Three students selected as Tieger Fellows in Public Affairs Communications

Grady College announced the selection of three new Tieger Fellows for the fall of 2019: Carter Chapman, Raini Singleton and Grace Wilbanks.

The Tieger Fellowship supports the mission of the College’s first-in-the-nation Public Affairs Communications (PAC) program by providing students in the program the opportunity to apply skills learned in the classroom to real-world public affairs work promoting the PAC program.

The Tieger Fellows, who are in the PAC program, are responsible for day-to-day public relations activities in furtherance of the program, including media relations, social and digital media and program promotion under guidance from Joseph Watson, Jr., program director and Carolyn Caudell Tieger Professor of Public Affairs Communications.

The Tieger Fellowship is funded with support from Grady College alumna Carolyn Caudell Tieger, who graduated in 1969 and also funds the Tieger Professorship currently held by Watson.

“We are proud to welcome Carter, Raini and Grace as our newest Tieger Fellows,” Watson said. “The continuation of this fellowship would not be possible without the vision and funding of Carolyn Caudell Tieger. Through her support, we are able to sustain this program and recognize these amazing students.  The Tieger Fellowship provides outstanding Grady College students with a unique opportunity to support the first-in-the-nation PAC program and develop skills that will prepare them for their careers.”

The Tieger Fellows promote Grady College’s novel PAC program.  The PAC program provides students with practical training in the strategy and practice of public affairs communications focused on public policy and politics. Grady College’s PAC courses help students develop specialized communications skills aimed at educating, shaping or changing public opinion on public policy, legislation, political candidates or issues.

The three students named are also in the University’s Public Affairs Professional Certificate Program and have complemented their academic learning with significant external experiences.

Carter Chapman is a senior majoring in Public Relations and Political Science pursuing a Public Affairs Professional Certificate in Public Affairs Communications and Applied Politics. He is from Acworth, Georgia. On campus, Chapman serves as the vice chairman of the College Republicans at UGA, and is a member of the UGA Wesley Foundation and PRSSA. He will pursue a master’s degree from Grady and then a career in communications in the public affairs sphere. Chapman serves as the media relations fellow.

Raini Singleton is a senior studying Political Science and Journalism pursuing a Public Affairs Professional Certificate in Public Affairs Communications. She is from Valdosta, Georgia. Over the course of her undergraduate experience, Singleton has served in a variety of different positions, including a news writer for The Red & Black, an intern with Foster, Hanks & Ballard, LLC in Monroe, and a study away student for travel writing in Prague. Upon graduating, she would like to practice communication and media law. Singleton serves as the program promotion fellow.

Grace Wilbanks is a junior majoring in Public Relations, minoring in Spanish and pursuing a Public Affairs Professional Certificate in Public Affairs Communications. She is from Orange County, Virginia. On campus Wilbanks is involved in the UGA Chapter of Delta Gamma and works as a Spanish interpreter for surrounding elementary schools. Wilbanks is also an avid equestrian. After graduation, she plans to attend law school and pursue a career in moral and ethics law on Capitol Hill. Wilbanks serves as the social and digital media fellow.

The Tieger Fellows are excited to enhance their skills in preparation for their careers while also promoting the Public Affairs Communications program.