Photo courtesy of Lucy Jane Crimm

Student Life Coordinator, Devin Fulton, providing commentary during half time of the homecoming basketball game.

By Kylie Wheaton

Anyone who spends time around campus interacts with Student Life Coordinator Devin Fulton at least once. Whether asking a random question or inquiring about weekend festivities, Fulton uses his curiosity and unique personality to build relationships with students and share their stories. 

Fulton was born in Denver but moved to Glenrock at the age of six. After graduating high school, he pursued higher education at Chadron State College with the hopes of becoming a teacher.

While working on his undergraduate coursework, Fulton said he discovered that teaching wasn’t for him. He decided to study communication with an emphasis in public relations instead. Fulton also had a natural interest in storytelling and journalism so he worked for the schools newspaper. 

“I’ve always been drawn to storytelling and creating stories,” said Fulton. “Everyone’s compelled by storytelling and when a story sucks, you can definitely feel it, so there’s a natural pressure for everyone on earth to be a good storyteller.”

Fulton wrote a variety of stories and enjoyed the opportunity to talk with and meet different people. What most excited Fulton, however, came in the opportunity to make people feel seen through his curiosity. 

“It’s cool watching someone light up when you ask them questions that they’re not used to being asked, ” said Fulton. 

After graduating college, Fulton took a job at a bank that dealt with farm credit services. Six months later he heard about an opening at Casper College for the community education department and jumped on the opportunity. 

After a year at the college, the Student Life Coordinator position opened and colleagues encouraged Fulton to apply for the position. After the application and interview process concluded, Fulton took over the position. 

Kylie Wheaton/Chinook

Devin Fulton in the Student Union Building elevator

While Fulton is unable to continue writing news stories with his new position, his curiosity about the people around him continues. In only a way that Fulton can, he combines his curiosity with his naturally outgoing and fun personality to break the ice with students.

“Creating energy in a conversation makes the conversation much more worthwhile rather than just having a standard conversation just for the sake of saying words to avoid discomfort with silence,” said Fulton.

One of Fulton’s favorite ways to be curious is by asking students random, lighthearted questions he comes up with off the top of his head.

“Of course I ask dumb questions,” said Fulton. “You know [like], Chappell Roan or Sabrina Carpenter?”

Fulton said he always makes a point to ask questions, both silly and genuine, whenever he can and does his best to remember as many of the responses as he can.

“I definitely hope I can at least try to make someone’s day with remembering or being intentional with remembering details that they were willing to share just about like something they did over the weekend” said Fulton, “and then you remember that [a] couple weeks later, like that feels good to anybody”.

One student who found Fulton’s curiosity and spark helpful is Student Senate President and PTK PR officer, Shani Osorio Alcala. Alcala says she enjoys working with Fulton and appreciates his ability to balance professionalism and fun. 

“Devin’s just like that fresh air here on campus” said Alcala, “I feel like he’s the adult you can go talk to about like anything and you’ll be like oh right on.”

Alcala is grateful for everything Fulton does and feels that he often doesn’t get the recognition he deserves. 

“I feel like Devin really understands the students and where they’re coming from,” said Alcala.

Fulton hopes to continue reaching out to students and making them feel seen and welcome on campus. He also encourages everyone to be curious and ask questions.

“Just seeing someone light up with words is something that we should all try to strive for,” said Fulton. 

Whether it’s asking about music preferences, or even complimenting someone’s shoes, Fulton will continue to show curiosity and share stories.