Public Affairs Communications Program Celebrates 2019 Certificate Graduates

Public Affairs Communications Program Celebrates 2019 Certificate Graduates

June 24, 2019
Anna Leigh Herndon; Madison Gable

On April 25, 2019, the Public Affairs Communication (PAC) Program held a ceremony to recognize the third cohort of Public Affairs Professional Certificate recipients.

The PAC program is the first undergraduate program of its kind in the nation. The program was established in 2016 with the vision and funding provided by Grady College alumna Carolyn Caudell Tieger (ABJ ’69). Under the direction of Carolyn Caudell Tieger Professor of Public Affairs Communications Joseph Watson, Jr., the program offers students a unique opportunity to develop a focused skill set in strategic communications in a public affairs setting.

Carolyn Tieger addressed the certificate students with advice that included always listen to the opposition and “don’t watch their lips, watch their feet. Watch what they do, not what they say.”

Through coursework and experiential learning offered by the program, these graduating students have been trained in the process of  educating, shaping or changing public opinion on public policy, legislation, political candidates or issues. In order to receive the certificate, students are required to complete over 18 credit hours of public affairs related courses in preparation for careers in public affairs and strategic communications.

“The PAC program brings together students from diverse ideological backgrounds to learn how to conduct public affairs communications in a collegial, but effective manner,” said Watson. “I am proud beyond measure of what these students have accomplished thus far and look forward to seeing what they will accomplish in the future.”

“What a joy to see these amazing students embark on a journey into the world of public affairs,” said Tieger.  “Our country desperately needs leaders who can converse with one another in a way that truly benefits our country.  The training these kids are getting at Grady, under the exceptional guidance of Professor Watson, is equipping them for becoming those leaders.  I could not be more proud of them and this program.”

The Public Affairs Communication Program is proud to announce its 2019 graduates.

Congratulations to the 2019 PAC graduating class:

  • Jaylen Nicole Black
  • Mary Grace Brantley
  • Justin Cole Doil
  • Caroline Rose Friedman
  • Madison Elizabeth Gable
  • Emilie Elizabeth Gille
  • Emma Parson Goodloe
  • Brooke Elizabeth Hamil
  • Anna Leigh Herndon
  • Georganna Kylie Kolar
  • Rebecca Anne Marshall
  • Natalie Andrea Mata Garcia
  • Anna Alyssa McKoy
  • Margaret Lee McNeel
  • William Hilton Munger
  • Maria Josephine Stagliano
  • Hannah Brooke Weeg
  • Avery Hamilton Whitehead
  • India Williams
  • Lauren Brooke Waschak
  • Sierra Nicole Wilson