Themes & Patterns |
Challenges |
I focused my studies primarily on issues in higher education but also explored branding and reputational challenges across other industries. Later in the program, I frequently took a "don't add worry to your world" approach and selected subject matter that was perhaps more surface-level than I would have otherwise selected. Over time and with faculty help, I got much better at turning wandering ideas into focused projects.
I didn't realize it until I pulled it all together for a portfolio, but my "favorite" theory is Benoit's Image Repair. I also dabbled in Coombs' situational crisis communication theory, dialogic theory, and in frameworks related to coping and understanding from the psychology field. |
COVID-19: I had not planned on being a remote learner. The world was upside down and on fire for the majority of my graduate studies.
Career: Working full-time while earning a degree was an advantage but also made time management tricky. Return to learn: I spent six years out of school after earning my bachelor's degree and it was a challenge to get back into the routine of learning. |
In the classroomMr. Perry Farrell who helped coordinate, secure, and facilitate a meaningful internship experience.
Dr. Brandon Hensley, who taught me to factor in how my own experiences influenced my perception of research and scholarship. Dr. Daria LaFave, who helped me see social media as a strategic tool instead of a single-use doomscrolling enviornment. Dr. Karen McDevitt, who taught me how to cite and synthesize after I had been out of school for years, and to pace myself. Dr. Anita Mixon, who helped me think beyond the written word. Dr. Cleo Moody, who helped me make a list, check it twice, and adjust on the fly to stay on track to graduate. Dr. Jessica D. Moorman, who taught me to embrace the messy and complicated side of exploration. 'It depends!' Dr. Donyale Griffin Padgett, who helped me situate compassion and healing into professional and academic frameworks, and put the real-world value in everything. The COVID cohort: Although timing and circumstances forced us to learn virtually, I found strength in knowing we were all in together for the same goals. It hasn't been easy for anyone, and I want to acknowledge that at a time when the world was upside down, we all chose to persist and move forward. That's special, and I loved learning and growing with all of of you. Getting to see the great diversity of our personal and academic interests, styles and backgrounds has broadened my own scope of what our profession and field can be. (I'll *meet* you at graduation!) |
In the fieldMichael Wright & Carolyn Berry, who served as internship project supervisors and are Warrior Strong professional role models and leaders.
Matt Lockwood, who is the kind of boss that encouraged me to max out my potential and my homework-day vacation time to keep a balance. Having a good boss makes a real difference, and he made balancing a full-time career and grad school possible. Ted Montgomery & Tom Reynolds, my self-appointed 'PR dudes,' who are best mentors and friends anyone could ask for. I've learned so much from each of you and truly appreciate the time and effort you've put into helping me grow as a person and a professional. Some people get lucky with one mentor. I grabbed two, and I'm never letting go. The Wayne State University public relations team, including Lockwood, Reynolds, Montgomery, and Shawn Wright, Darrell Dawsey, and Dave Pemberton, who are mentors, sounding boards, and all-around winners. I'm a better professional and person for getting to work with each of you. Thank you for caring about my graduate studies, and for covering my projects while I hid in a homework bunker. Brittani Hobbs, who has provided great support and a respected marketing perspective, an admissions-eye, and social media expertise to many of my projects. Savannah Coco and Jill Wurm, who helped me make the best use of our digital library services and navigate the program when things got scary. Phil Berard for talking SEO, mobile apps, social media, and size 9 financial disclosure font from the private sector. |
Mark McMillanKeeper of the Balance
Thanks to my husband, Mark, who is my partner in life and forever study buddy. You brought balance, levity and a different academic and professional lens to the table. I feel like I learn twice as much when we learn together. Also...what's better than one set of matching degrees? TWO. I'm proud of you and proud to stand next to you.
And I'm sorry I was a homework monster the whole time. |
The Ray of Sunshine
Barry McMillan
Our golden retriever, Barry, is a literal ray of sunshine and source of constant joy. He provided emotional support while we stared at our computers and books for hours, as well as APA style and citation checks.
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The FoundationWilliams/Jaramillo/McMillan Family
I hit the jackpot with a supportive, encouraging family. My parents have taught me work ethic that continues to serve me well, and have made sacrifices for me I'm still coming to understand. I have the benefit of a sister who is also a friend, and the support of her infinitely cool husband and kids. The family I married into scoffs in the face of challenge and turns hardship into strength. I hope you're all as proud of me as I am of you.
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The BestieScience Katie
For all the commute calls and for understanding my occasional radio silence, thank you Katie G.! I will forever be glad we met as weird teenagers and that you took the hard science route in life so I didn't have to. Nerd Katies forever.
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