Resume

    • Award-winning journalist, media strategist, and educator specializing in media literacy, content strategy, and audience engagement.

    • Experienced in leading media organizations, managing fact-checking initiatives, and mentoring student journalists.

    • Skilled in public relations and digital marketing, with a proven track record of crafting impactful storytelling that builds trust and fosters engagement.

  • Community Liaison, Roy Howard Community Journalism Center
    The University of Southern Mississippi
    Hattiesburg, MS
    October 2024 — Present

    • Direct media literacy programs and a fact-checking hotline across 10 counties in south Mississippi.

    • Oversee digital programming, public events, and student staff management.

    • Train and mentor student and professional journalists, providing guidance on investigative reporting, multimedia storytelling, and ethical journalism practices.

    Adjunct Professor, School of Media and Communication
    The University of Southern Mississippi
    Hattiesburg, MS
    August 2022 — Present

    • Teach undergraduate courses including Media Literacy, Multimedia Storytelling, and Digital and Social Media.

    • Develop curricula that integrate emerging trends in journalism and digital communication.

    Owner-Operator
    Perch Creek Communications
    Hattiesburg, MS
    July 2017 — Present

    • Provide strategic marketing and public relations services for clients in education and health care.

    • Specialize in brand storytelling, content development, and digital strategy.

    Executive Editor
    Mississippi Business Journal
    Remote
    July 2023 — July 2024

    • Led editorial strategy and daily operations for the state’s largest business publication.

    • Managed newsroom staff, developed digital and audience engagement strategies, and oversaw creative direction.

    • Increased readership engagement through innovative content formats and social media initiatives.

    Strategic Communication Advisor, Student Media
    The University of Southern Mississippi
    Hattiesburg, MS
    January 2023 — October 2024

    • Mentored student teams in digital media, PR, and sales, driving revenue and audience growth.

    • Managed business operations and assisted in editorial planning to align student media with industry trends.

    Senior Digital Writer
    Stamats Communications
    Remote
    February 2022 — June 2023

    • Created engaging digital content for higher education and health care clients.

    • Managed large-scale content audits and website redesign projects.

    Regional Career Navigator
    Southern Mississippi Planning and Development District
    Hattiesburg, MS
    May 2021 — December 2021

    • Led workforce development programs, assisting individuals in career and education planning.

    • Conducted outreach to increase participation and program impact.

    Executive Editor and Creative Director
    Hattiesburg Publishing
    Hattiesburg, MS
    February 2020 — April 2021

    • Led editorial and creative direction for The Pine Belt News and Signature Magazine.

    • Managed staff, developed content strategies, and expanded digital presence.

    Director of Marketing and Communications
    United Way of South Mississippi and Gulf Coast Community Foundation
    Gulfport, MS
    June 2019 — January 2020

    • Oversaw fundraising and marketing initiatives, serving as the organizations’ spokesperson.

    • Led crisis communication efforts as part of the local disaster response team.

    Marketing Manager
    Merchants Foodservice
    Hattiesburg, MS
    April 2016 — July 2017

    • Managed marketing strategy, events, and media relations.

    • Supervised a $7 million annual marketing budget and coordinated sales promotions.

    Art and Marketing Director
    Munn Enterprises and Munn Outdoor Advertising
    Hattiesburg, MS
    July 2017 — March 2019

    • Created marketing strategies and advertising campaigns targeting major accounts.

    • Managed a three-person creative team in developing innovative branding and advertising solutions.

    Adjunct Professor
    William Carey University
    Hattiesburg, MS
    August 2015 — November 2021

    • Taught Strategies in Learning, a freshman-level course on time management and study skills.

    • Developed curriculum focused on academic success strategies and student engagement.

    Director of Media Relations and Marketing
    William Carey University
    Hattiesburg, MS
    December 2011 — April 2016

    • Led university-wide media relations, branding, and crisis communication efforts.

    • Served as the university’s spokesperson and advised the president on public relations strategy.

    • Managed digital and print marketing, social media, and advertising campaigns.

    • Designed promotional materials and oversaw content for institutional publications.

    • Advised The Cobbler, the university’s student newspaper.

    Columnist and Staff Writer
    Southwest Publishers
    Brookhaven, MS
    December 2005 — December 2011

    • Wrote a weekly community news column for The Daily Leader covering local events, human interest stories, and regional issues.

    • Served as a general assignment reporter, covering breaking news, business, and feature stories.

    • Graduate Certificate in Economic Development, The University of Southern Mississippi, 2022 (4.0 GPA)

    • Master of Business Administration, William Carey University, 2014 (3.5 GPA)

    • Bachelor of Science in Social Science and English, William Carey University, 2012 (3.8 GPA)

    • Associate in Arts, Copiah-Lincoln Community College, 2010 (3.8 GPA)

    • Investigative Journalism and Fact-Checking

    • Digital and Multimedia Storytelling

    • SEO and Audience Engagement

    • Media Literacy Training

    • Editorial Leadership and Strategy

    • Crisis Communication and Public Relations

    • Strategic Content Marketing

    • Public Speaking and Training

    • Social Media and Analytics

    • Fundraising and Sponsorship Development

    • First Place Awards, Magazine Feature and Investigative Journalism, Mississippi Press Association, 2021

    • Professional Promise Award, Public Relations Association of Mississippi Pine Belt Chapter, 2015

    • “Top 20 Under 40” List, Hattiesburg American, 2015

    • Chair of the Board of Directors, Innova Preparatory School

    • Marketing Chair and Treasurer, Hattiesburg Historic Neighborhood Association and Walthall Foundation

    • Marketing and Events Committee, United Way of Southeast Mississippi

    • Executive Committee, NAMI Mississippi Pine Belt Chapter

    • Founder and President, William Carey University Pine Belt Alumni Chapter

    • Secretary, Public Relations Association of Mississippi

    • Secretary, Kids Hub Child Advocacy Center

    • President, Acadia Oaks Homeowners Association

    • President, Public Relations Association of Mississippi Pine Belt Chapter

    • Vice President, College Public Relations Association of Mississippi

    • Contributing Author, Memories of Lincoln County — Outskirts Press, 2020

    • Primary Author, William Carey University: Celebrating 125 Years — Arcadia Publishing, 2017