About Us
Steve Harmon, APR
Director
Steve has been creating and executing award-winning public relations campaigns in higher education for over 20 years. He's well versed in maintaining the TAMIU brand through compelling storytelling, powerful digital and print publications and momentum-building strategic community partnerships. Along with the dedicated PRMIS team, he leads integrated communication and marketing plans focused on sharing our multi-faceted and dynamic story with a global audience. He is powerless around his unimaginatively named dog, Harry, who is a threat to life and limb. Steve is equally powerless around the kitchen, but can “assemble” in a pinch.
956.326.2180
harmon@tamiu.edu
956.326.2180
harmon@tamiu.edu
Mika Akikuni
Associate Director of Marketing
Mika leads TAMIU's marketing initiatives through data-based strategies and powerful partnerships with media, the community, business, government and non-profit organizations. With over 20 years of experience in the communications and marketing fields, she was previously assistant vice president of marketing at IBC Bank. She was also associate director of public relations and communications specialist at TAMIU. Prior to TAMIU, she was an education and courts reporter for The Laredo Morning Times and covered news stories for various newspapers in the Phoenix metro area. She holds a master's degree in Public Administration from TAMIU and a bachelor's in Journalism from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University. Born in Argentina and raised in Paraguay, she is an avid world traveler. She looks forward to working in dynamic teams to advance the University's mission.
956.326.2184
makikuni@tamiu.edu
Rory King
Director of Web
Rory is responsible for the day-to-day management of the University’s main website, www.tamiu.edu. He works hand in hand with over 100 TAMIU content contributors across campus to ensure that tamiu.edu tells our story in the most functionally accessible, engaging and relevant manner as possible. His leadership has helped to make our award-winning site a shining example of responsive web design. Rory has an MBA with a Concentration in Management Information Systems from TAMIU as well as a Bachelor of Business Administration in Computer Information Systems from Texas State University. He is currently upgrading the University’s content management system to Cascade. Make him smile with any inquiry about all things web!
956.326.2015
rory.king@tamiu.edu
Melissa Barrientos-Whitfield
Communications and Social Media Specialist
Originally from Laredo, Melissa joined TAMIU after working five years at a television station in Austin, Texas. She also worked as a freelance reporter covering various departments in city government and politics. An active indoor enthusiast, Melissa enjoys sewing, reading and is starting to enjoy knitting. She looks forward to assisting in promoting the University. Melissa graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Journalism and also with an AA from Laredo Community College.
Ana Clamont
Design and Brand Manager
Ana is responsible for ensuring the TAMIU brand reflects the University’s excellence. In addition to designing the distinctive TAMIU “look” and University-wide campaigns, she helps clients understand the process of creating and maintaining the best image for their campaigns or projects. Ana also shares her knowledge with students as an adjunct instructor in the College of Arts and Sciences. As an adjunct instructor, Ana became involved in Reading the Globe and has traveled with students to Chile and Bosnia and hopes to continue to participate in upcoming journeys. She holds a BFA in visual arts with specialization in graphic design from the University of Nuevo León, México and two MBAs, in International Trade and Marketing—from TAMIU. Prior to TAMIU, Ana worked in the marketing department at IBC.
956.326.2182
aclamont@tamiu.edu
Ana María Vargas
Associate Director of Web
Ana María provides support to all TAMIU web content managers and, alongside Rory King, Director of Web, is responsible for the day-to-day maintenance of the University’s web pages. She is passionate about helping everyone create and update their webpages and happy to answer any questions or concerns that arise. Contact her regarding Cascade CMS or to schedule Cascade training. Born, raised, and educated in Laredo, Ana María received her BBA in Management Information Systems and her MS in Information Systems from TAMIU. In her spare time, you’ll find her relaxing with a nice, hot cup of tea and enjoying a good movie. She also likes arts and crafts, especially knitting, crochet, cross-stitch, and fusible beading.
956.326.2186
ana.vargas@tamiu.edu
Rolando Santos
Videographer/Photographer
With almost five years experience in television production, Rolando brings his creativity and enthusiasm in film and photography back to his alma mater. He previously worked as a Public Relations Specialist at Laredo Community College, where he developed promotional materials and carried out photographic assignments. A passionate film enthusiast and self-described “music explorer,” he holds a bachelor’s degree from TAMIU in Communications with a minor in Marketing.
956.326.2181
rolando.santos@tamiu.edu
With almost five years experience in television production, Rolando brings his creativity and enthusiasm in film and photography back to his alma mater. He previously worked as a Public Relations Specialist at Laredo Community College, where he developed promotional materials and carried out photographic assignments. A passionate film enthusiast and self-described “music explorer,” he holds a bachelor’s degree from TAMIU in Communications with a minor in Marketing.
956.326.2181
rolando.santos@tamiu.edu
Kacy Mathews
Designer
For a youthful, sophisticated and cultured take on graphic design, contact Kacy. She’s also an experienced world traveler and will gladly share travel tips and stories. Her other interests include playing video games and designing and creating original jewelry for her Etsy shop. Kacy hails from Caddo Valley, Ark. She came to TAMIU via Arkadelphia, Ark., where she graduated from Henderson State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Digital Art and Design with an emphasis on Film Photography.
956.326.2185
kacy.mathews@tamiu.edu
Laura Bogue
Staff Assistant
Laura keeps our office running smoothly and has been with the University since 1987, back when we were still downtown and named Laredo State University. Her cheery voice will help you on the phone and her smiling face will greet you in the office. Please see her for all your business card or invitation needs, for assistance filling out our office forms or to check on the status of a project. Laura can also help you make an appointment with the designers or the other office staff.
956.326.2180
laura.bogue@tamiu.edu