Editor Biographies, Spring 2017
Kahla Anderson — Bloomfield, Michigan
Editor/Writer
Major/Minor: Public Relations/Computer Technology & Applications
Academic Achievements: Dean’s List (Spring 2016)
Jobs, Internships & Other Achievements: Resident Advisor — Housing and Residential Communities (Present); Digital Strategist — Capstone Agency (Present); Director of Fresh Start — Student Government Association (Present); Director of Housing and Residential Communities — Student Government Association (Fall 2015–Spring 2016); Marketing Intern — Real Times Media (Summer 2016)
Community Service: Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind (present)
Organization Membership: Capstone Agency, Capstone AdFed, National Council of Negro Women (NCNW)
Clara Balestrieri — Arlington, Virginia
Editor/Writer
Major/Minor: Public Relations/Communication Studies
Academic Achievements: Dean’s List (Fall 2016), Global Studies Certificate Award
Jobs, Internships & Other Achievements: Social Media Coordinator for Beat Auburn Beat Hunger (Fall 2016-present); PR in Paris study abroad program (May 2016); CIS Semester in Florence study abroad program (Fall 2015)
Community Service: C.A.S.A. Fundraising; Sprout Therapeutic Riding Center
Organization Membership: Beat Auburn Beat Hunger, UAPRSSA (Spring 2017); Kappa Alpha Theta Women’s Fraternity (Fall 2013–Spring 2015); P.E.O.
Briana Borcic — Denver, Colorado
Editor/Writer
Major/Minor: Public Relations/Entrepreneurship
Academic Achievements: Dean’s List (Spring 2015, Fall 2015), The National Society of Leadership and Success
Jobs, Internships & Other Achievements: Reach Anonymous Chat Mobile App — Campus Promoter (February 2015–May 2015), Industry Immersion — Trip Participant (May 2015), Industry Immersion — Public Relations Director (August 2015–May 2016), Comedy Works Denver — Business Affairs Intern (May 2016–August 2016), Conservatively Unplugged — Assistant Producer (Present)
Community Service: Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter (Fall 2015-Spring 2016)
Organization Membership: CMA (Country Music Association) Edu (Present), Habitat for Humanity (Spring 2017), UAPRSSA (Spring 2017)
Lynn Brantley — Ashburn, Virginia
Marketing Director
Major/Minors: Public Relations/Entrepreneurship and Computer Technology and Applications
Academic Achievements: Dean’s List (Spring 2015), Dean’s List (Fall 2016)
Jobs, Internships & Other Achievements: Student Assistant/Creative Team Leader — UA Center for Academic Success (Present); Zeta Tau Alpha — Director of Sisterhood (Present); Communications Intern — Active Minds Inc. (Summer 2016); Business Development Intern — CourseHero (Fall 2015); Zeta Tau Alpha — Director of Founders Group (Spring 2014)
Community Service: Power of Pink Volunteer, Bright Pink Volunteer, Pancreatic Cancer Action Network Purple Stride and Boys and Girls Club
Organization Membership: Zeta Tau Alpha Fraternity for Women, UAPRSSA, Order of Alpha Honor Society
Julia Cione — Plano, Texas
Editor/Writer
Major/Minors: Public Relations/Psychology and Computer Technology & Applications
Academic Achievements: Dean’s List (Fall 2013, Spring 2014, Spring 2015, Fall 2015, Spring 2016, Fall 2016)
Jobs, Internships & Other Achievements: Zeta Tau Alpha — Director of Philanthropy (December 2015-December 2016); Business Marketing Organization Intern — AT&T (Summer 2016); Zeta Tau Alpha — Recruitment Chairman (December 2014-December 2015); University of Alabama Cheerleading (May 2014-May 2015)
Community Service: Power of Pink Volunteer, Bright Pink Volunteer, TeamConnor Childhood Cancer Foundation
Organization Membership: Zeta Tau Alpha Fraternity for Women, UAPRSSA, Order of Omega Honor Society
Erica Cooke — Alpharetta, Georgia
Editor/Writer
Major/Minor: Public Relations/Business
Academic Achievements: Dean’s List (Fall 2014, Spring 2015)
Jobs, Internships & Other Achievements: PRSA Liaison — UA PRSSA (Present), Communications Intern — Fellowship of Christian Athletes (Present), Marketing and Communications Intern — American Red Cross (Present), Insights Strategist — Capstone Agency (Present), Public Relations Strategist — Capstone Agency (Fall 2016), Public Relations Intern — Global Impact Solutions (Spring 2015), Director of Alumnae Relations — Delta Gamma Fraternity (Fall 2014–Spring 2015)
Community Service: Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind, Pine Valley Retirement Facility
Organization Membership: UAPRSSA, Capstone Agency, Delta Gamma Fraternity, Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society
Josh Downey — San Diego, California
Editor/Writer
Major/Minor: Public Relations/Spanish
Academic Achievements: Dean’s List (Spring 2015, Fall 2015, Spring 2016, Fall 2016), UA Scholar (Present)
Jobs, Internships & Other Achievements: Graphic Designer — Zerorez (Summer 2016-Current)
Community Service: Father Joe’s Village (Fall 2012); Westview Wolverines Kid’s Camp (Summer 2012-Summer 2014)
Organization Membership: PRCUA, UACMAEDU
Meredith Folsom — Oxford, Connecticut
Editor/Writer
Major/Minor: Public Relations/General Business
Academic Achievements: Dean’s List (Spring 2015)
Jobs, Internships & Other Achievements: Marketing Coordinator — WageWorks (Present); Marketing Intern — WageWorks (2015-2016)
Community Service: Rebound Hounds (2014-2016)
Organization Membership: Capstone Agency, Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA)
Tristen Gell — Birmingham, Alabama
Editor/Writer
Major/Minor: Public Relations/Communication Studies
Academic Achievements: Dean’s List (Fall 2013, Fall 2014, Spring 2015, Fall 2015); Walter H. and Clara W. McGowin Scholarship; Buffalo Rock/Pepsi Leadership Scholarship; Wade W. Ward End Scholarship; Hohenberg Trust Scholarship
Jobs, Internships & Other Achievements: Marketing and Corporate Communications Intern — Brasfield & Gorrie (October 2016–January 2017); Disney College Program Internship — The Walt Disney Company (January–July 2016); Writer — Odyssey Online (December 2015–February 2016); Sales Associate — TRU Identity (October 2014–January 2016); Public Relations Director — Nucal LLC (August–December 2015)
Community Service: Soccer Strong Mentoring Program, University of Alabama Dance Marathon, UA for St. Jude Executive Board
Organization Membership: Capstone Communication Student Society, Phi Mu Fraternity — Alpha Zeta Chapter, Public Relations Council of Alabama, Public Relations Student Society of America, Sigma Rho Chi, The Oakley Society
Nicole Morgan — St. Petersburg, Florida
Editorial Director
Major/Minor: Public Relations/International Studies
Academic Achievements: Dean’s List (Spring 2016, Fall 2016)
Jobs, Internships & Other Achievements: Director of Media Relations — PRSSA Bateman Case Study Competition (Present), EcoCAR 3 Account Executive — Capstone Agency (Present), Marketing Intern — The Dali Museum (June 2016–July 2016), Media Relations Strategist — Capstone Agency (Fall 2015-Spring 2016), Study Abroad — UA in Oxford (2015), Director of Brand Management — University of Alabama Diabetes Education Team (Spring 2015–Spring 2016), Public Relations Committee (Fall 2014–Spring 2016)
Community Service: Boys & Girls Club of West Alabama, Al’s Pals
Organization Membership: UA Public Relations Student Society of America, Capstone Agency, Chi Omega Fraternity for Women
Allison Morris — Athens, Alabama
Editor/Writer
Major/Minor: Public Relations/Psychology
Jobs, Internships & Other Achievements: Social Media Manager — NTDS (Present); UA Early College Ambassador (2013); Intern — Spirit of Athens (2013)
Community Service: Goode Foundation (Present); Hospice of Limestone Co. Camp Hope (2013–2014); Samaritan’s Purse (2014)
Organization Membership: UAPRSSA
Amelia Neumeister — Marietta, Georgia
10th Anniversary Design Consultant
Majors/Minor: Public Relations specializing in Technological and Digital Communication Management/Computing Technology & Applications
Academic Achievements: Dean’s List (Fall 2013, Spring 2014, Fall 2014, Spring 2015, Fall 2015, Spring 2016), UA Scholar (Present)
Jobs, Internships & Other Achievements: Social Media Intern/Belize Study Abroad — Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary (Summer 2016); Web Team — Mosaic Magazine (Present); Creative Department — Capstone Agency (Present); UA PRSSA Director of Web-Based Communications (Present); Study Abroad — PR in Paris (May 2016); Designer/Writer — Mosaic Magazine (Fall 2015–Spring 2016); Study Abroad — UA in Germany Honors (June 2015); Advertising Sales Intern — The Crimson White (Spring 2014)
Community Service: Sassafras Center for Arts and Environment (Spring 2016)
Organization Membership: Capstone Agency, UAPRSSA, UA Honors College, Kappa Tau Alpha Honor Society, Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society, Million Dollar Band, ALta Marea Winterguard
Drew Pendleton — Ballwin, Missouri
Editorial Assistant and President
Majors/Minor: Public Relations and Spanish/Creative Writing
Academic Achievements: Dean’s List (Fall 2013, Spring 2014, Spring 2015, Fall 2015), President’s List (Fall 2014, Spring 2016, Fall 2016), UA Scholar (Present)
Jobs, Internships & Other Achievements: Publications Committee Leader – UA PRSSA (Present); Director of Media Relations Content Creation – Capstone Agency (Present); Freelance Editor — Mosaic Magazine (Present); PR/Communications Intern – Freshwater Land Trust (Summer 2016); Media Relations Strategist — Capstone Agency (Fall 2015–Spring 2016); Managing Editor — Mosaic Magazine (Fall 2015); Study Abroad — UA in Spain (Summer 2015); Writer — Mosaic Magazine (Fall 2014–Spring 2015); Contributing Culture Writer and Film Columnist — The Crimson White (Fall 2013–Fall 2015)
Community Service: 57 Miles (Fall 2013)
Organization Membership: Capstone Agency, UAPRSSA, UA Honors College, Kappa Tau Alpha Honor Society, Sigma Alpha Lambda Honor Society
Brittany Ray — Millbrook, Alabama
10th Anniversary Social Media Manager
Major/Minor: Public Relations with a specialization in Sports and Entertainment/ English
Jobs, Internships & Other Achievements: : Public Relations Intern — KC Prōjects (Present), Social Media Committee Leader — UAPRSSA (Present), Digital Strategist — Capstone Agency (Spring 2016–Present), Intern — College Tourist (Summer 2016), Beauty/ Online Writer — Alice Magazine (Fall 2015–Present), College of Communication and Information Sciences Ambassador (Present), Server — NorthRiver Yacht Club (Spring 2015–Present), Social Media Director for Regional Conference — UAPRSSA (October 2015–February 2016), Mental Health Monologue Director — National Alliance on Mental Illness (Fall 2016–Spring 2016), Individual Fundraising and Recruitment Team — University of Alabama Dance Marathon (Fall 2016–Spring 2016)
Community Service: Christ’s Kitchen (Present)
Organization Membership: UAPRSSA, Capstone Agency, College of Communication and Information Science Ambassador
Melody Schmidt — Austin, Texas
Design Director
Majors/Minor: Psychology and Public Relations with a concentration in Technological and Digital Communication Management
Academic Achievements: President’s List (Spring 2015, Fall 2014), Dean’s List (Spring 2016, Fall 2015, Spring 2014), UA Presidential Scholar (Present)
Jobs, Internships & Other Achievements: Marketing Intern — Tri-Coastal Enterprises, Inc. (Present); Intern — Creative Campus (Present); PR Strategist — Her Campus Alabama (Present); Photographer — Melody K Photography (Present); Graphic Designer — Loopd News (Present); Historian, Social Media Chair and Colony/Chapter Founder — Alpha Omega Epsilon Sorority (Present); Writer and Photographer — UA Service-Learning Magazine (Spring 2016, Fall 2014); Social Media and Publicity Team Committee Leader — Black Warrior Film Festival (Fall 2015–Spring 2016); Digital Strategist — Capstone Agency (Fall 2015); Undergraduate Research Assistant — Caldwell Lab (Fall 2013–Spring 2015)
Community Service: Al’s Pals, Autism Society of Alabama, Belser-Parton Literacy Center, On AllFours, Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter, Tuscaloosa Spay and Neuter Incentive Program (TSNIP)
Organization Membership: Creative Campus, UAPRSSA, UA Honors College, Alpha Omega Epsilon Sorority, Psi Chi Honor Society, Order of Omega Honor Society, Her Campus Alabama, University Chorus, Capstone Agency (2014)
Josie Seavers — Chicago, Illinois
Editor/Writer
Major/Minor: Apparel and Textiles/Public Relations
Academic Achievements: Dean’s List (Fall 2013, Fall 2015, Spring 2016)
Jobs, Internships & Other Achievements: Marketing and Events Intern — Modern Luxury Magazine (Fall 2016); Sales Associate — Nordstrom (Summer 2014–Winter 2016)
Kennedy Studdard — Mobile, Alabama
Design Strategist
Major/Minor: Public Relations specializing in Technological & Digital Communication Management/Psychology
Jobs, Internships & Other Achievements: Alabama Power Company Communications Intern (Summer & Fall 2016); Platform Magazine Writer/Editor (Fall 2016); AAF’s Most Promising Multicultural Student award recipient for the Class of 2017; PR in Paris study abroad program (May 2016); Honors College Honors Year One Intern (Spring 2016–Present); Public Relations Student Society of America Fundraising Chair (Spring 2016–Present); The Elliott Society, a community service based honors society (Spring 2016–Present); Capstone Agency (Fall 2015–Present); College of Communication and Information Sciences Ambassador (Fall 2015–Present); Honors College Honors Year One Mentor (Fall 2014, Fall 2015); Foley Sports Tourism Intern (Summer 2015); Alabama Power Company Internship through a youth summer intern program (Summer 2014)
Community Service: Autism Society of Alabama, Arts ’n Autism PR volunteer, various projects through Circle K International (i.e., Habitat for Humanity, Trick-or-Treat for Canned Goods, The Color Run, Glow Run)
Organization Membership: UAPRSSA, UA Honors College, The Elliott Society, College of Communication and Information Sciences Ambassador, Capstone Agency, PRCA, Capstone AdFed
Kayla Sullivan — Bartow, Florida
Editor/Writer
Major/Minor: Public Relations/Communication Studies
Academic Achievements: Dean’s List (Fall 2015)
Jobs, Internships & Other Achievements: Marketing Team — Crimson Heart: Let me tell you my story by Mal M. Moore Foundation (Fall 2016); Tourism Development Intern — Tuscaloosa Tourism and Sports Commission (Summer 2016); Office Intern — Main Street Bartow Inc. (Winter 2015/16)
Organization Membership: UA Country Music Association Edu (2014–Present)
Terrika Woods — Pell City, Alabama
Editor/Writer
Major/Minor: Public Relations/General Business
Academic Achievements: Dean’s List (Fall 2014–Fall 2015)
Jobs, Internships & Other Achievements: Resident Advisor — Housing and Residential Communities (Present)
Community Service: Tuscaloosa’s One Place (2015–2016)
Organization Membership: National Council of Negro Women (NCNW)
