Richard Thomas III | March 17, 2025

SAN MARCOS, Texas – At Texas State University’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication, Professor of Instruction Charles “Chuck” Kaufman wears many hats—but his most important role might be the one behind the scenes, guiding students as they prepare for the world beyond college.
Kaufman is the driving force behind Bobcat Promotions, the university’s student-run public relations and strategic communications firm. He also coordinates internships, teaches courses in sports media and public relations, leads an annual networking trip to New York City, and helps select student scholarship recipients. “I enjoy working with students,” Kaufman says. “Seeing them succeed and grow—it’s deeply gratifying.”
Before joining the faculty in 2005, Kaufman built a career as a journalist and strategic communicator. His journey began with internships at The Corpus Christi Caller-Times and a news bureau in Washington D.C., before landing reporting and editing roles at The Fort Worth Star-Telegram and The Arkansas Gazette, where he helmed a daily business and arts magazine. Returning to Texas, he became Business Editor at The Austin American-Statesman during the height of the savings and loan crisis.
His dynamic experience caught the attention of Dr. Bruce Smith, then director of the School of Journalism and Mass Communication, who recruited him over coffee. “He had the journalism background, the PR expertise, and the right mindset to teach,” Smith recalls. The two later co-authored a textbook on strategic campaign planning.
Kaufman’s students see his passion firsthand. Graduate student Alexander Tawiah, who worked on a video campaign for Ozona Bank through Bobcat Promotions, describes him as “motivating and full of great ideas.” The bank’s marketing director, Daina Slover, agreed, noting how impressed she was by Kaufman’s leadership and the professionalism of the students he mentored.
Alumni often credit Kaufman with launching their careers. Christopher Henry, former Executive Director of Bobcat Promotions, now works in brand strategy after stints at Edelman and Nespresso. Journalist Kasaku Narioka, now based in Singapore with The Wall Street Journal, landed his first internship thanks to Kaufman and still keeps in touch. “He’s more than a professor—he’s a lifelong mentor,” Narioka says.
In and out of the classroom, Charles Kaufman has helped shape countless careers with his experience, encouragement, and unwavering commitment to student success. His impact echoes far beyond San Marcos, reaching boardrooms and newsrooms across the globe.