Sarah Geary selected as summer Tieger Fellow in Public Affairs Communications

The University of Georgia Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication announced the selection of a new Tieger Fellow for the summer of 2020 — Sarah Geary. The Tieger Fellowship supports the mission of the College’s first-in-the-nation Public Affairs Communications (PAC) Program by promoting PAC’s unique existence.

The PAC program provides students with practical training in the strategy and practice of public affairs communications focused on public policy and politics. The program allows students to apply skills learned in the classroom to real world public affairs jobs.

Tieger Fellows are responsible for day-to-day efforts to promote the program through use of media relations, event planning and social and digital media. Fellows work under the guidance of Joseph Watson, Jr., Professor of Public Affairs Communications.

This summer, Geary will manage internal and external communications for PAC, contacting and spotlighting PAC students and alumni, as well as producing digital content for the program’s social media accounts and blog.

The Tieger Fellowship is funded by Carolyn Caudell Tieger (ABJ ’69) who spent 40 years in Washington, D.C. working in public affairs and politics. She also funds the Tieger Professorship currently held by Watson, who also has a distinguished background in the field.

“I am excited to welcome Sarah as our 2020 Tieger Summer Fellow,” said Watson. “This fellowship is made possible by the vision and funding provided by Carolyn Caudell Tieger. This support allows us to provide exceptional students like Sarah with the opportunity to promote the PAC program and develop skills that will prepare them for their careers. Now more than ever, it is important to provide students with a practical education in public affairs communications. I have full confidence that Sarah will do an outstanding job of showcasing our students and recent alumni this summer.”

Geary looks forward to using her PAC training to serve the program and prepare for her future career.

Sarah Geary, a Georgia native, is a rising senior studying public relations and political science. On campus, Geary has experience writing for the PRSSA Drewry Chapter at UGA and working as the press secretary for a UGA student government association executive campaign. This past year, Geary served as the communications intern for an immigration law firm. After graduation, Geary hopes to pursue a career in public affairs communications.