A communications/mass media degree from Virginia Wesleyan has taken Aaron Bull far. Aaron began his career at the Family Channel Television Network and has been the owner of Bull & Company MediaWorks, a marketing firm specializing in digital website production, marketing and print, since 2003. He is a graduate of Lead Hampton Roads, a member of the Noblemen, and a Chesapeake Chamber of Commerce Executive Board Member. But his most important role by far, he says, is "being a husband and a dad!" His wife Kay (Tipton) Bull is a fellow 1995 VWU graduate, and their daughter Annalee is a future Marlin. In his free time he enjoys cycling (some would say he's obsessed), kayaking and being with his family.
How did your time at Virginia Wesleyan University shape the person you are today?
Honestly, I was never really into school prior to being accepted at VWU. It wasn't that I did overly badly, it simply wasn't my thing. However, once my girlfriend gave me the proverbial kick in the pants and I was accepted into VWU, things changed. I was actually interested in school. Why? Well, the instructors took interest in me and my studies. They were willing not only to push me, but also to help me as well. I was also able to study the things that I was interested in rather than being told what I had to study. That, of course, is usually the college experience, but that was huge for me!
What are some of your favorite memories of friends, professors or mentors at VWU?
Freshmen orientation still sticks out in my mind. There was a hypnotist that did some crazy things. Also, I had a great time with some of my fellow students in the communications program: Michelle (Schloff) Forbes, Jenny (Ernwein) Vesta and others (sorry to leave some of you out). [I got a lot out of] working with Dr. Kathy Merlock Jackson. She really pushed me! I didn't appreciate it then, but very much appreciate it now. I also worked with Dr. Terry Lindvall while he was an adjunct instructor on some crazy projects. That guy could get the grumpiest person alive to start laughing and get involved! Other professors that made an impact: Dr. Bill Jones (miss him!); Dr. Larry Hultgren (he could take the abstract and make it something you could understand); Dr. Stephen Mansfield (I took a J Term with him on the history of Princess Anne County and I've got a funny story if you ever want to hear it – he also made it to our wedding); and Barclay Sheaks (I'm by NO means an artist and yet he was able to pull a little bit of it out of me – miss him as well!).
How are Wesleyan alumni different from other college graduates?
I don't know. I don't associate with other college graduates. Kidding! Can't we all get along?! I'd like to answer this a bit differently. What differentiates VWU from other schools is its size? It's a big school with a small feeling. It was one of the biggest draws for me. I never felt like a number even when I took some of the really big film classes.