Degree(s): BJ ’86

Whereabouts: Big Rapids, Michigan

What do you do?

I’m the associate vice president for Marketing and Communications at Ferris State University in Michigan. I oversee efforts to tell the stories of the students and programs at one of Michigan’s highly respected public universities.

How did you get your job?

The University of Missouri School of Journalism prepared me for a wonderful career in journalism and communications.

Prior to starting at Ferris State University in 2023, I served as Grand Rapids Community College communications for five years, overseeing external and external efforts to tell the story of GRCC people and programs.

As Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder’s press secretary and deputy press secretary, I served as the administration spokesman, responding to state, national and international media, telling the story of Michigan’s comeback.

I was a deputy director in the Michigan Department of Talent and Economic Development, coordinating communications for four state agencies. I oversaw efforts to improve education and build a talented workforce, including the Career Pathways Alliance, Going PRO and the Marshall Plan for Talent.

I was a reporter and editor for MLive, The Grand Rapids Press and The Flint Journal in Michigan, covering education and the Legislature. I appeared as an analyst on CNN, C-SPAN, and WGVU’s “West Michigan Week” program. I started my career covering education and local governments for The Bridgeport Post and Telegram in Connecticut.

What is the best professional lesson you learned at the J-School?

I fondly recall my time writing stories for the Columbia Missourian, with our emphasis on accuracy and detail.

What advice do you have for current students?

I always told students that news never happened at my desk. The best way to find good stories was to get out of the office and talk to people. There is so much value in building relationships and asking questions, understanding why people do what they do.

What is your favorite J-School memory?

Daryl Moen’s editorial writing class was my favorite. I learned so much about writing for advocacy and looking for common sense solutions. Our goal was to have an impact locally. I wrote an editorial expressing disappointment that the only American flags flying on campus were at the ROTC building and the football stadium on game days. I noting the flagpoles atop Jesse Hall were always empty. Dean Moen’s office overlooked the quad. I was meeting in his office shortly after the editorial ran, glimpsed out the window — and saw flags flying atop Jesse Hall. Even today, I get excited when I see a photo of Jesse Hall and the flags are there.

Additional Comments

The University of Missouri School of Journalism changed my life in so many ways. I’ve been blessed with careers I’ve loved, and hoping I’ve been able to make a difference along the way. Also, I met my wife at the J-School while we were working a general assignment shift. I remember telling Dean Moen I was leaving Mizzou with a degree, a job, and a wife. “We aim to please,” he said with a smile.