Tag: Public Affairs Communication

PAC Student Spotlight: Summer 2021

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This summer, 11 Public Affairs Communications students lived and worked in the nation’s capital. They participated in the GradyDC program, where University of Georgia Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication students live and take classes in Delta Hall for about 10 weeks.

Here are some profiles of our PAC program students who had the ultimate summer experience.

Molly Sikes
  • Fourth-year Journalism and Political Science double major
  • Communications and Research Intern at the Republican National Committee
How do you feel that the PAC certificate has prepared you for tackling the job?

Without PAC, I would not be prepared to write Op-Eds or LTEs. I was asked to do this almost immediately, and I am so thankful for my PAC experience for preparing me for this. Dr. Watson’s advice and tips as well about how to make connections in D.C. have been influential in my time here.

What is your advice for other students looking to take on a similar role, and what advice would you give them if they’re considering a PAC certificate?

My advice is to say yes to everything! Even if you are unsure if you are qualified, skilled enough or knowledgeable enough, give everything a chance because you are more than likely more than qualified enough and will excel.

What has been your favorite part about living and working in DC?

My favorite part of D.C. has been living in the center of American politics. I love knowing what happens right as it happens and being around others who also love politics and have the same passions that I have.

 

Carolyn McLain
  • Fourth-year Political Science and Public Relations double major
  • Federal Relations Fellow at the American Property Casualty Insurance Association (remote)
How do you feel that the PAC certificate has prepared you for tackling the job?

I think PAC helped me better understand the language and writing styles I am using in this fellowship. It taught me how to apply my writing skills to the political and legislative scene in a concise fashion.

What is your advice for other students looking to take on a similar role, and what advice would you give them if they’re considering a PAC certificate?

If you want to work in the political or government communications landscape, most definitely apply for the PAC certificate! It has provided me with so many opportunities I may not have otherwise had, and the small cohort gives you a chance to get to know other people and the speakers that come in to talk to you, which is so important. The PAC certificate classes are so fun and interesting, and it opens the door for you to also come to do the Grady DC program!

What has been your favorite part about living and working in DC?

It has been so cool to live in another city for a summer and explore and learn while I am here. It has been an experience like no other. I love getting to feel like a local and experience every part of DC, because it is such a cool city. This summer program is especially cool because you have built-in friends at Delta Hall, and you get to have that piece of UGA in DC. DC also has so much history, so the American history nerd in me is thriving.

 

Caroline Kurzawa
  • Fourth-year Journalism major
  • Integrated Communications Intern for Enterprise Operations at Lockheed Martin (remote)
How do you feel that the PAC certificate has prepared you for tackling the job?

The writing and strategic thinking skills I have learned through the PAC program made it much easier to start my position and anticipate what my supervisors were expecting of me.

What is your advice for other students looking to take on a similar role, and what advice would you give them if they’re considering a PAC certificate?

Apply anyway. Not sure if you’ll get it? Apply anyway. Take the risk because the education you are receiving will support your goals. To students considering the PAC program: this program is one of a kind and will provide you with the kind of skills that employers in the public affairs realm need. Professor Watson brings his real-world experience and knowledge to the classroom to prepare you for your future.

What has been your favorite part about living and working in DC?

The energy! There is always something to do and places to see. This is a great place for young professionals who want to be at the heart of public affairs.

 

Chandler Rebel
  • Third-year Journalism and Political Science double major
  • Communications Intern at the Institute for Energy Research
How do you feel that the PAC certificate has prepared you for tackling the job?

I feel that the PAC certificate has more than prepared me. I have a long way to go before writing flawlessly, but I have learned to do so adequately through the program. It has also contributed to being able to adapt with an ever-changing political environment.

What is your advice for other students looking to take on a similar role, and what advice would you give them if they’re considering a PAC certificate?

By all means, do it! You have to have an attitude that desires personal growth and an invaluable opportunity. These internships, along with the PAC certificate, are the perfect way to continue this growth.

What has been your favorite part about living and working in DC?

My favorite part about living and working in DC would have to be the friends I have had the chance of making along the way. And also an occasional Washington Nationals game.

 

Kayla Roberson
  • Fourth-year Journalism and Political Science double major
  • Press Intern at the United States House of Representatives
How do you feel that the PAC certificate has prepared you for tackling the job?

The PAC certificate has prepared me for this job by teaching me the practical skills I need to work in political communications. Skills like writing press releases, op-eds, social media posts, and creating graphics were all skills that I learned in my PAC classes that I have used as a part of my role on the Hill.

What is your advice for other students looking to take on a similar role, and what advice would you give them if they’re considering a PAC certificate?

If you’re thinking about getting a PAC certificate, don’t think about it anymore, just do it! Getting to learn about political communications under the guidance of Professor Watson has been one of the most rewarding experiences I have had UGA.

What has been your favorite part about living and working in DC?

There are so many things I have loved about living in D.C. this summer, but every time I walk past the Capitol, the Library of Congress, and the Supreme Court on my way to work in the mornings, I am overwhelmed by the fact that I have the opportunity to assist a member of Congress as they serve their Constituents in Washington.

 

Jake Strickland
  • Fourth-year Public Relations and Political Science double major
  • Digital Media and Marketing Intern at Human Rights Campaign (Remote)
How do you feel that the PAC certificate has prepared you for tackling the job?

The PAC certificate has prepared me for my internship by strengthening my writing skills, while also giving me insights into how to network with people.

What is your advice for other students looking to take on a similar role, and what advice would you give them if they’re considering a PAC certificate?

For other students looking to take on a similar role, I would say don’t be nervous to try something new within your internship. If they’re considering a PAC certificate, I would say go for it – it’s one of the best decisions I made in college!

What has been your favorite part about living and working in DC?

My favorite part about living and working in DC has been the access to networking. There are so many people here (particularly UGA people) that have helped shine a light on what I want to pursue, and I’m truly thankful for that.

PAC Alumni Spotlight: Meredith Stinson (AB ’18)

Posted on by Sarah Freeman

Meredith Stinson (AB ‘18) first stepped onto the University of Georgia’s campus with plans to go to law school. However, her political science courses quickly taught her that it was the intricacies of government policy and not the law that interested her most. Open to a new career track, Stinson was intrigued when friend of the Public Affairs Communications (PAC) program and seasoned public affairs practitioner Brian Robinson came to speak in one of her classes. Stinson instantly knew that she wanted to pursue a career in public affairs communications. With new dreams of becoming a director of communications on Capitol Hill or the next Olivia Pope, Stinson applied for the GradyDC program. That application prompted her to get involved with the PAC program — a perfect certificate for her dual major in public relations and political science.

As a PAC student, Stinson jumped on every opportunity she received to network with visiting practitioners. At one point, Stinson had gone to so many guest speaker luncheons, she was sidelined in order to give other students a turn. Stinson affirms that the relationships made with her peers and visiting practitioners have been invaluable tools in her career. Not only does she still see some members of her PAC cohort at the Georgia State Capitol today, but her network also helped Stinson land her current job at The Ray Highway.

“It is so valuable to have professors with real-world experience. The PAC program has that. Professor Watson knows what firms and organizations need. He structures assignments that teach applicable skills and invites practitioners that help students build their networks,” said Stinson. “Those skills and relationships have been integral to my professional success.”

Now serving as the Director of Communications at The Ray Highway, Stinson combines her interest in policy with public relations by promoting The Ray’s mission and advocating for their state policy interests. From writing press releases to placing op-eds to creating infographics, Stinson uses the hard skills learned in PAC to further the organization’s vision to build zero carbon, zero waste and zero death highways across the country.

Stinson looks forward to continuing her work supporting the safety and sustainability goals at The Ray. She recommends that current students take advantage of any networking opportunity that presents itself.

#ProfilesOfTenacity: Jake Strickland

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Why did you choose Grady and your course of study?

I came to UGA as a political science major. And I love politics, but I just felt like there was something missing in my coursework. Did I want to add journalism or international affairs? And then – lo and behold – Twitter of all places had a major impact on my decision. One of my friends got into the public relations program here at Grady and tweeted about it. I got to researching what exactly PR was and quickly came to realization that this is what I had been wanting to learn. I now understand that my true passion is for political communications, and Grady has helped me explore this passion, especially with its Public Affairs Communications certificate headed by Professor Watson.

What would people be surprised to know about you?

That I’m not from Texas – when I say I’m from Dallas, I have to immediately follow it up with Georgia!

What has been your proudest moment in the past year?

My proudest moment of the year was balancing an internship and part-time job over the summer. I was pretty much working seven days a week, and while it was exhausting, I was grateful to learn more about the public relations industry while making money to support myself at college.

What is your most memorable Grady experience?

My most memorable Grady experience has been taking Professor Watson’s Civil Rights class. Analyzing the civil rights movement from a public relations perspective has made me more aware of just how much patience and determination is required to stir change. 

What is your favorite app or social media channel?

Twitter! I get a lot of my news from Twitter, and a lot of my laughs as well.

What are you passionate about?

I’m passionate about LGBTQ+ equality, particularly in education. Growing up, my favorite subject was almost always history. This can be explained by my love of storytelling, but I eventually realized there was one story that was always altogether ignored: the important contributions that LGBTQ+ people have made in shaping this world. And it’s a shame because we have pretty remarkable stories to tell: Stonewall, Harvey Milk and Marsha P. Johnson, just to name a few. I hope that future generations will be taught this remarkable history, because it’ll make queer youth feel more involved in their curriculum. It’ll make them feel that yes, they can contribute in meaningful ways too.

Who is your professional hero?

I love The Devil Wears Prada, and so I’d say my professional hero is Miranda Priestly. This was difficult for me because I relate more to Andy, but Miranda is so aspirational — she has it all together while managing an international conglomerate. She doesn’t let her emotions get in the way, and she’s not afraid to ask for what she wants. A true icon.

What is an example of a time you used your studies and skills in a real-world experience?

I used a lot of my skills at The Partnership of Atlanta, Inc. where I served as a public relations intern during summer 2020. I wrote several press releases, blogs and social posts, and even pitched stories to journalists from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The Partnership is Atlanta’s fastest growing digital communications agency, and so I was thankful for so many people there taking me under their wings and showing me the ropes of PR.

 What are you planning on doing after graduating? What is your dream job?

I plan on getting my bachelor’s in May 2022, and then I’ll stick around Athens one more year to get my master’s in public relations. I’m in the Double Dawgs program, and so I’m excited to see where this dual degree will be able to take me. 

In the short term, I would like to work in Washington, D.C. as a congressional staffer or in some other communications capacity. In the long term though, I want my career to be that of a change maker. As an openly gay man living in the South, my existence would not be possible without the change makers that came before me, and I want to be a change maker for the generations to come.

What has been the hardest part about adjusting to COVID-19 in your life as a student and future professional?

Networking, for sure. There’s just not as many opportunities to network, and it’s especially difficult over Zoom. I also miss networking with fellow Grady students who share similar passions and career interests as me. One thing I will say though is that the pandemic has made me much more confident in reaching out to people. How else are you supposed to connect if you don’t reach out?

Where is your favorite place on campus?

The Founder’s Garden. There’s something so regal about it, and it’s great for photoshoots.

Public Affairs Communications program welcomes 2021 cohort

Posted on by Sarah Freeman

The Public Affairs Communications (PAC) program has announced its 2021 Public Affairs Professional Certificate cohort. This year, 24 students were accepted into the program, along with students accepted into SPIA’s Applied Politics program. 

 As a result of strong and sustained interest in the certificate program, the cap on the number of students admitted to the program was increased this year. The increase in this cap will allow more students than ever to prepare for careers in public affairs. 

 “I am excited to see the continued strong interest that students have in our first-in-the-nation program and in exploring careers in public affairs,” said Joseph Watson, Jr., Carolyn Caudell Tieger Professor of Public Affairs Communications. “At a time when partisanship and polarization grip so many of our political institutions, I am encouraged to see so many students commit themselves to a program that is rooted in civility and constructive discourse to solve the problems confronting our nation and state.”

 The PAC program and Tieger fellowship are the product of the vision and funding provided by Grady College alumna and veteran PAC practitioner Carolyn Caudell Tieger.

 Despite the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, recruitment efforts were not deterred. Tieger Fellows Melissa Hevener, Sarah Geary and Hannah Payne worked to promote the program through social and digital media, as well as virtual events that drew in a record number of interested students. 

 As the first undergraduate program of its kind in the nation, the PAC program offers students a unique opportunity to develop a focused skill set in strategic communications. Through coursework and experiential learning offered by the program, students in the 2021 cohort will be trained in educating, shaping or changing public opinion on public policy, legislation, political candidates or issues.

 The PAC program welcomes its newest cohort: 

  • Gitzel Anguiano
  • Sydney Bennett
  • Christa Bugg
  • Sara Camuso
  • Anna Chapman 
  • Austin Clark 
  • Mariah Cooper
  • Olga Diaz-Nasser
  • Sarah Dorr
  • Olivia Gauthier 
  • Emory Hayden 
  • Alma Hernandez
  • Brandon Holtz 
  • Elle Jacobsson 
  • Peyton Jenkins 
  • Elise Kim 
  • Emily Ann Martin
  • Ansley McLendon 
  • Jenna Monnin
  • Annalise Morning
  • Chandler Rebel 
  • Raleigh Rollins 
  • Kennedy Sims 
  • Kylee Stone

Public Affairs Communications program welcomes 2020 cohort

Posted on by Sarah Freeman

The Public Affairs Communications (PAC) program has announced its 2020 Public Affairs Professional Certificate cohort.  With its 24 PAC students, along with the Applied Politics program’s 24 students, the Public Affairs Professional Certificate program is at full capacity for the second straight year and is ready to prepare its students for careers in public affairs.

The PAC program received a record number of applications for the certificate this year, a testimony to the value that Grady College students place on the education it provides.  “I am excited to see the strong growth in demand for our first-in-the-nation program,” said Joseph Watson, Jr., Carolyn Caudell Tieger Professor of Public Affairs Communications. “The strength of our program rests in our Tieger Fellows, PAC Ambassadors, current students, outstanding alumni, and visiting practitioners; they deserve the credit for its success.”

The PAC program and Tieger fellowship are the product of the vision and funding provided by Grady College alumna and veteran PAC practitioner Carolyn Caudell Tieger.

This year’s Tieger Fellows, Carter Chapman, Raini Singleton, and Grace Wilbanks, worked to promote the PAC program throughout UGA’s campus. This work has led not just to increased interest in joining the program, but also to more opportunities for participating students, such as guest lectures, debate and election viewing events, as well as internship and job opportunities.

As the first undergraduate program of its kind in the nation, the PAC program offers students a unique opportunity to develop a focused skill set in strategic communications. Through coursework and experiential learning offered by the program, students in the 2020 cohort will be trained in educating, shaping or changing public opinion on public policy, legislation, political candidates or issues.

Here is the Public Affairs Communications Program’s 2020 Public Affairs Professional Certificate cohort:

  • Jakob Allen
  • Alexandra Awad
  • Sidnei Bailey
  • Laurel Lee Chatham
  • Kennedy Cleveland
  • Ellen DiGuisti
  • Valentina Drake
  • Peyton Etheridge
  • Taylor Evans
  • Emily Goncalves
  • Julia Hawkins
  • Darden Hearn
  • Alexa Kaemmerling
  • Caroline Kurzawa
  • Isabel Lewis
  • Jeter Long
  • Carolyn McLain
  • Megan Mittelhammer
  • Makayla Roberson
  • Olivia Salter
  • Molly Sikes
  • Jake Strickland
  • Savannah Ware
  • Emma Winstead

#GradyGrit: Meet Melissa Hevener

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Why did you choose public relations as a major?

I got involved on an SGA campaign my first year, and I didn’t anticipate to work on the communications committee, however, I found myself drifting towards that area. In a few short weeks, I played a role in ironing out our communications strategy and recognized during this process that this was the type of work I wanted to pursue long-term. Some wonderful mentors guided me in the right direction to major in public relations and political science so I could continue working in the public affairs communications sphere and specifically, messaging for political campaigns.

Who has been your favorite instructor? Class?

I will forever and always love Cacciatore’s intro to PR class. I just got such a good taste for PR through his class and his fun jokes! I also really love a class I am currently in: Intro to Public Affairs Communication with Professor Watson.

What is the hardest part about being a Grady student?

As cliché as it may seem, sometimes the hardest part is being able to grasp the depth of resources and opportunities available to you through Grady. One thing I personally struggle with is knowing that there are a plethora of Grady organizations and pre-professional opportunities that I could not possibly take advantage of in two short years.

What is the last show you binge-watched and would you recommend it?

I recently have been binge-watching Netflix’s The Politician – yes! It has been such a fun rollercoaster of a show, and I’d recommend it to anyone, especially anyone that has had some experience in student government and can appreciate its quirks.

Summer highlight?

Orientation, for sure! Between meeting thousands of students new to the university, hearing their stories and lived experiences or spending time with my Orientation team, there wasn’t one thing that was the greatest highlight of my summer. A treasured memory I will always have is the dancing we’d do right before Orientation Live every Day 1 of a First-Year Session. Being up there dancing with my team and encouraging first years to break out of their shell and let loose a little bit is always such a special experience.

What do you do when you’re homesick?

Whenever I am homesick, I will always try to seek out some good Filipino food. I always find eating food that tastes like home makes me feel a little better and closer to the Philippines.

What is your favorite creative outlet?

My favorite creative outlet is tinkering around with Adobe Photoshop. As nerdy as that seems, I really enjoyed learning Photoshop for one of my Grady classes. After the class, I decided to keep the program and I have really found making creative work digitally to be so therapeutic.

Editor’s Note: Some of the above answers have been edited for length and/or clarity.

For other installments in the #GradyGrit series, visit the #GradyGrit page.

Three students selected as Summer Tieger Fellows in Public Affairs Communications

Posted on by Dayne Young

The University of Georgia’s Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication announced the selection of three new Tieger Fellows for the summer of 2019: Maggie Cavalenes, Carter Chapman and Austin Gibbons. The Tieger Fellowship supports the mission of the College’s first-in-the-nation Public Affairs Communications (PAC) Program by providing students the opportunity to apply skills learned in the classroom to real-world public affairs work promoting the PAC program.

The summer fellows will work to bolster the program’s digital brand, spotlight student success and showcase how the PAC program is contributing to the career pursuits of recent alumni.

Cavalenes is responsible for managing the program’s social and digital media. Chapman is charged with spotlighting students and alumni in Washington, D.C., especially those participating in the Grady@DC summer program. Gibbons is responsible for managing internal and external communications for the PAC program.

The Tieger Fellowship is funded by alumna Carolyn Caudell Tieger, a 1969 Grady graduate, who also funds the Carolyn Caudell Tieger Professorship currently held by Joseph Watson, Jr. Tieger spent a successful 40-year career in public affairs and politics in Washington, D.C. Professor Watson, also a veteran of politics and public affairs, held executive positions in both the public and private sectors before joining Grady.

“We are excited to welcome Maggie, Carter and Austin as our first Tieger Summer Fellows,” said Watson. “This fellowship is made possible by the vision and funding provided by Carolyn Caudell Tieger. This support allows us to provide these exceptional students with the opportunity to promote the PAC program and develop skills that will prepare them for their careers. I have full confidence that these three students will do an outstanding job of showcasing our students and recent alumni this summer.”

Cavalenes, Chapman and Gibbons are putting their PAC training to good use for the program, on UGA’s campus and in their workplaces this summer. They look forward to using these skills in their future careers.

Maggie Cavalenes is a rising senior who came to the University of Georgia from Cumming. During her time in Athens, she has studied public relations with a Public Affairs Professional Certificate. Cavalenes has honed her social and digital communications skills through public relations internships with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the Disney College Program and UGA’s Division of Development and Alumni Relations. While spending her summer in New York City, Maggie will work as an intern for Guardian Insurance.

Carter Chapman is studying political science and public relations with a Public Affairs Professional Certificate. Since coming to UGA from Acworth, Chapman has spent time with the UGA Wesley Foundation and the UGA College Republicans, where he now serves as vice chair. Chapman’s summer will be spent in Delta Hall interning for Global Grady and Senator Johnny Isakson. After receiving his undergraduate degree in May 2020, Chapman will continue his studies at UGA by pursuing a master’s in advertising through Grady’s 4+1 program before pursuing a career in public affairs communications.

Austin Gibbons, a senior from Stone Mountain, is majoring in political science and public relations, with a Public Affairs Professional Certificate and a certificate in personal and organizational leadership. Last year, Gibbons held a research fellowship with UGA’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government while being involved in several campus organizations. This summer, he is living in Delta Hall while interning for the American Red Cross and Senator Johnny Isakson’s office. Gibbons hopes to pursue a career in government relations after graduation.

Public Affairs Communications Program Celebrates 2019 Certificate Graduates

Posted on by Sarah Freeman

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