How Jackson Shelstad is Showing Student-Athletes the Power of NIL
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Available for PR & Communications Roles
Thomas Burkel
Hello, my name is Thomas! I am a public relations professional and a recent graduate from the University of Oregon. My specialty lies at the intersection of sports and communications. I have helped numerous organizations with content strategy, developed brand awareness for athletes, and have developed a passion for supporting others along the way. If you would like to learn more about me, and the cool work that I have done, please reach out!
University of Oregon
Graduate
Public Relations
+ Sports Business
NIL
Strategy & Branding
12+
Published Articles
On Record
About
The Story So Far
Throughout my life, I've had a constant interest in sports and communications. I have always been fascinated by how organizations and teams connect with fans and generate stories that motivate others.
In June, I graduated from the University of Oregon with a degree in Public Relations and a concentration in Sports Business. During my time in school, I dove headfirst into the world of name, image, and likeness (NIL) — educating the public on NIL initiatives and writing articles on how athletes could optimize their brand image. Working in sports communications has inspired me to tell the right story and help athletes and organizations connect meaningfully with their audiences.
I've also worked in fields outside of sports. Throughout college, I gained experience creating campaigns in the brewing, cosmetics, and city planning industries, working with brands like the City of Estacada and Alesong Brewing and Blending. I've also contributed to space and event scheduling as the Lead Scheduling Assistant for the Lundquist College of Business.
I'm looking to integrate my love of sports and communications to help build brands that inspire others — and I'd welcome the chance to bring that passion to your team.
The Wire
Blogs
A running series on NIL, sports branding, and athlete storytelling — covering the strategy behind how athletes and organizations build lasting brands.
How to Succeed in Sports Communications: An Interview With Jaeden Gordon
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From Court to Career: Branding Yourself for Life After College Athletics
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From Data to Deals: How Infographics Empower NIL Understanding
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Brand vs. Business: The Cavinder Twins and NIL Consequences
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How JuJu Watkins Turned Her NIL Into a Signature Brand
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NIL Red Flags: What to Avoid When Growing Your Brand in the College Space
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Brand Like a Baller: 5 Brand Image Tips for College Basketball Athletes
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How the Curry Brand is Making a Splash in Corporate Social Responsibility
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Women College Basketball Stars Who Are Redefining the NIL Era
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Leveling the Playing Field
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The Hoopers Dream: An Introduction to NIL and Women's College Basketball
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The Portfolio
Public Relations Work
A collected body of PR coursework and projects — press materials, campaign strategy, and brand storytelling built around the same throughline as everything above: helping athletes and organizations connect with the audiences that matter most to them.
- Media Relations
- NIL & Athlete Branding
- Campaign Strategy
- Social & Content Storytelling
Full Portfolio
PR Portfolio & Case Work
Explore the complete collection of public relations projects, campaign work, and work outside communications.
Open Portfolio ↗Let's Build Something Worth Talking About.
Open to public relations, communications, and sports-business opportunities. Reach out any time — I'd love to talk about how I can contribute to your team.