Carolyn Caudell Tieger Fellows Named for 2025-2026 

The University of Georgia’s Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication announced the selection of three new Tieger Fellows for the 2025-2026 academic year: Grayson Troxel, Blake Daniel and Sarah Kate Maher. The Tieger Fellowship is a program formed from within the Public Affairs Professional Certificate in Public Affairs Communications (PAC) and aims to host and promote events, create digital content and advance the prominence of this certificate program.  

The three fellows will work closely with Joseph Watson Jr., the Carolyn Caudell Tieger Professor of Public Affairs Communications who serves as the program director.  

“I am delighted that Grayson, Blake and Sarah Kate have agreed to serve as Tieger Fellows this year,” said Watson. “Their fellowships are made possible by Carolyn Caudell Tieger’s vision and funding. These students have already accomplished a great deal, and I look forward to seeing what they do in these roles.”  

Carolyn Caudell Tieger (ABJ ’69) established the country’s inaugural public affairs communications program to train students in public policy, advocacy and politics, along with offering public affairs strategy instruction. Tieger brings decades of expertise in public affairs, including roles on Capitol Hill, at the White House, with global public relations firms and as the CEO of her own firm. 

“As we approach the 10^th anniversary of the PAC program, I could not be prouder of our certificate graduates who are securing key jobs in public policy and politics. This success is due to the outstanding leadership of Professor Watson and Tieger Fellows like Grayson, Blake and Sarah.  Congratulations to all for your continued efforts to build and promote this dynamic Grady program,” said Tieger.

Grayson Troxel, a fourth-year student from Dunwoody, Georgia, serves as the Media Relations Fellow. Along with completing the PAC certificate, Troxel intends to graduate as a public relations major with a minor in political science, as well as a certificate in news literacy. This past summer, Troxel interned with a public relations agency in New York City. She also participated in the UGA Grady study abroad program at the 2024 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, completed a public relations internship with an agency last spring and is an active member of Alpha Omicron Pi.  

​​ “I am incredibly excited and grateful to serve as this year’s Media Relations Fellow,” said Troxel. “When I came to UGA, I knew I wanted to find a way to merge public relations and public affairs, but I didn’t have a clear path to pursuing a career that blended the two. Being a part of the PAC program has given me the tools and experiences necessary to do exactly that, and I’m honored to promote a program that has opened so many doors and helped me build such meaningful connections. I’m especially thankful to Professor Watson for this opportunity and for the continued support throughout my journey.” 

Sarah Kate Maher, a third-year student from Savannah, Georgia, serves as the Social and Digital Media Fellow. In addition to PAC, Maher is a member of the Frye Fellowship, the head of communications for Honors Student Council, a SPIA ambassador and a writer for the Georgia Political Review. This past summer, Maher interned in Washington, D.C., through the GradyDC field study program for the Entertainment Software Association.  

“The PAC program has given me opportunities that have been crucial to my professional and personal development throughout my time at UGA,” said Maher. “Serving as a Tieger fellow is the greatest honor, and I am grateful to have the opportunity to give back to the program and its participants.” 

Blake Daniel, a fourth-year student from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, serves as the Program’s Promotions Fellow. In addition to PAC, Daniel is pursuing a degree in journalism and a minor in Law, Jurisprudence, and State with a certificate in personal and organizational leadership through the Terry College of Business’s Institute for Leadership Advancement. This past summer, Daniel worked in Washington, D.C., as an intern in the Office of Representative Russell Fry through the GradyDC field study program. She also serves as a reading mentor through the non-profit organization Books for Keeps in Athens, Georgia, the advertising chair for the Women’s Pre-Law Society at UGA and a member of Alpha Delta Pi.  

“Before joining the Public Affairs Communications program, I had no idea what I wanted to do after graduation. I knew I was drawn to politics, journalism, and law, but I didn’t yet understand how to connect those passions into a career,” said Daniel. “The PAC program helped me find my niche and opened doors I didn’t even know existed. It also introduced me to an incredible network of mentors, classmates, and professionals who share my interests and inspire me every day. I am so excited to tell other students about this program and the opportunities it provides.” 

The three fellows are eager to incorporate their ideas for the program and look forward to working together with Professor Watson to promote the Public Affairs Professional Certificate in Public Affairs Communications. 

“In less than ten years, the PAC program has established itself as the preeminent undergraduate program in public affairs communication,” adds Watson. “Organizations around our nation and the world are increasingly looking to individuals with these skill sets.” 

Author: Grayson Troxel, grayson.troxel@uga.edu