FIYou: Joe Hornstein


OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAName: Joe Hornstein

Hometown: Miami

Job Title/Department: Director of Athletics Media Relations

Location/Campus: U.S. Century Bank Arena, Modesto A. Maidique Campus

In a nutshell: I am directly responsible for media relations with our football and women’s golf programs, as well as tasks related to promoting the overall athletics department. From a football standpoint, I spend each day with the team helping our student-athletes interact positively with members of the media, community and fan base. Our office has four full-time media relations contacts, a staff writer, a graduate assistant and a bevy of student interns. (Shameless plug: we are always looking for enthusiastic students to come over and help!)

Number of years at FIU: 2

What do you enjoy most about your job? Most of all, I enjoy working with and for our student-athletes. I believe that they are in a powerful position, being able to promote FIU through their athletics competition. So, when I can play a positive role in helping them do just that to their fullest, nothing is more fulfilling.

What do you think students and your fellow faculty/staff should know about your area? We have one of the best jobs on campus! We are FIU publicists, social media experts, school historians, promotions, media and community relations – all wrapped into one job. Plus, we get to go to every game.

Where is your favorite spot on campus? I love going to the Graham Center on Wednesdays. Such a buzz going on there, with all the school clubs in full presence. I like to walk into Barnes & Noble to see what sort of new FIU Athletics swag they are selling.

What is one thing you wish everyone knew about FIU? This campus is a beautiful academic and athletic oasis. Growing up in Miami and watching this campus grow to what it showcases today is awe-inspiring.

How do you help make FIU “Worlds Ahead”? We have a goal to add new patrons, friends and followers to our various athletics social media accounts. On game day, we have multiple staffs working to bring new fans to campus to be entertained. Every day, we are working to spread the “good word” of FIU to the many members of the media that cover intercollegiate athletics.

Family snapshot: I am the youngest of three boys. We all live within five minutes of each other. We are the best of friends. My family has resided in Miami since the parents and grandparents migrated from New York in the early 1960’s.

First paying job: McDonald’s in the summer of my 15th birthday.

Favorite TV show: “Ray Donovan” on Showtime

What is playing on your iPod? Classic rock ‘n’ roll

Your proudest accomplishment: I was most recently national president for the College Sports Information Directors of America. It is a 3,000-member collective of media relations professionals representing colleges across the United States and Canada.

What do you do when you are not working at FIU? I am either spending time with family, attending a concert or at the gym.

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