Wes Torain is the new Director of Public Relations and Digital Media at Calhoun Community College. He brings more than thirty years of experience in broadcasting, journalism, public relations, and multimedia production, and will oversee the College’s marketing efforts. The college made the announcement in November.
“We are excited to have Wes permanently in this new role here at the College,” commented Dr. Joe Burke, Calhoun Interim President. “His past and current experiences in television, marketing, and higher education made him the ideal candidate for this position.”
For the last 18 years, Torain has been employed at Calhoun and most recently served as the supervisor over the Calhoun Education Television (CETV) and Digital Media department. Before Calhoun, he spent 17 years with American Family Broadcasting and Raycom Media at their local NBC affiliate station WAFF. His work also includes media contract for The History Channel, ESPN, Auburn University, The Alabama Hospital Association, Nucor Steel, The U.S. Department of Agriculture, ConAgra, The Farm Service Agency, and many others.
Torain majored in Telecommunications at Alabama A&M University and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Athens State University. He holds several certifications in Digital Media Editing and Special Effects from AVID Technology at SCAD. He is currently enrolled at Athens State University and will complete his Master of Education (M.Ed) with a concentration on Instructional Technology next semester. Torain is an active member of the community and has served on numerous boards, which include the American Red Cross Community Board, The Princess Theatre for Performing Arts Board, Big Brothers-Big Sisters, Alabama A&M Alumni Association, and is the current president of the Tennessee Valley School Alumni Association.
Wes is married to Lesa Torain, a Reading Specialist for Decatur City Schools. They have two sons, the youngest, Jon is a graduate of Calhoun Community College, his oldest Jarrod is a graduate of the University of Alabama in Birmingham. His daughter-in-law Jasmine Howard-Torain is also a graduate of UAB and works in research at Vanderbilt University in Nashville. He has one granddaughter, his “best sweet girl”, 2-year old Olivia Torain.