Degree(s): BJ '94

Whereabouts: United States, Corvallis, Oregon

What do you do?
As director of communications and alumni relations in the College of Public Health and Human Sciences at OSU, I’m responsible for creating and managing the day-to-day and strategic communications of the college to increase public and private awareness, build relations with external stakeholders, increase financial support of the college’s mission and attract high-quality students. I work with a variety of faculty and staff across the college and university and report to the dean with membership on the Dean’s Administrative Team.

How did you get your job?
I’ve worked in healthcare public relations and marketing my entire career, where the solid writing skills I learned in J-School have paid dividends. Because of the variety of my experiences (from hospitals and health systems to higher education), the reputation of my degree and my solid portfolio, I was able to join the college and continue my focus on healthcare communications. I also love what I do, and that’s certainly not hurt in moving ahead!

What is the best professional lesson you learned at the J-School?
How to tell a story…how to tell it as succinctly and engaging as possible. The devil is in the details.

What advice do you have for current students?
Hmmmmm….call me!

What is your favorite J-School memory?
Covering Democratic headquarters and witnessing the explosion of joy when Bill Clinton was declared winner.