Major: 
Integrated Strategic Communication
Year Graduated: 
2015
Hometown: 
Fort Thomas, KY
Current City: 
Fort Thomas, KY
Current Employer: 
Director of PR and Communications, Thomas More University
Top played song on your playlist?: 
“Better” by Khalid
Where has your CI degree taken you?: 

My degree from the College of Communication and Information has well prepared me for my post-graduate, professional adventures. As an upperclassman, the ISC program required each student to complete a semester of internship credit, which lead me to UK PR and Marketing. It was there that I gained real-world, work experience in which my classes had well equipped me. I even had the opportunity to stick around and work as a marketing assistant within the office following graduation for two years! Since then, I have worked as a development manager for a nonprofit in Cincinnati, and I’m currently the director of public relations and communications at Thomas More University in Crestview Hills, Kentucky.

What is your favorite thing about your job?: 

I’m a people person. My favorite thing about my job is having the opportunity to work with an amazing team each day at TMU. As a PR professional, you can really never fully expect what each day will hold, which is exciting, but it also drives me a little crazy sometimes. I have amazing coworkers that support me, encourage me, and push me towards my full potential.

What¹s the most valuable thing you learned in CI?: 

CI taught me how to properly write and how to work as a team. My professors were sticklers about AP Style writing, and though I didn’t understand why at the time, this is one skill I’m so glad to have. Also, all those late hours in Willy T. working as a team to finish ISC projects really paid off. It taught me communication skills, the importance of a deadline, how to appreciate viewpoints and creativity of others, and how to resolve conflict.

What advice would you give to current CI students?: 

Be intentional about spending time with your friends. You’re constantly surrounded by community at UK, and once you’re working – if you go into a full-time position – finding time to be with friends can be difficult. Take advantage of having so many friends in one place!