As a lifelong Kentucky Wildcats fan, Gabrielle Dudgeon (ISC, 2013/MA COM, 2015/Ph.D. COM, 2022) knew the University of Kentucky was where she was meant to be when choosing where to pursue her education. Her time earning three degrees from the College of Communication and Information allowed her learning opportunities to grow and ultimately led her to her current career.
“My three degrees from UK symbolize my determination, motivation, and desire to keep learning.” Dudgeon said. “They also symbolize the little steps, such as internships, research papers and seminars that I did to earn each of them.”
After completing her bachelor’s degree, Dudgeon decided to pursue her master’s degree in communication. She then decided to pursue her PhD in Communication while being an Instructor at UK and EKU, teaching courses on public relations and conducting research. She completed her PhD and dissertation while being a mom to her first daughter, working her full-time current role she has now, and teleworking from home during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Today, Dudgeon utilizes her perseverance, learning experiences and education in her current role as the public affairs specialist for the U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Kentucky. Along with other responsibilities, in her role she plans, directs and executes statewide and national campaigns to enhance public understanding of various forms of media.
“My favorite part about my position is no day is the same!” Dudgeon said. “I can easily go from planning a federal law enforcement press conference about keeping our communities safe, to attending and promoting a cyber security awareness seminar, to a nationwide coordination call with other public affairs specialists.”
Dudgeon explained how her connections with former professors Beth Barnes (professor emeritus, ISC) and Phil Hutchison (associate professor, ISC) led her to develop her skills, motivated her to go above and beyond and think creatively, which helped her become the communicator she is today.
“I have always had a passion for learning new things, but this was really solidified in my classes at UK.” Dudgeon said. “Being able to adapt and learn new things allows you to remain marketable in your job and in the industry.”