The Familiar Face at George Fox University
Reported By: Ellaynah Brown
Photographed By: Yolanda Diaz
Josh Hren pulled into Champoeg State Park, camera in hand, ready to take viewers on a journey. He has documented many trips and events like this to give George Fox University (GFU) students an opportunity to experience life at college through a screen.
“I really enjoy it because I believe in George Fox,” Hren said.
As a high school student, Hren was immersed in the production world through his involvement in his school’s video announcement broadcast. This, combined with his interest in GFU’s social media presence, made Hren eager to join the marketing team.
“Coming into college and out of video production in high school, I really wanted to be in all corners of George Fox,” Hren said.
Throughout his college career, Hren has had the opportunity to be involved in the production of social media content in more ways than one, whether he is filming videos, creating Instagram stories, or running the “GFU class of 26” Instagram page.
However, Hren is probably best known as the student who jumps on screen in a video series called “On Location,” where he has taken viewers on adventures near and far.
Whether he is seen exploring the home of over 200 bird species, the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge, or whitewater rafting in Oregon’s Santiam River, Hren shares some of his favorite places to go near campus.
While being on camera can be a struggle for some, Hren was not nervous to “Be Known” on screen.
The experiences he had in high school prepared him for the position he is thriving in today. Having already been on the receiving end of negativity and ridicule in the past, Hren has discovered a newfound confidence. Now, “there’s no pressure,” he said.
Hren finds that he is motivated by projects he can get behind and missions he believes in. When asked to give a tour of his freshman dorm, Hren was eager to get the chance to share more of life at GFU. “I really wanted to do it, I was proud of my dorm and excited to do a great job representing the university.”
Whether it is giving a glimpse of life at GFU for prospective students, or sharing helpful tips with current students, he enjoys the opportunity to represent GFU on social media.
The student creator has discovered that his presence on social platforms does not go unnoticed. Having become a familiar face on campus, Hren said that he is recognized about three to four times a week for something he has been involved in on social media.
It is evident that Hren has passion for content creation and sharing a mission he can get behind. Whether you see him jumping into frame on Instagram, acting in TikTok videos, creating content viewed across various platforms, or strolling through campus to his next class, Hren has become the friendly face of GFU.