Communication

2002 Tulane Communication Grad Nick Shapiro is

President Obama's Assistant Press Secretary

Few people are aware of the fact that we have a Tulane alum working in the White House under the current administration. Nick Shapiro, assistant Press Secretary for President Obama, graduated from Tulane in 2002 with a Bachelor’s degree in communication. Originally from Connecticut, Shapiro chose Tulane for its location in the incomparable city of New Orleans, but he never expected to have such remarkable opportunities.

Shapiro emphasizes that his time at Tulane was essential in preparing him for a career in the “real world.” He cites former professor Dr. Patton as a major influence in his college career and, in fact, the reason he became a communication major in the first place. “Right off the bat, I had a real interest in learning about the American presidency and the communication side of that,” says Shapiro. Making a connection with an enthusiastic professor was essential in encouraging Shapiro to strike a balance between the aims of communication and those of political science.

Shapiro credits Tulane with giving students “the flexibility to do independent studies.” In his case, that meant interning at the House of Blues, and then working at Deveney Communication starting in his junior year. Shapiro gained experience in the industry, running PR accounts for a variety of clients, and then began to work for Louisiana political campaigns directly after graduation. Shapiro says, "If it wasn't for the mentoring of John Deveney and the team at Deveney Communication, I would never have gotten this amazing opportunity. I encourage all Tulane students to look for internship opportunities at exceptional firms in New Orleans like Deveney Communication." He says his experience at Tulane and at Deveney Communication was essential and he can't thank them both enough.

Of course, a lucrative job in Washington did not simply fall in Shapiro’s lap. He was a dedicated laborer on John Kerry’s 2004 presidential campaign... After suffering defeat in the election, Shapiro quickly bounced back in the form of a job for Obama for America. He served as the Deputy Press Secretary throughout the 2008 election campaign.

Currently, Shapiro resides in Washington D.C. and works daily in the White House. Shapiro's role in the White House is to ensure the President's message is getting out. He works with national reporters on a 24/7 basis to ensure the President's policies are communicated effectively to the American people.

“I answer reporters' questions on issues from homeland security to transportation to technology,” says Shapiro. Citing the complications in illuminating a broad political message, he works to make President Obama’s goals “more transparent to the American people.”

Shapiro highlights the sense of fulfillment he feels at this exciting point in his career. “It is a thrill every day to walk into the White House,” Shapiro ensures. “I can't imagine what could top this.”