PRSSA Chapter at UVU

Emily Elizabeth Ballstaedt

UVU Public Relations Alumni

Current Job: XANGO, LLC Global Recognition Manager and Archive Specialist

“When I began the Public Relations program with the UVU Communication Department, I was a single mom, recently divorced, and struggling to find a way to provide for my little family. I was determined to give my children a good life, and I knew that a solid education would help pave the way for me to find a great job after graduation. The stellar professors in the Communication department saw my potential and gave me invaluable opportunities to learn and grow both inside and outside of the classroom. Their passion motivated me to push myself to achieve great things, and that desire stays with me as I work to grow in my career. I have a future ahead of me, thanks to the education I received at UVU. “

Kody Hansen

UVU Speech Communication Alumni

“My experience in the COMM department at UVU has helped me prepare personally and professionally for the rest of my life. I chose this major because I was passionate about the knowledge contained in the coursework. The concepts COMM students acquire and apply are so relevant to every-day life. I came to appreciate the value of the discipline. I also really enjoyed how personable the faculty was, making each class meaningful. All in all, I felt like this department was where I belonged all along.”

Cori Place

UVU Speech Communication Alumni

“When I first started to attend UVU I was a music major, but because I wanted to be able to get a job after school, I decided I needed to change my major. I went into my Wolverine Track (an online tool that helps students plan for graduation) and tried to find what degree I was closest to. It turns out a degree in Communication was the answer. I met with Vegor Pedersen (one of the department’s academic advisors) and we discussed my road to graduation. I know it sounds like I threw a dart to find a major, but I believe I was lead by inspiration. Sometimes you just have to blindly choose a path to see what is right for you and as for me, I got lucky and hit a bullseye. I love Communication and everyone in the department. I wouldn't trade my experiences as a Comm major for anything.” 

Chelsea Lindahl

UVU Communication Alumni

“My favorite part of being a Communication student are the fun classes with professors that have worked in their filed and fellow students that have similar personalities and interests as me. My favorite Communication class was Public Relations with Stephen Whyte because he made it fun and exciting to learn about the real world after college.”

JJ Melton

UVU Communication Alumni

Current Job: Media Thropic Intern

The coolest thing I have done with my internship is that I have had the opportunity to be on conference calls with famous people who have a lot of influence. I have also been able to meet with business owners who are already very successful and are looking to take their business/ideas to the next level. I think the value of doing an internship is enormous in getting a real idea of what that job would be like. Learning from teachers who have experience is great but actually calling people on the phone or emailing them about a proposal or even sitting down with them face to face is so much better. It helped me realize what I really want to do for a career that doesn't directly relate to the internship but there are many aspects of my internship that will apply and help me in the long run with my career aspirations.

Chris Baily

UVU Public Relations Alumni

Current Job: Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide

Developed and implemented public relations campaigns for local and global companies, including: University of Phoenix, Darden Group, NCR, UPS, BP, Communities in Schools and High Museum of Art. Wrote media pitches and press releases. Pitched media outlets. Tracked media coverage. Planned special events. Developed web and social media content.

“The coolest thing I did was take part in the development a new business pitch for the Darden Group. I worked on the business pitch from the arrival of the RFP, brainstorming of campaign strategies and tactics and the development of the actual pitch.”

Kyle J. Flanagan

UVU Public Relations Alumni

Current Job: Associate Marketing and Events Manager, Nu Skin

My education in Public Relations from Utah Valley University was absolutely exceptional. The value of real-world experience being incorporated into many of the classes taught by my professors made my transition into a professional working environment nearly seamless. After completing my education in Public Relations at UVU, I felt prepared to handle the job responsibilities within that field that have come my way since graduating. I'll always be thankful for many of the professors I learned from.

Matthew Isaac Hardman

UVU Communication Alumni

I've always wanted to go to medical school and have been involved in numerous science classes. Majoring I'm speech communication gave me a sense of balance. It allowed me to work in groups, speak in public, and learn interpersonal communication skills. I was able to interact with other students in every class and gain valuable skills that will be put to use in my post-college career.

Brittany M. Loose

UVU Public Relations Alumni

Public Events Manager, Thanksgiving Point Institute

I started my college career when the school was known as UVSC and a four-year option wasn’t available. I eventually had to transfer to the University of Utah to continue pursuing my Bachelor’s Degree, but quickly became disappointed with their program. At the U, I was one of hundreds of students in the program, just another face and I felt that internships and club memberships were only made available to a select few. Out of frustration I decided to put my education on hold and while on break from school I learned about the 4-year degree in Public Relations at UVU. I set up an appointment with an advisor and before I knew it I was transferring back. I was encouraged by how the new department was set up and how clearly laid out my path to graduation was. The numerous options for real-world participation in my emphasis (Case Studies, Capstone, PR Firm, PRSSA) provided by the instructors, showed me all the possibilities I would have with a degree in Communications. I also appreciated how instructors in the Communication Department pushed student involvement in internships and went out of their way to learn who I was, and adapt my interests to the field of study. Because of their belief in me I never felt that I was just a face, but a part of a team. I believed that I would be able compete with “the best” after graduation and became determined to make my goals a reality. I took on several internships with their encouragement and got two jobs from two of those internships, one of them being where I work now.