Communication Studies Alumni

Abbey Alexander

I graduated in 2012 from the PR/Event Management program with a minor in Technical Writing. Currently, I’m a Senior Account Manager for a third-party, boutique meeting and incentive travel planning company. From proposals and sourcing, through on-site operations and final billing, I plan and execute an array of meetings and global, luxury sales incentives for a variety of clients each year.

Amanda Arrambide

I graduated in Fall 2012; B.S. and Summer 2017; M.A. After graduating from Tarleton State University, I have found a passion for learning and helping others. I am currently involved with non-profit organizations; my favorites being Meals on Wheels and my church. I found my time at Tarleton rewarding and the professors are very kind and passionate. I have worked many events since graduating such as ACL Fest, SXSW, Outlaws and Legends, Larry Joe Taylor’s Texas Music Festival, and KAABOO in California. I served as committee chair for a non-profit event raising over $125,000, name the best celebrity waiter and Ragin’ Cajun Queen at Ragin’ Cajun, and have been called, “Amazing Amanda” by my peers and mentors. “As one of the Event Coordinators of Sundown on the Square, I had the privilege of working with Amanda Arrambide, who served as our Media Relations Coordinator. “Amazing Amanda” is what I called her. I always knew she was very talented, but my goodness I had no idea just how much. It was truly a pleasure working with her and she has a very bright future ahead. Look out, world, Amanda is just getting started!” – Marion Cole. My current position is teaching communication courses at Tarleton State University. I have decided to further my education and am currently enrolled at Abilene Christian University working on my Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership with an emphasis in Higher Education. Always remember, “With God, all things are possible” Matt. 19:26.

Alejandra Arreguin

Class of 2016. I’m currently the morning news producer for KWTX. This is the CBS-affiliated station in Waco and I also work with our Telemundo affiliate.

Ashlyn Bracewell

Life has been going well for me since graduating in 2016! I have been a live-in nanny of two children since the day I graduated for a family that I have known for almost a decade now. The dad is a “boutique neurosurgeon” that travels all over Texas and the mom is his legal counsel. Together they own 9 businesses and needed someone to assist them balance their work life out. Due to my credentials and their trust in me, I have, since January of 2017, been employed by Texas Spine & Neurosurgery. Throughout my years at Texas Spine & Neurosurgery, I have been able to advance to the status of Senior Marketing Associate and Administrative Assistant from just the Marketing Associate.

As for my extra curricular activities, I am the assistant leader of my LifeGroup at my church, First Woodway Baptist Church. I was able to use my skills and knowledge from leading at Paradigm, one of the student ministries on campus at Tarleton, during 2014-2016 to help grow our group physically and spiritually since my joining the group in 2018. I have thoroughly enjoyed helping to lead this group as it is the Young Adults Singles ministry and many churches are still unaware of how to reach this particular group of people who, typically, are out of college or in the workforce, but not married.

Life has also provided a way for me to be more involved with the music industry than most! I have helped to create a non-profit organization called Finding Hope Music Festival in the DFW area and have served as its Treasurer since its beginning. We host concerts consisting of Christian Rock/Metal/Rap bands to help spread the word about mental illnesses/instabilities and places to go if an individual is struggling with mental illnesses/instabilities while worshipping God with a heavier beat than you would find on the radio. I have had the privilege of meeting so many bands and hearing what got them started and the lives that they have been able to touch musically for about two years now. Originally, we were planning on having a festival this past July, but had to postpone it to 2021 due to COVID-19. We look forward to next year and the promises it holds!

Emily Teaford Braune

I graduated in summer 2017. I now run two of my own businesses! I am a Health and Fitness Coach and am also a Realtor specializing in Residential and Farm + Ranch properties. I’m also now married to the love of my life who is also a Tarleton grad!

Nate Bural

I Graduated December 2010. Beginning my 10^th season working in Tarleton Athletics. Over my career, I have been recognized by CoSIDA over 30 times for national publication awards and was the 2013 Fred Stabley Sr. Writing Contest ‘Story with Video’ of the Year award winner. After starting as the assistant sports information director, he has since been promoted three times within the department which includes being the first sports information director in school history to earn an Assistant Athletic Director title. He now is in the Marketing and Communications division at Tarleton. He resides in Stephenville with his wife, Jessica, who is also a graduate of Tarleton. The couple has a son, Benjamin, and a daughter, Brooklynn. 

Kasey Burgan

I graduated in May 2018 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Studies, emphasis in Public Relations and Event Management. I am happy to share I have started a new adventure at D Magazine as a D CEO Events Manager! I’m thrilled about this new opportunity and ready to see where this new role takes my career! 

Heather Bushart

A little about what’s going on now, I am currently working as a 911 Operator with the Austin Police Department. I’m starting to explore the possibility of going back to school to get a master’s degree. In my personal life, I am enjoying getting to explore Austin with my dog and my sisters. 

Jack Cochran

I’m currently approaching a crossroads in my life, however. For the last three years, I’ve been a youth pastor at a church in South Texas. As of this week, though, I’m beginning the process of getting an alternative certification to teach elementary kiddos. Which I’m nervous and excited about! I’m always missing Stephenville! All hail the proud defenders of the purple and the white!

Dana (Seals) Compton

After graduating in 2004, Dana Compton was the first employee of 7-R Ranch in Gordon, Texas, where she helped develop 6,000 acres into a master-planned community. Dana then moved to Fort Worth to work in Business Development at a small, boutique architectural firm. Once in Fort Worth, Dana set a goal to receive the prestigious 40 Under 40 Award from the Fort Worth Business Press, and was awarded this honor in 2013, at the age of 29. From there, Dana spent time in Business Development and Marketing for other companies in the architecture, engineering, and construction (A/E/C) industry. All of this experience led Dana to her current position as the Director of Business Development for Ridgemont Commercial Construction. Ridgemont was founded in 1976 and Dana is the first female Director in the company’s history. Dana has kept close to the College — she plays the upright bass in the ULTRA Club Big Band, which is based at Tarleton. Dana also serves on the Tarleton Construction Science Advisory Council. Throughout her career, Dana has been heavily involved in community philanthropy, such as serving on the Board of Directors for CREW Fort Worth, The Center for Transforming Lives and Lighthouse for the Blind, as well as serving as the Mayoral Appointee for the City of Fort Worth Public Art Commission. She is the co-host of the comedy podcast, Scandalous Diamonds, which is a deep-dive into Jackie Collins’ best-selling novels. Dana lives just outside Fort Worth with her husband, Jason.

Ashley Corcoran

I graduated with my undergraduate degree from Tarleton in December 2017 with a degree in Communication studies and a minor in English. Since then, I worked as a preschool teacher with Head Start and after a couple of years of that, I decided to go back to school to pursue my Master’s in Communication Studies. I will be graduating with my Masters in December of this year. In February of this year, I married a fellow Tarleton Alum and we bought our first home together. The future is wide open for me and I will miss being a student at Tarleton State University. I have learned so much during my time here and have met some wonderful people. I am very grateful for my journey as a Tarleton Texan.

Jenna Dana

My name is Jenna (McLeod) Dana. I graduated with a bachelor’s in Communication Studies and a minor in Technical Writing in the fall of 2012. After graduating, I worked in San Diego and Beverly Hills as a social media manager for a while before settling into a position as the Marketing Coordinator for a large equine-based eCommerce company in San Luis Obispo, California. During this time, I always maintained a few private social media management clients to supplement my income. In the fall of 2017, I went on maternity leave with my first child and decided that I would rather build my own business while staying home and raising my son then go back to a full-time position. Since then, I have grown my digital media management company to serve several small and medium-sized businesses. It is a blessing to grow my business while staying at home with our two sons. I always say I work part-time but when I am not working on client projects, I am training horses, and growing my photography business all while being a full-time mother and wife.  I am forever thankful for my education at Tarleton State University, the COMMS department, and the TSMRI then led by Dr. Jennifer Edwards. 

Magnolia Dunlap

I graduated with my MA in Communication Studies in 2022.

Exciting news! I am thrilled to announce my new role as an inside sales representative for the Jacksonville Jaguars! ??

Ready to kick off an amazing season and connect with my new Jaguars family.

Callie Fender

I graduated in May 2012 with an emphasis in Public Relations & Event Management and minors in Tech Writing and Spanish. I am currently a Development Officer for Academic Colleges at TSU, serve as Vice-President of Stephenville Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors, and am the Hospitality Chair for Tarleton Staff Senate. 

I am currently using my degree in a multitude of ways, and I am blessed to be back at Tarleton where I get to meet amazing alumni and donors from all across the country. 

Quanecia Fraser

I’m a news reporter at KETV, the ABC affiliate in Omaha, Nebraska. I report on a variety of stories and go live nearly every day. I saw some of the first Americans come from Wuhan, China after being exposed to COVID-19. I cover stories that make me smile and some that make me want to cry. I’ve also had some opportunities to fill-in at the anchor desk which has been fun! I am so grateful for my experience at Tarleton and everything I learned from Mr. Dan Malone at Texan News. I feel that a lot of people trust me in the community here, and I credit Dan for teaching me how to be an ethical journalist. Go Texans!

Jeyton Freed

I graduated in Summer 2017. I am currently in my last semester pursuing a Masters in Special Education- Applied Behavior Analysis to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. The Communication Studies program at Tarleton gave me a solid foundation to build my career on, as I use interpersonal and intercultural communication every day as a behavior therapist. Once I become a BCBA, I will frequently utilize the skills I learned through our speech classes in order to advocate for my clients and their families. I am so grateful to the Communications Studies department for all their guidance along the way!

Bertie Gardner

I graduated from Tarleton State University with my Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies in 2016. And I am excited to share that I will be moving up at Texas Wesleyan University as the Assistant Director of Student Diversity Programs.

Taylor Green

I graduated from Tarleton State University with my Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies in 2017. And I’m pleased to say that I’m over the moon to be back in events! I’m happy to share that I’m starting a new position as a Senior Event Manager at Gaylord Hotels!

Heather Hale Nguyen

I graduated from Tarleton State University with both my Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies in fall 2011 and my Master of Science in Management and Leadership in fall 2015. I have made higher education my home working in both admissions and student development. Currently, I serve as the Assistant Director of Admissions and Recruitment for the TCU and UNTHSC School of Medicine, the first MD program in Fort Worth. I have the privilege of traveling across the country to engage with the premedical community and help them achieve their dream of matriculating into medical school. The skills I obtained throughout both of my degrees at Tarleton have helped me connect with individuals of all backgrounds, present information effectively, plan and execute large-scale university events and support students throughout their journey to medicine. Tarleton also taught me the importance of giving back to your community and I have the honor to do so as a member of the Board of Directors of Girls Inc. of Tarrant County, and supporting many incredible nonprofits in the greater Fort Worth area. I reside in Fort Worth with my husband, Paul.

Cassie Hamilton

I graduated in May of 2016

While attending Tarleton, I was a social media/public relations intern for the Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards in Los Angeles

Started my career at KFDA NewsChannel10 in Amarillo, TX in 2016 shortly after graduation as a morning show news producer

I’m currently the evening news anchor and executive producer at KFDA My day to day now consists of writing/producing shows, proofreading reporter stories, and scripts, MMJing stories where I shoot, write, and edit them together myself, and anchor the 5, 6, and 10 p.m. newscasts

Recently, I interviewed the governor about the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic (photo attached)

My favorite story I’ve covered is on the author of the Hank the Cowdog series after his home burned down in the Perryton Fire (3rd largest recorded wildfire in the state). He then wrote about the experience through the eyes of Hank the Cowdog, called “The Monster Fire” (another photo attached)

I’m met my wonderful husband in Amarillo, we married in October of 2018 and have 3 dogs.

Hannah Haugen

I graduated in 2016 with my bachelor’s in Communications out of the PREM program with a minor in Technical Writing and Business. I also was a member of the rodeo team. Currently, I still live in Stephenville and work in Granbury as the Public Relations Coordinator at Equibrand. It’s a company composed of five different brands that manufacture horse sport products such as ropes (Classic Rope), sport equine gear, etc. We also have a small media company called Equimedia that produces a television show and podcast called Racer’s Edge which is a lifestyle docuseries about the professional athletes and trainers involved in the sport of barrel racing. I travel quite often to different equine events around the country and am involved in many marketing endeavors, primarily digital and social media management related.

Rebecca Hoeffner

I am DELIGHTED to hear from a Tarleton professor and to hear about all the growth! I cherish my time at Tarleton. Since graduating from Tarleton in May of 2008 I:

-Received the Mayborn Scholarship to attend the Mayborn School of Journalism at UNT, where I completed my Master’s in journalism;
-Worked as religion editor for the Tyler Morning Telegraph from 2010 to 2014. In 2012 I received recognition from the Associated Press Managing Editors of Texas for my religion column;

-Married the entertainment editor, Stewart Smith, in 2013;

-In 2014 I went to work at Next Step Community Solutions, a nonprofit in Tyler Texas, as coalition coordinator for one of their substance abuse prevention coalitions (while not a role in the journalism field, I found that there are many transferable skills). I received my Certified Prevention Specialist credentials in 2016 and was just promoted September 1st to Program Director over all coalitions;

-In 2016 my husband and I welcomed our son, Dean.

-As I still have the journalism bug I also work for a local nonprofit news website, The Tyler Loop, editing the weekly newsletter (I believe I have had that role since late last year).

Kimberly Holub

I am a freelance business consultant for media and all aspects of running a small business smoothly as well as reaching the public genuinely. Receiving the knowledge and continued mentorship from Tarleton’s COLFA staff has been invaluable to my growth and prosperity.

Ashley Inge

I graduated from Tarleton State University in December 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in communications. My current job is Staff Writer for the Stephenville Empire-Tribune. I am also the former managing editor of the Texan News Service.

Jaci Ingram

Since graduating in August (Summer) 2015 I have had some amazing jobs in the wedding industry but I am currently working as a wedding planner in New York, NY with Tracy Taylor Ward Design.

Drew Isom

I graduated in May 2015 with a Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies with an emphasis in Public Relations & Event Management. Currently, I am working in the Membership & Special Events department at the Kimbell Art Museum as the Membership Database and Young Professional Friends(YPF) Coordinator. I help manage memberships as well as oversee the whole database for our department to provide statistic/analytic reports of anything concerning memberships and donations given to the museum. I also plan events for young adults that are in our Young Professional Friends membership category.

Brooke King

My name is Brooke King and I graduated from TSU in the Spring of 2013 After graduation I moved straight to NYC where I quickly received a job offer working in the wine and spirits industry, for the past 7 years I’ve been in the same industry and have worked my way up from an Associate Brand Manager to Brand Manager. After 5 years of living in New York City, I decided to venture off to Sydney, Australia where I’m now the co-owner of a soon to be small fast-food franchise Yallah Eat. Though I have currently ventured off into my entrepreneurial side my real passion lies within the wine and spirits industry and I’ve recently relocated back to Dallas where I now work for Zamora Company as the national brand manager for Lolea Sangria. I absolutely love the company that I work for, Lolea is my baby and a brand I’m extremely passionate about. We are showing a tremendous amount of growth in 2020 and I look forward to continuing to spearhead this growth well into 2021.

Keelin Manning

Two years ago I graduated from Tarleton and shortly after I had a job interview with the company I would soon start working for. I credit my education at Tarleton for giving me the tools I needed to succeed in the workplace. Within my first year at my new job I gave a presentation to our clients, edited technical documents, created internal and external announcements advertising services and events, worked in large and small groups, both internally and externally, and so much more. After working for a year, I was promoted to a new position that had additional opportunities and responsibilities. I am so grateful for my job and I truly enjoy the work that I do and the people and clients that I work with. Sometimes when working towards a college degree it can feel frustrating as you get lost in the day-to-day or feel that not all of the courses on your degree plan will be relevant to your future. My advice is to hold on, breathe, and keep an open mind. Courses or projects that I felt would not be useful for my future ended up giving me an advantage in the workplace. I was able to complete tasks that my supervisors gave me by drawing on knowledge from those courses and projects. It gave me confidence in the workplace and gave me the ability to advance when the opportunity arose. I am so grateful for the professors and the students who helped me learn the skills I am able to use today. It definitely impacted my life and paved a way for my future.

Jessica McBride

Jessica is the Communication and Marketing Manager at the City of Southlake. Her background is in government communication and journalism. In 2015, she was instrumental in creating the fourth independent tribal media outlet in the United States, Mvskoke Media. Prior to passing the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Independent Press Act, the department relayed community information on behalf of the government. After the outlet was declared independent from the government’s executive branch, she led journalists for the semi-monthly newspaper, weekly radio broadcast, and weekly TV show in their efforts as a community watchdog and information source dedicated to citizens of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. 

Erik “Mack” McGowan

Erik “Mack” McGowan, a Spring 2005 Tarleton graduate, has been running a successful photography business with his wife Chelsea (who also attended Tarleton) since 2008. Together, they travel across the United States and beyond capturing important moments for their clients. Mack credits his ability to fluidly communicate with a diverse clientele to his time at Tarleton, and has recently reconnected with the university as a contract photographer capturing Dr. Hurley’s inauguration festivities and ROTC Brass ceremony.

In his off time, Mack enjoys being a dad to his two children, spending time in the kitchen, and being creative in his wood shop. You can follow along with his photography adventures on Instagram (@McGowanImages) and on his blog.

Jackie Melvin

Upon graduating in 2007, Jackie worked in the public school system for many years, here in Stephenville and for a brief period in Lubbock. She is also a published author with a Children’s book series and a one novel. In 2016 she realized her educational journey had yet to be completed. After many moves and hard work she completed her master’s degree in 2018 from Liberty University. Jackie is excited to start her teaching career over again at Tarleton as an Adjunct in Communication Studies. Here she will no doubt meet wonderful people, continue to study the human communication process, write books, and enjoy time at her lake house in Comanche surrounded by her family.

Daniel Mendoza

After graduating in 2021, I’m happy to share that I’m starting a new position as Executive Director for the Brady/McCulloch County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Coordinator at BRADY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE!

Emily Miller

I am currently working for a third party SDR company that specializes in cloud security. The client I am assigned to is called Bitglass. In addition to working full time, I am as of this semester going back to get a master’s in counseling. Starting small with two classes currently but am really excited about it! 

Jordan Monroe

I graduated May 2013 with a BS in Communication Studies with an emphasis in Public Relations & Event Management (PREM). After graduating, I began working as the Marketing Director for Home Health Associates while attending graduate school at Tarleton. 

I changed direction from healthcare by starting a career in property management with FirstService Residential as a Lifestyle Director. My PREM background was perfect for this as the main focus was planning large scale events for master-planned communities.

In May 2015, I graduated with an MS in Management and Leadership. I was promoted quickly thereafter to General Manager at FirstService Residential and am currently in this position. I manage a developing master-planned community in Crandall, TX that will eventually have 3,100 single-family homes. 

Personally, I live in Royse City, TX with my husband, 1-year-old son, and two dogs. 

Amanda Moore

Amanda Moore joined Azle ISD in March of 2020 as the district’s Coordinator of Communications and Public Relations. Prior to joining Azle ISD, Moore served as a Communications Coordinator in a neighboring school district.

She has worked in public education for more than 13 years, with experience in communications, student services, and human resources. She also works as an adjunct instructor at Tarrant County College, teaching Business and Professional Communication since 2019.

Moore received her Associate of Arts degree from Tarrant County College and Bachelor of General Studies from Texas Woman’s University in the areas of business, criminal justice, and sociology. She also earned a Master of Arts degree in Communication Studies from Tarleton State University along with a Graduate Certificate in Social Media Strategy.

She lives in the Azle area with her husband, Johnny, and three sons. Gamble is a 2018 graduate of Azle High School who now attends Doane University on a football scholarship, and twins Cash and Case attend Azle Junior High. In her free time, she enjoys cheering on her boys in football, basketball, and track.

Luke Munchrath

Since I have graduated in May 2019 I have been working for my Fraternity, FarmHouse, I am currently the Assistant Director of Chapter Development and Volunteer Support. Basically, I work with 15 chapters and offer consultation to them on how to run their chapters. I work with them on how to improve their risk management, recruitment, finances, communications (especially PR), and event management to name a few. It’s a real jack of all trades position. On the volunteer support side I work on recruiting advisors, creating resources and offer trainings to them so they feel prepared to advise a fraternity chapter. I love this job and it has really opened up my eyes to how other universities operate. Makes me appreciate what I had at Tarleton even more.

Riley Odom

I received my Bachelor’s in Communication Studies with an emphasis on Public Relations and Event Management. I was so lucky to have the support of the COMS department because I definitely faced a lot of challenges in my undergrad. I continued to strive to stay at Tarleton after I found such a great community here, so after many interviews, I became an Administrative Associate at the Fort Worth campus. After being there for a year, I continued my growth by accepting a job with Human Resources on the Stephenville campus. It has been a great experience, and because I am a glutton for punishment, I will be returning to pursue my Master’s in the Fall. I know I’ll be able to get through it with the best support Tarleton has to offer.

Amanda Ogle

I graduated in the spring of 2013. Now, I am a freelance writer and editor based near Fort Worth, Texas. I write mainly about travel, food and drink, sustainability, health and fitness, and general lifestyle topics. I usually am traveling throughout the year on assignment for articles, and have written for Travel + Leisure, National Geographic, Virtuoso Traveler, Texas Highways, OZY, and many more publications. You can find all of my work at amandaogle.com. After I graduated from Tarleton, I went on to UNT and earned a master’s in journalism. I was an editor at American Way before going freelance, and have been freelance for almost four years now. 

Ashleigh O’Hara

I graduated in 2015. Now, I’m happy to share that I’m starting a new position as Business Development Manager at Visit Fort Worth Sports Commission. So excited to share my love for this city!

Klarissa Perez

I graduated in August 2016 with a BS in Communications: Public Relations and Event Management. I began my journey at Tarleton State University a little earlier than most as I was fortunate enough to be accepted into the Upward Bound Trio program in high school that is housed on campus. From there I was accepted to TSU and had the privilege of working in the Office of Student Global and Community Connections as a student worker. There I found my love for advocating for marginalized communities and event management- all in one. After my undergraduate journey, I decided I wanted to make a higher education career so I then proceeded to obtain a master’s degree at Angelo State University in Higher Education and Leadership. I am currently working at the University of Texas at Dallas in the Multicultural Center where I do diversity education training/workshops, cultural events, and get to help marginalized students in their college journey. I am also pursuing another master’s degree at the University of Texas at Dallas in Public Affairs: Program in Public and Nonprofit Management. 

Nicole Pierce

Heyyyyy Oscar P! I am the Director of Marketing for Prime Metal Buildings & Components in Dublin. Prior to that, I was the Account Manager/Lead Designer at Root & Roam Integrated Marketing Agency.

Jessica Pounds

After Jessica graduated with her master’s degree in communication from Tarleton in 2021, she launched her own business, Pounds Media Management. She is a 15-year veteran in the communications and public relations field, who also served as a Mass Communication Specialist in the U.S. Navy. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Texas Wesleyan University and worked in community journalism as a features reporter for the Cleburne Times-Review before pursuing her graduate degree.

Bree Rogers

After graduating with my BS in Communications Studies in 2013, I worked in marketing support and the hospitality industry before starting my M.Ed in Student Development and Leadership and Higher Education from Angelo State University. During my graduate program, I worked as a student recruiter at Texas A&M University-Central Texas and then took a job as an Admissions Counselor at the University of Texas at Arlington. Currently, I serve as the Recruitment and Outreach Coordinator for the Honors College at UTA. I love being able to work with such amazing students while creating leadership programming and peer mentoring opportunities for the Honors Advocate program I oversee that assists with all recruiting endeavors for our college. This past fall semester I was asked to teach the honors version of our New Student Success course so I was officially able to add the title of Assistant Adjunct Professor to my resume. In summer 2021, I am very excited to be starting the Educational Leadership doctoral program with Tarleton, it kind of feels like I’m coming home. On the personal side of things, I got married in March 2020 (on pi day – yes, we served pie) and we have two wonderful dogs.

Jordan Simons

I graduated from Tarleton in August of 2014 with a Communications degree. I have been working at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo for over five years as their Social Media Manager. With over 1.2 million visitors every year the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo is one of the largest rodeos and livestock shows in the country and the biggest annual event in Fort Worth. As the Social Media Manager, I post, tweet, snap, and re-blog rodeo performances, livestock shows, sponsor content, judging contests, human interest stories, and various events and activities around the grounds of the 23-day Show. After the Show, maintaining a social media presence is crucial for constant growth. My goal is to sustain an ongoing conversation between fans, attendees, and exhibitors with the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo. I would like to mention that out of the twenty full-time staff members of the Fort Worth Stock Show that six of them are Tarleton alumni!

Haley Smith

I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in 2017. Since then I have done a couple of career changes! Originally I wanted to be a Sports Broadcaster in Waco, Tx where I am from. I did two internships with KWTX news station, after this I decided that this wasn’t the path for myself. I took on many jobs to keep income flowing to pay my bills. I had a son in May of 2019, and then married his father, whom I have been with for 7 years, in December. I have recently started back online schooling to get my teacher’s certification! I am now currently an Instructional aide at Lorena Primary School coaching Kindergarten through second grade! I hope to inspire anyone who felt the way I did as my education was going to waste! I am thankful to find a path that brings so much joy to my life! 

Daniel Templeton

– graduated in Fall of 2019

– Immediately after graduating I became a Campus Ministry Intern (CMI) at the Tarleton Baptist Student Ministry (BSM). I ended up participating in the BSM as a student and desire to give back the leadership skills, community, growth, and investment that was given to me. My communications degree has been an asset to this job as I mainly work with students and event planning. I’m grateful to the communications department at Tarleton for developing a passion within me to be a better communicator.

Alex Todd

Current job title: Web Communication Specialist

Employer: Texas A&M University – College of Education and Human Development, Office of Marketing & Communications

My husband and I currently live in Bryan, TX – we have a 7-week old daughter and a 3 1/2-year-old dog named Leia. We moved here in September 2018 when I accepted my first position at Texas A&M in the Department of Physics & Astronomy. Prior to that, I was a Web Content Strategist at Tarleton in the Office of University Web Strategy (December 2017-August 2018), and worked as an intern/graduate assistant for that office while I was a student. In 2018, I received my Web Design certification from Southern Methodist University.

Kendyl Weatherly (Martin)

I graduated from Tarleton in 2019 and got my degree in Public Relations and Event Management. I currently own my business Everything Bridal, and use the skills I learned to make a bride’s wedding planning process easier and make the best day of a couple’s lives run as smoothly as possible. I live in North Texas with my husband and new puppy, Maze. I love wine, crafts, and decorating, but most of all, helping brides make the wedding of their dreams come to life!

Julie Wilkes

I actually got my start at Tarleton Career Services as a Graduate Assistant while getting my Master’s in HR. I would have gone the Communications route, but there was no Masters program for Communications yet. I found my passion for assisting and educating people in the job market and launched a career in recruiting. I moved on after obtaining my masters at The Adecco Group where I was a specialized recruiter within Marketing and Creative for Paladin. I was a Champions Club producer in my second year there and was promoted a few times over the last four years springing me into the leadership world. I am currently the Managing Director for our Fort Worth office where I use my communications degree to help people grow their business, problem-solve for our clients, and provide our candidates with valuable job opportunities. I love having a job where I get to train, educate, and help people every day. I’m so grateful that my time at Tarleton revealed this career for me that I am so passionate about.

Lindsay Wright

I graduated in Spring 2008 with a Bachelor of Science in Communications. I received a Master of Science in PR/Marketing from Texas Christian University in Spring 2013. I am currently the Associate Director of Public Relations & Marketing for Central Arizona College. Hobbies include theatre, reading, writing, painting/crafts, and spending time with my husband and son.