with ESU classes. On Oct. 13 and 14, Curley will talk to students and give a public lecture. A schedule will be announced later.
At Washingtonpost.Newsweek Interactive, Curley will lead a team to develop and deploy new tools for journalists and viewers. The company currently oversees washingtonpost.com, Newsweek.com, and Slate, all recipients of numerous industry awards.
“Rob is multitalented, ingenious, and inspiring,” said Gary Bleeker, Curley’s former professor and academic advisor. “ESU is extremely proud of his accomplishments.”
Curley goes to Washington from the Naples Daily News in Florida, where he directed new media and convergence. In 2001, the Newspaper Association of America named Curley its New Media Pioneer of the Year, making him the youngest person to ever win the award. Curley’s online development teams at the Lawrence Journal-World, the Topeka Capital-Journal and the Naples Daily News many national and international awards.
While a student at ESU, Curley was a freelance writer for Kansas newspapers and wrote for ESU’s student newspaper, The Bulletin.