Special Projects
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2021-2027 Strategic Plan
As part of my graduate program work, I completed a special project internship focused on supporting communications related to the 2021-2027 Strategic Plan, "Our Moment in Time." In addition to ongoing messaging support, I aided in the qualitative data gathering and analysis process, synthesizing feedback from the campus community about their perceptions of the university's strengths, weaknesses and opportunities. |
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Baroudeur Cycling Event
I serve as assistant ride director for The Baroudeur, Wayne State's annual cycling event in support of student scholarships. The ride brings together about 1,000 cyclists for one of four open-road courses through Detroit and its surrounding communities. I manage event registration, communications, fundraising, and day-of logistics. |
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COVID-19 Response: Warrior Safe is Warrior Strong
I'm one of many, many professionals who served on the communications team to help aid in Wayne State University's COVID-19 pandemic response to keep students, faculty, and staff as safe as possible while continuing the mission of the university. We worked with public health experts and the campus community to share health and safety guidelines, remote learning and work information, and supported virtual student engagement opportunities. I served on the academic and technology and student need committees.
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News & Press
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Wayne State, partners create regional debt-forgiveness program to help returning students earn degrees
April 30, 2019 I collaborated with the Detroit Regional Chamber and partners at Oakland University and Henry Ford College to coordinate a press event announcing a regional debt-forgiveness program. Selected media coverage: The Detroit Free Press, The Detroit News, dBusiness, The Hechinger Report, Inside Higher Ed 
Wayne State welcomes largest freshman class in 150-year history
August 30, 2018 In fall 2018, Wayne State's enrollment surged, in large part due to a 15% increase in the incoming freshman class. Selected media coverage: WXYZ, CBS, 
Wayne State offers former students with debt — but no degree — a way back
May 30, 2018 I worked with partners at The Detroit Regional Chamber and Lumina Foundation on the announcement of the Warrior Way Back program, an innovative debt forgiveness initiative designed to help returning students earn their degrees while "learning away" debt. Selected media coverage: Inside Higher Ed, The Detroit News, CBS, Lumina Foundation, Now This News, Crain’s Detroit Business 
Wayne State opens food pantry, The W
March 28, 2017 I led the announcement of the university's campus pantry, which provides free food, toiletries and household items to students in need. Selected media coverage: American School & University, The Detroit Free Press, WXYZ, CBS, Crain’s Detroit Business, Detroit 910 AM 
Wayne State launches DetroitEd411
April 2, 2019 I coordinated the announcement of a free, chat-based community service offered by Wayne State to help connect and engage the community around post-secondary education. 
Warrior Wardrobe opens, providing free, gently used clothing to students
January 16, 2020 I coordinated the campus roll-out of the Warrior Wardrobe, which offers free, gently used professional and casual clothing to students in need. 
Nursing students cheer on Detroit Lions
November 18, 2016 Two Wayne State University nursing students were selected for the inaugural Detroit Lions cheerleading squad. I wrote this feature story, which was also shared by the team, to share this good news and foster the deep community pride that exists on campus. |
Wayne State, Detroit Food Policy Council and members of the Detroit Grocery Coalition launch Great Grocer Project to bolster community connections, nutrition, and food access
March 11, 2021 I helped coordinate a virtual press event to celebrate a new partnership and program focused on supporting local grocery stores and community health. Selected media coverage: WXYZ, Crain's Detroit Business, dbusiness 
Wayne State celebrates state-of-the-art STEM Innovation Learning Center
October 1, 2020 I aided in the coordination and promotion of the virtual opening ceremony for the new STEM Innovation Learning Center building, which features 100,000 square feet of flexible classrooms, instructional labs, a maker space and 3D printing lab with technology to support hands-on and project-based learning. This project involved collaboration with state and local officials, K-12 teachers and students, and construction partners. Selected media coverage: MITechNews, YouTube ceremony 
Former student finds Way Back to complete degree
August 16, 2018 I completed a profile highlighting student Johnathan Williams' return to college and graduation through the Warrior Way Back program. 
Wayne State continues Warrior Strong presence at America’s Thanksgiving Parade
November 19, 2019 I promoted Wayne State's participation in America's Thanksgiving Day Parade, which coincided with the university's 150th anniversary. Selected media coverage: Click on Detroit, WDET, The Detroit Free Press 
Wayne State introduces Heart of Detroit Tuition Pledge
October 23, 2019 I helped coordinate a press event announcing the Heart of Detroit Tuition Pledge, which offers free tuition for Detroit students and residents. Selected media coverage: The Detroit Free Press, Michigan Chronicle, The Detroit News, Business Insider, Click on Detroit, WXYZ, CBS, Chalkbeat, Michigan Radio, Crain’s Detroit Business 
Wayne State University recognized nationally for huge improvement in graduation rates
November 12, 2018 Wayne State's graduation rate nearly doubled in six years, increasing from 26 to 47 percents, with gains particularly pronounced among first-generation, low income and minority students. I coordinated the announcement of the university's recognition by the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities. Selected media coverage: Business Insider, NPR, Bridge Magazine 
Wayne State launches Warrior Strong campaign
October 13, 2017 I provided press support for the roll out of the university's new brand campaign, which celebrates Warriors' courage, tenacity, selflessness, success, and drive. Selected media coverage: Crain's Detroit Business, The Detroit Free Press |