Public & Media Relations

Effective media relations requires identifying compelling stories, developing clear messaging, and building relationships with journalists and media outlets.

As the primary media relations contact for Briar Cliff University, I develop and distribute press materials, coordinate media interviews, and work with university leadership and faculty experts to communicate institutional news, initiatives, and expertise.

The selected work below highlights my experience in media relations, press release development, and organizational communications.

Featured PR Coverage

Toller Hall Reopens as Briar Cliff Enrollment Growth Brings New Life to Historic Residence Hall

Project Overview
Briar Cliff University reopened a floor of Toller Hall for the 2026-27 academic year to accommodate increased demand for on-campus housing following significant enrollment growth. After closing in late 2023, the historic residence hall welcomed students back as the University experienced one of its largest incoming classes in the past decade. The announcement highlighted both the University's continued growth and Toller Hall's history and significance to generations of Briar Cliff students and alumni.


My Role
I was responsible for the press release from development through distribution and media coordination. This included researching the history and significance of Toller Hall, writing and editing the press release, coordinating the announcement, and distributing it to local and regional media outlets. I also conducted media outreach and coordinated with reporters and news outlets to arrange on-campus visits, interviews, and additional coverage of the reopening.

Media Coverage / Results


Read the Original Release → https://www.briarcliff.edu/family-and-friends/parents/news/toller-hall-reopens-as-briar-cliff-enrollment-growth-brings-new-life-to-historic-residence-hall-

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Briar Cliff University Formally Inaugurates Dr. Matthew Draud as its 13th President

Project Overview
Briar Cliff University formally inaugurated Dr. Matthew Draud as its 13th president on March 12, 2025, marking an important milestone in the University's leadership and future. The ceremony brought together university leadership, trustees, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community members to celebrate Draud's presidency and share his vision for the University's future. The announcement highlighted his leadership experience, commitment to student success, and vision for guiding Briar Cliff toward its 2030 centennial.

My Role
As one of my first major public relations assignments at Briar Cliff, I managed the announcement and media coordination surrounding the presidential inauguration. Responsibilities included researching and writing the press release, editing and preparing the announcement for distribution, and sharing it with local and regional media outlets.

I also conducted media outreach and coordinated on-campus interviews between reporters, President Draud, and other university representatives ahead of and during the inauguration. This included facilitating interview opportunities and helping media representatives cover the significance of the leadership transition and the University's future direction.

Media Coverage / Results

The announcement provided an opportunity to generate local media coverage of an important university milestone. Media outreach included coordinating interviews with President Draud and other university representatives to support reporting on the inauguration.

Read the Original Release → https://www.briarcliff.edu/family-and-friends/parents/news/briar-cliff-university-formally-inaugurates-dr-matthew-draud-as-its-13th-president-

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USA Team Handball Coming to Siouxland for Free Community Clinics, Pan American Games Qualifier

Project Overview
Briar Cliff University partnered with USA Team Handball, Explore Siouxland, and the Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) to bring Olympic-level team handball to the Siouxland community in August 2026. As part of the partnership, USA Team Handball athletes, coaches, and staff hosted free community clinics at CNOS Fieldhouse, allowing local youth and adults to learn the sport directly from national team athletes. The clinics served as a lead-up to a two-game Pan American Games qualifying series between the United States and Canada, held in Sioux City. The initiative aimed to increase awareness of Olympic team handball, encourage community participation, and bring international sporting competition to the region.

My Role
Led public relations efforts for the community clinics and USA Team Handball's visit to Siouxland, coordinating a comprehensive communications campaign involving Briar Cliff University, USA Team Handball, Explore Siouxland, and the GPAC. Responsibilities included developing and writing press releases, coordinating messaging and promotional efforts among partner organizations, and working directly with the GPAC commissioner to plan and execute the campaign.

Additional responsibilities included media outreach, press release distribution, promoting community clinic registration and event attendance, and coordinating communications surrounding the national team's visit and the international qualifying series. Collaborated with organizational partners to build awareness, encourage community participation, and maximize regional media exposure for the events.

Media Coverage / Results

The campaign promoted the community clinics and international qualifying series through coordinated media outreach and communications with regional media outlets.

  • KTIV News 4 — Pre-promotion article

  • KTIV News 4 — Pitched and coordinated a promotional segment with KTIV News 4, working with Briar Cliff's athletic director to highlight the Team USA Handball community clinics and encourage local participation.

  • KCAU 9 — Pre-promotion segment

  • KCAU 9 — Coverage of the clinic/event

Read the Original Release → https://www.briarcliff.edu/family-and-friends/parents/news/usa-team-handball-coming-to-siouxland-for-free-community-clinics-pan-american-games-qualifier