Mass Comm Week Speakers

Nancy M. Preyor-Johnson is a senior projects reporter at the San Antonio Express-News. Her reporting focuses on immigration enforcement, ICE detention, policing, crime and accountability. She has covered investigations involving public officials, including U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales, as well as the experiences of immigrants, detainees and other vulnerable communities. 

Her work seeks to hold powerful institutions and individuals accountable while amplifying the voices of those most affected by their decisions. She previously served as deputy metro editor, overseeing public safety coverage, and as deputy editorial page editor and columnist. She is a former president of the San Antonio Association of Hispanic Journalists and serves as vice president of print for the National Association of Hispanic Journalists.

Andy Sevilla is the managing editor for news and investigations at the Austin American-Statesman. His team's collaborations have won Edward R. Murrow Awards, the prestigious Alfred I. duPont–Columbia University Award, and have been named Pulitzer Prize finalists for Public Service for their coverage of the Uvalde mass shooting. Sevilla graduated from Texas State University in 2009.

Billy Calzada is a veteran photojournalist who loves wielding the gentle power of the camera to tell the stories of our times and our lives. He counts it a privilege that people allow him into their lives to tell their experiences. Calzada has been a newspaper photojournalist since 1987. He recently left the San Antonio Express-News, having covered the Robb Elementary School mass shooting in Uvalde, the deaths of 51 migrants in a trailer, San Antonio Spurs NBA basketball and much daily life. He was a Hearst Visiting Fellow at the University of Texas, has twice been a judge for the U.S. Air Force worldwide contest, has an NPPA President’s Medal, Tribune Newsphoto of the Year, numerous Texas APME and NPPA awards and the Texas Veterans Commission Excellence in Media Award.

 His career began in 1987 at the El Paso Herald-Post, where he covered Mexico, immigration and drug trafficking, in addition to shooting daily wild art and spot news. After the closure of the Herald-Post, he freelanced, including a short stint in Beirut, Lebanon. He then answered the call from the Orlando Sentinel, where he covered the wildfires of 1998 and events including the Daytona 500 and Bike Week. His skills include shooting and editing news video. He is an FAA certified drone pilot. He counts his brother, Victor, a recently retired photojournalist, as his inspiration. His work can be seen at www.calzadaphoto.com.

Former Cable One Chair and CEO Julie Laulis brings more than four decades of media industry leadership into the classroom for a candid look at what happens inside the executive boardroom. Drawing on her experience leading a major publicly traded media company and serving on corporate boards, Laulis will explore how executives turn strategic ideas into organizational action. 

Students will learn how successful leaders communicate recommendations with clarity, build credibility with decision-makers, anticipate difficult questions, manage competing priorities, and earn support when the stakes are high. The conversation will also examine executive presence, strategic decision-making, and the leadership skills required to move an idea from a strong proposal to an organizational commitment.

Emmy and Peabody Award-winning producer Elizabeth (Betty) Buckley brings more than 25 years of experience in film, television, new media, and animation. She is an Assistant Professor of Practice in the School of Cinematic Arts at Texas State University and founder and president of Environmental Arts Alliance, a nonprofit production organization dedicated to telling stories that make a difference.

 Buckley recently produced the PBS feature documentary “What’s the Story, Wishbone?” and wrote and directed “The Stars at Night”, which premiered at the Austin Film Festival and has been broadcast nationally on PBS. Her extensive credits include projects for HBO, HISTORY, National Geographic, CuriosityStream, and Scripps Networks. A longtime advocate for women in media, Buckley founded Women in Film Dallas and was a founding Advisory Board Co-Chair of Women in Film & Television Austin. She is also a member of the Directors Guild of America.

Pam Nemec helps leaders build organizations that win. Over more than two decades at Whataburger, Pam rose to Senior Vice President, leading Brand Communications, Culture, and People strategies as the beloved brand grew from 350 restaurants and 30,000 employees to nearly 1,000 restaurants and 50,000 employees. Along the way, she discovered a truth many organizations miss. 

The companies that win don't win because they have the best strategy. They win because they have the most aligned and passionate people executing that strategy. When people understand where the company is headed, know what's expected of them, feel connected to the mission, and trust their leaders, performance follows. 

Teams move faster. Customers notice. Brands grow stronger. Today, Pam helps leaders create that kind of alignment through her Take Care Framework™, an eight-step leadership system that helps organizations become remarkable from the inside out. The framework teaches leaders how to align culture, communications, and employee experience from the C-suite to the front counter, creating workplaces where people are equipped to succeed, inspired to contribute, and committed to a shared purpose. 

Drawing from that experience, Pam shares practical strategies for building organizations where people take ownership, work together, and consistently deliver on the brand promise. Because winning isn't just about hitting goals or outperforming the competition. Winning is what happens when people take care of the work, the customer, and each other.

Twister Marquiss is a strategic leader with more than 30 years of experience in higher education communications, marketing, media relations, and academic affairs. From 2021 to 2026, he served as the first-ever Director of Marketing and Communications for the McCoy College of Business at Texas State University. 

He previously served as Director of the Common Experience at Texas State, the nation’s #1 initiative of its kind at the time. He was also a long-time faculty member, teaching courses in the Department of English and the Honors College. Twister holds a B.A. in English from the Honors Program at St. Mary's University and an MFA in Creative Writing from Texas State.

Elissa Jorgensen is a breaking news reporter at The Dallas Morning News. She is a graduate of Texas State University, where she earned her bachelor's degree in English and master's degree in mass communication. 

Elissa previously reported for the Houston Chronicle and Texas Community Health News. She has also written for the Austin American-Statesman and Public Health Watch.

Amira graduated from Texas State University with a Bachelor's in Journalism and Mass Communication. While studying at Texas State, Amira interned for Dave Campbell’s Texas Football and wrote for The University Star. She also did some contract work with the Associated Press during the 2020 elections. In her final semester as a full-time student, Amira worked full-time at The Hays Free Press covering Hays County. 

After graduating magna cum laude in 2022, she found a new opportunity to report on local government, development, business, and transportation with Community Impact Newspaper, working her way up from reporter to editor. As a reporter, she dove into San Marcos’ Strategic Housing Plan, a plan aimed at preserving and expanding affordable housing options in the city, which officials never adopted. Her reporting prompted the city to resume discussions of the plan. She also reported on a development agreement approved by Kyle City Council that would displace several residents in a low-income area.

 Her reporting led those residents to learn about their potential displacement. As an editor, Amira has had the opportunity to moderate candidate forums for various city elections. She was also a panelist for the Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers Region 7 Mini-Conference, where she talked about how media and cities could work together to keep communities informed.

Greg is an award-winning former sports and news anchor with a career that spanned over 40 years in various local television markets. He began his broadcasting career at the University of North Texas with a stint doing sports at KNTU Radio. Greg then moved on to the University of Central Oklahoma, where he was the play-by-play announcer for the UCO football team, and also for a campus TV show. He began his professional career in San Angelo, TX, at KLST-TV as the 10 p.m. sports anchor/reporter; then he moved on to Austin, Beaumont, Springfield, IL, Oklahoma City, Greensboro, NC, and finished his 29-year sports career at Fox Sports SW in Dallas. 

Greg moved into news, where he spent the next 14 years anchoring in Beaumont and Amarillo before retiring in June of this year. Greg won several sportscasting awards, including Best Sportscast in Texas and Illinois, and won a Lone Star Emmy while at Fox Sports SW and later for his news work in Beaumont.

Bob Guerrero is a creative producer with 15 years spanning agency production and in-house brand leadership. He has worked on clients like Nike, KFC, Toyota, VW, and Taco Bell at agencies including Crispin Porter + Bogusky, Deutsch, and Wieden+Kennedy Portland.

 He spent the last six years at Patagonia in Santa Barbara, building and leading major cross-functional programs including the brand's 50th Anniversary campaign and its first company-wide Progress Report. Bob speaks about production as a creative discipline in its own right, not a support function, and about what it takes to hold the full complexity of a project without losing the thread.

Leigh Munsil is the SVP of News and Editor-in-Chief of Texas Public Radio and the San Antonio Report. She has served as the Report’s editor-in-chief since November 2021, and previously held staff writer, reporter, and editor positions with The Dallas Morning News, POLITICO, The Blaze, and CNN Politics, where she was the editor of CNN’s The Point with Chris Cillizza in Washington. 

Munsil holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communication from Arizona State University, where she also studied Spanish and served as editor-in-chief of the university’s daily newspaper, The State Press.

Saliyah M. Parker is a TXST alumna and strategic communications and public relations professional with more than five years of experience supporting nonprofit, public-sector, higher education and corporate organizations. She is the founder and principal consultant of PR with ParkeR, an independent public relations consultancy focused on strategic communications, messaging and media relations. 

Throughout her career, Saliyah has worked across agency, in-house and consulting environments, developing a multifaceted perspective on relationship-building, professional growth and navigating an evolving career.

London Buddin attended Texas State from 2022-2025, where she studied advertising and had the opportunity to study abroad in Florence, Italy, and Paris, France. She is currently a team assistant at Glass Staircase Creative Agency. When she can, she loves trying new coffee shops, meeting new people and finding something new to get excited about.

Erin Everette is a digital media assistant for Texas State University Libraries, where she drives digital strategy and content creation across web, social media and email channels. 

Erin earned her degree in Digital Media Innovation from Texas State in 2026, graduating as the Digital Media Innovation Student of the Year. Prior to her current role, Erin gained valuable marketing experience with Austin Angels, Rodeo Austin and The Art Garage.

Harrison Chang graduated from Texas State with a DMI degree in Spring 2026. He currently works in the DFW area as a graphic designer at Dave Campbell's Texas Sports, which focuses on covering high school football and sports across the state of Texas. 

During his time at TXST, Harrison was part of the club baseball team and Innovation Club, in addition to working in the Athletics Department.

Kate Connors is the social media programming manager for the Denver Broncos. Currently in her second season with the team, she oversees social media operations across all accounts, including the main Broncos and mascots. Previously, she worked at the Houston Texans and NCAA in social media roles. 

She graduated from Texas State in 2021 with a B.S. in Digital Media Innovation and a concentration in Sports Media. During her time at Texas State, she worked at the University Star and Texas State Athletics as a sports photographer and social media intern.

Christina Noriega is a technical director at Fox Sports Digital, covering everything from the UFC to the World Cup. 

She graduated from Texas State for both her undergrad and graduate degrees. Her previous stops include KENS 5 News in San Antonio and ESPN, where she cut live broadcasts for Monday Night Football, the NFL Pro Bowl and XFL. 

Kaison Ward is a digital media professional and Texas State University graduate with a B.S. in Digital Media Innovation and a minor in Theatre. During his time at TXST, Kaison gained hands-on experience in social media, content creation, community engagement, and digital strategy through roles with the Division of Marketing & Communications and Student Involvement & Engagement. 

He also served as a member of the inaugural Bobcat Creators cohort, creating content that connected the TXST community with campus life and events. Kaison currently works with Spurs Sports & Entertainment as a Digital Content Assistant, where he contributes to social media and digital content across the organization.

Giselle Kowalski is a podcast producer in the Division of Marketing & Communications at Texas State University where she graduated in 2021 with a DMI degree. Giselle is a native Texan with a passion for creating meaningful content through the power of storytelling, data and conversation. 

Her expertise spans podcasting, production, digital marketing, campaign strategy and analytics — blending creativity with insights to build narratives that resonate across platforms.

Lucero Trevino

Social Media Videographer, Division of Marketing & Communications at Texas State University

Lucero Trevino is a social media videographer and producer at Texas State University, where she creates social-first video content that authentically captures the student experience and tells the stories of the Bobcat community. 

Since joining Texas State in 2023, she has led projects from concept and production through editing and final delivery, collaborating with students, faculty, staff, departments and university leadership.

Erika Costello

Social Media and Influencer Manager, Division of Marketing & Communications at Texas State University

Erika Costello is a social media and influencer marketing strategist with more than 13 years of experience connecting brands with audiences through digital storytelling. 

Her career has included work with nationally recognized brands and organizations, including Under Armour, the San Antonio Spurs and Whole Foods Market. At TXST, Erika leads social media and influencer strategy and created the Bobcat Creators program, the university’s student influencer initiative built around authentic, peer-to-peer content. She specializes in social strategy, creator marketing, content development and understanding how brands can more effectively connect with Gen Z audiences.

Paige Whitis

Digital Media and SEO Strategist, Division of Marketing & Communications at Texas State University

A 2017 Texas State alum, Paige Whitis has worked for a startup, an agency, an in-house team and numerous freelance clients. 

She began in web design, moved into social media and then expanded her skill set across digital and traditional marketing during a six-year tenure at a New Braunfels agency, where she worked with clients like GVEC, Sonora Bank, Visit New Braunfels and New Braunfels Utilities. In 2024, Paige joined Texas State University, where she focuses on digital advertising.

Mia Moran 

Influencer Talent Coordinator, Trend Management    

Mia Moran is an influencer marketing professional and Texas State University alum, currently serving as an influencer talent coordinator at Trend Management in Houston. In her role, Mia oversees a roster of creators and the day-to-day execution of influencer marketing campaigns across the fashion, beauty, wellness and lifestyle industries. 

She graduated from Texas State University in 2025, earning her B.S. in Public Relations with a minor in Innovation & Entrepreneurship. She is also a Master of Legal Studies candidate at Texas A&M University School of Law, where she is expanding her knowledge of media law and intellectual property.

Leilani Benitez is a 2026 graduate of Texas State University and a current influencer marketing intern at Bloom Nutrition, where she works on creator partnerships and brand strategy. 

Leilani is passionate about storytelling, media and connecting people through creative communication.

Eric Guerrero is an advertising specialist with a demonstrated history of working in the marketing and advertising industry. 

Skilled in public speaking, leadership, customer service, and Social Media. Eric is an arts and design professional with a Bachelor's degree focused on Public Relations/Image Management from Texas State University.

Mariah Simank is a Director at 10Fold, a B2B technology PR and communications agency, where she leads strategic communications programs for cybersecurity, enterprise technology and SaaS companies. 

Her work spans media strategy, executive thought leadership, corporate storytelling, and data-driven campaigns, with a focus on helping complex technology companies translate technical ideas into clear, compelling stories. A Texas State University alumna (Class of 2017), she is passionate about helping the next generation of PR professionals understand the range of career paths available in the industry and the strategic skills that matter most early in their careers.

Cheyenne Wells is an Associate Account Manager at 10Fold, a B2B technology PR and communications agency, where she supports strategic communications programs for cybersecurity and enterprise technology companies. Her focus is on turning complex technical topics into timely, relevant stories for the media. 

Cheyenne works closely with clients and reporters to identify strong story angles, build relationships and create opportunities that align with broader business and communications goals. A Texas State University alumna (Class of 2020), she enjoys sharing practical insights from agency life and helping students understand what day-to-day PR work looks like as they prepare to enter the industry.

Maria Slaughter

Event Coordinator, Lila Lane Events    

Maria Slaughter is a Lead Planner with Lila Lane Events & Planning, where she helps couples bring their wedding visions to life with creativity, organization, and heart. Before becoming a full-time planner, Maria earned her degree in Music Education and spent three years teaching middle school choir and theatre. This experience honed her patience, problem-solving, and ability to keep calm in the middle of chaos (skills that come in handy on wedding days, too!). 

She got her start in events by training with a California-based planner and completing an internship with an Austin-based wedding planner. Maria loves blending creativity with organization to design celebrations that truly reflect her clients. She also serves as Director of Programs and Education for the ILEA Austin Chapter, supporting connection and growth in the local events community.

Stephanie Aguilar

Senior Event Programs Coordinator, Department of History, University of Texas

Stephanie Aguilar is the Senior Event Program Coordinator in the Department of History at the University of Texas at Austin, where she manages a wide range of academic and community programming. Her career in events began in Wedding coordination, where she discovered her passion for creating memorable experiences. She went on to expand her expertise in the hospitality industry through her work with White Lodging (hotels), gaining a strong foundation in client service, logistics, and operations. 

Today, in higher education, Stephanie draws on that diverse background to design and execute impactful events that foster collaboration and connection within the university and beyond. A proud graduate of Texas State University with a B.A. in Communication Studies and a minor in Mass Communications, she also serves on the board of ILEA Austin as Vice President for Programs and Education, where she supports professional growth and development within the events industry.

Lauren Troccoli

Senior Event Service Manager, Fairmont Austin

Lauren Troccoli is the Senior Event Services Manager at Fairmont Austin, where she manages events ranging from intimate gatherings of 5 guests to large-scale conferences of up to 1,600 attendees. With over a decade of customer service experience and a strong background in both social and corporate markets, she has planned and executed weddings, galas, incentive trips, conferences, and cultural events. 

Her career spans resort properties and museum venues, giving her a diverse perspective on event operations and client service. She currently serves as President of the International Live Events Association (ILEA) Austin Chapter, where she is passionate about advancing the events industry and fostering community among local professionals. Known for her communication skills and commitment to luxury service, she builds strong relationships that lead to memorable experiences and lasting partnerships. Based in Austin, she is an active member of the local event community. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring new restaurants, painting, baking, and spending time with her two cats, Uma and Sobek.

Carter Pagel is an advertising director, creative director, and copywriter specializing in scripted comedy and cinematic stories about real people. 

In his nearly 25 years in the industry, he has written over 100 commercials (including multiple Super Bowl spots for Bud Light), directed award-winning content for AT&T and others, created integrated campaigns for national brands like DIRECTV and State Farm, and run his own production company. 

His work has been recognized by the Cannes Advertising Festival, AdAge, Campaign, Muse by Clio, AdWeek, Ads of the World, and the American Advertising Awards.

Lisa W. Miller has surveyed nearly a million people about what they want and need, then asks why. She spent 20 years inside major brands, serving as vice president of insights at Frito-Lay/PepsiCo and vice president of innovation at Brinker International, home of Chili’s.

In 2008, Miller founded her own research and strategy firm. She is an author, a three-time EFFIE winner and has participated in more than 400 media interviews. She is also a competitive rower. Today, her research focuses on Gen Z, first jobs, early careers and what work should feel like.

JJ Velasquez is the managing editor of audience for the San Antonio Express-News. He is a journalist with 17 years of experience working in newsrooms throughout Texas. Velasquez holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from The University of Texas at Austin.

Marco is a seasoned communications professional with 14 years of experience at the crossroads of fashion, sports, and pop culture. In his current role, Marco leads PR and celebrity relations for designer collectible toy brand POP MART. 

With a career spanning Jordan Brand, Complex, Nike, and SoleSavy, he has built celebrity relationships, led major brand moments at the Super Bowl and New York Fashion Week, and secured coverage in outlets like Vogue, the New York Times, and the Today Show.

 Erin Finegold White is a communications strategist with over 15 years of experience across sports, entertainment, and brand marketing. 

As a former SVP at the Dallas Mavericks, she led a 45-person team, launched MavsTV, and guided the organization through some of its most significant moments on and off the court. She now runs her own consultancy, Whitegold Group, helping sports, entertainment, and hospitality brands build the strategies that turn fans into believers. 

Dane Phillips is a 2005 graduate of Texas State University, where he majored in anthropology and minored in journalism and business. After moving to Thailand in 2006, he built a career working at the intersection of communication, education, and human capital development. He is the founder of Syntropy Dynamics, a human capital consulting and strategic advisory firm. 

His work has included helping organizations identify and develop talent, preparing professionals for international education and careers, and helping clients communicate effectively across cultural and institutional boundaries. During his career, he has worked with organizations including the International Organization for Migration, UNICEF, the International Rescue Committee, major corporations, and leading financial institutions in Southeast Asia. 

His long-running work with Kasikornbank in particular has spanned recruitment, professional development, higher education, and career preparation. Phillips now lives in Slovenia and continues to advise organizations and individuals on communication, talent development, and professional strategy.

Ava Gibson is a reporter/videographer at KXII CBS 12 in Sherman, Texas. She graduated from Texas State University with a degree in Electronic Media in May, 2026. She has reported on dangerous heat, wildfire risk, a visit by the governor, and much more.

Paxton Graf is a neighborhood reporter/videographer at KXXV in Waco, Texas. He graduated from Texas State University with a degree in Electronic Media in 2024 and was a news anchor and reporter at KMID in Midland for 2 years before moving to his second TV News job in Waco.

Jakob Rodriguez is a primetime news producer and digital journalist at KENS5. 

Jakob is also the co-founder and co-host of the "Squarin' Around Pod" podcast, which focuses on Texas State athletics. He's a graduate of Texas State University, where he served as the editor-in-chief of the student-run newspaper, "The University Star."

Claire Walsh is a communications and brand storyteller with nearly 15 years of experience leading PR, content, and brand marketing programs. Currently the Director of Public Relations at ZipRecruiter, she shapes the stories that define the brand through earned media, thought leadership, and owned content, including a podcast and job seeker webinars. 

Before ZipRecruiter, she built the PR and brand marketing function at Outdoorsy from the ground up, and prior to that, worked agency-side with major consumer brands including Carnival Corporation, DISH, and Ford. She started her career as a PR intern and has worked her way up through every level of the industry.

Kaden graduated from TXST in the spring. He is currently working for TXST athletics. Kaden also worked for KTSW where he called TXST games. 

This past summer he worked with Ben Cameron in Palmer, Alaska. Kaden and Ben were the play-by-play and color announcers for Alaska college summer league baseball.

Ben is in his last semester as a student at TXST. He is currently the sports director at KTSW radio where he has been calling games for several years. Ben is also a co-anchor of Bobcat Game Day.

Dr. Mederson worked with Kaden and Ben to produce a documentary film about their summer in Alaska. In addition to the footage they shot with their phones, Dr. Mederson spent four days in Palmer gathering content for the film.

Carly Earnest is a Marketing and Social Media Professional with several years of experience managing and growing a wide range of social channels across platforms. Skilled in audience engagement, content strategy, and digital brand building. 

Carly also served as the Social Media Coordinator for the Houston Rockets. Managed and created content for five Houston Rockets brand accounts: Rocketsshop, Clutch City Dancers, Clutch the Bear, Rockets Entertainment, and Rockets Give Back across Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok.

Briana Estrada is a director of communications and strategic communications professional who is passionate about building meaningful connections, strengthening organizational brands and telling stories that make an impact.

Her experience spans strategic communications, marketing and digital strategy, brand management, media relations, community engagement, social media, multimedia storytelling and event communications. She brings creativity, collaboration and a strategic approach to every initiative, from developing integrated marketing campaigns and leading digital communications to strengthening community relationships and elevating organizational storytelling.

Throughout her career in public education, Estrada has led communications efforts that connect students, staff, families and communities while helping organizations share their stories in meaningful and engaging ways.

She holds a master's degree in strategic communication and innovation from Texas Tech University, along with a graduate certificate in digital social media. She also earned a bachelor's degree in mass communications from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, with concentrations in broadcast journalism and business marketing.

Brian is the social media manager for Leif Johnson Ford. He graduated from the DMI program in 2021 and now has seven years of experience in the automotive retail and aftermarket industry. 

Brian is passionate about cars and all motorsports, and he is responsible for creating content for all the social media channels that build awareness and maintain brand image.

Felicia is a 2021 graduate of the DMI program and now works as a web designer for the Houston-based LIMB, Co., a design and digital agency that has been serving clients for 40+ years. While still in school, Felicia was selected as The Texas Tribune’s first Engineering Fellow. After graduating, she worked as a web developer for the University of Houston, moving to LIMB, Co., in 2023.

Anne is a 2020 graduate of the DMI program. After graduation, she worked at Austin Woman magazine before joining SXSW in sales and marketing operations. 

Giselle German specializes in enterprise IT deployments and change enablement, translating complex technology rollouts into seamless employee experiences at scale. At General Motors, she has led end-to-end AI tool deployments, independently managing stakeholder communications, adoption strategy, and deployment enablement. She brings expertise in large-scale enterprise change management, AI adoption, cross-functional communications, and project ownership. 

Giselle holds a B.S. from Texas State University and draws on a strong foundation in user experience, content strategy, and human-computer interaction to ensure technology initiatives are both effective and accessible. Known for taking ownership of complex initiatives, she thrives in high-visibility, high-impact environments and consistently demonstrates leadership beyond her years of experience.

Giselle is a 2021 graduate of the DMI program. After graduation, Giselle began working for Texas State University as a digital marketing strategist, focusing on social media and the university's website. 

As a podcast producer, Giselle managed select podcast series, guiding them from concept through production. She continues to expand the TXST Podcast Network in ways that deepen its reach and relevance across the university and the state of Texas.

Henna Punjabi is an instructional designer at Texas State University Libraries, where she creates engaging learning experiences that help students develop essential research skills. She specializes in designing interactive learning content using H5P and works closely with students, faculty, and staff to enhance learning experiences at Alkek Library. Henna also connects with the university community through workshops, events, and library initiatives, including the Pride display. 

A graduate of Texas State University, she enjoys continuing to live and work in San Marcos and being an active part of the community. In addition to her professional work in instructional design, Henna pursues a variety of creative projects that reflect her interests in design, learning, and meaningful audience engagement. 

Erin is a 2026 DMI graduate and now works as a Digital Media Assistant for the Texas State University Libraries. Through three marketing internships, she has gained hands-on experience creating content designed to strengthen brands and engage audiences across digital platforms. 

Erin has led brand identity work for The Art Garage and produced social media content for Rodeo Austin and Austin Angels. Her experience combines creative storytelling with strategic thinking and an understanding of how brands can build meaningful connections with their audiences. She is pursuing opportunities as a Marketing Coordinator or Social Media Coordinator, with a particular interest in content strategy, audience growth, and developing engaging digital experiences.

San’Tres Broussard is a strategic communications and public relations professional currently serving as a Senior Account Executive in Energy & Corporate Reputation at Edelman in Houston. His experience spans agency and in-house communications, with a focus on corporate reputation, media relations, executive positioning and strategic storytelling. 

Throughout his career, San’Tres has supported organizations and brands across the energy, travel, technology, aerospace, consumer and public sector industries, including roles with MMGY PR, the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority, Space Center Houston, Expedia Group and MullenLowe PR. He earned his bachelor’s degree in public relations from Texas State University and a master’s degree in corporate communications from the University of Colorado Boulder. 

Outside of work, San’Tres enjoys audiobooks, podcasts and spending time with his family.

The son of an Air Force colonel father and an artsy, granola mother, I learned that to survive in this world I’d better be able to see things from every viewpoint, shifting perspective without losing sight of my goals. By staying mentally nimble and a man of many hats, I’ve managed to make a 28-year career in advertising during which time I created integrated campaigns, experiential activations, social content, and video across agency and in-house environments. 

I’ve also had the privilege of working on household names like Southwest, Universal Studios, Whataburger, H-E-B, Ross Department Stores, Lucchese Boots, The U.S. Air Force, and USAA, to name just a few. My passion for design and advertising has taken me to both coasts and spaces in between. Now I’m lucky enough to live in my hometown of Austin, TX, where I get to enjoy my passions for live music, BBQ, and the rolling hill country.

Since graduating from Texas State in 2024, Gonzales served as weekend anchor and reporter for KMID (ABC) in Odessa and play-by-play broadcaster at the University of Incarnate Word for ESPN+. 

He also worked as the primary play-by-play broadcaster for the Visalia Rawhide in Visalia, Calif. His wide-ranging coverage has included 11 different sports.

Makenzie Thuesen has worked as a television newscast producer at KXAN for four years. She also worked at Spectrum News in Austin, at the Longhorn Network and for the City of Buda. She graduated in 2020 from Texas State with a degree in Electronic Media.

Paul (TXST class of 2016) has worked on WFAA's Storydesk, producing content for the station's website and social media platforms. 

Before WFAA, he worked at KVUE in Austin for four years as senior digital sports producer and digital desk editor. At WFAA, his posts in 2023 received nearly 10 million page views.

Lauren is a TXST alumna who has built a career in email marketing, helping brands big and small engage their audiences through targeted messaging. 

As an Email Marketing Associate for ExpertVoice, she lends her talents for writing and digital strategy to brands such as Stanley, Garmin, Crocs and more, reaching niche audiences in markets like healthcare, first responders and active military/veterans to drive digital engagement and increase revenue.    

Jack Evans is Senior Director of Corporate and International Communications at Roku, where he oversees public relations across North America, Latin America, and Europe. In more than 30 years in communications, he has served in a variety of roles managing strategic communications, media relations, issues management, and crisis response at Roku, Amazon, Microsoft, Weyerhaeuser, and Alaska Airlines. 

He began his career as a journalist at The New York Times and the Orange County Register, and he holds a journalism degree from the University of Texas at Austin. A native of San Antonio, Jack lives in the Seattle area.

Juan Garcia Jimenez is a 2020 graduate of the Digital Media Innovation program. He is the Web Services Manager for Blackhawk, the Austin-based digital marketing agency. His career includes working as a web developer for Gannett and Wytec International. At Mass Comm Week, he will participate in a discussion with other DMI alumni who work on his team at Blackhawk on the session From Classroom to Career: Working on the Web Team at Blackhawk Digital Marketing.

Breanna McMurray is Senior Web Specialist for Blackhawk, the Austin-based digital marketing agency. She previously worked in technical support for Field Routes. At Mass Comm Week, she will participate in a discussion with other DMI alumni who work at Blackhawk on the session From Classroom to Career: Working on the Web Team at Blackhawk Digital Marketing. She is a 2019 graduate of the Digital Media Innovation program. 

Wren Valles is Senior Web Development Specialist for Blackhawk, the Austin-based digital marketing agency. At Mass Comm Week, she will participate in a discussion with other DMI alumni who work at Blackhawk on the session From Classroom to Career: Working on the Web Team at Blackhawk Digital Marketing. She is a 2021 graduate of the Digital Media Innovation program. 

Crystal Carroll is a visionary PR leader, brand architect, and storyteller with 15+ years of experience building, shaping, and scaling culturally relevant brand narratives across the beauty, wellness, and lifestyle space. Recognized for architecting integrated communications ecosystems rooted in cultural intelligence—turning insight into intelligence to drive brand relevance, consumer loyalty, and sustained earned media impact. Specializes in disruptive, emotionally led storytelling that connects brands to the zeitgeist and translates purpose into perception. Brings a sharp understanding of cultural shifts, consumer behavior, and emerging trends to design and activate thought leadership platforms, elevate executive visibility, and lead multi-channel campaigns across PR, influencer, and digital. Deeply trusted by top-tier national and international media, and a strategic advisor to executive teams while transforming cultural insight and brand vision into measurable business growth.

Aaron Peralta is an SJMC alum who graduated in Fall of ‘22. He began his journey into the world of communications at Texas State by working with the ESPN+ broadcasting group, which helped him earn a spot with the former ESPN Longhorn Network after graduation. LHN was where he was first introduced to social media in sports, which then propelled him to later work for the Seattle Mariners, the Cincinnati Reds, the Houston Dynamo, and now the Houston Astros. He currently serves as the social media manager for the Houston Astros.

Erin Garza became news director at KEYE CBS Austin and Telemundo Austin in 2025. She joined Sinclair’s CBS affiliate in October 2018 as assistant news director, supervising multi-platform content and newscasts. Before KEYE, Garza was a producer in Houston for six years after graduating from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Rachel Steading is an SHRM Senior Certified HR professional and longtime recruiter and talent strategist at KXAN-TV, the NBC affiliate and NexStar station in Austin.

Christopher Adams is the Digital Executive Producer at KXAN-TV, the NBC affiliate and NexStar station in Austin. 

Christopher is a graduate of UT Austin and has also led KXAN’s internship program, placing many Texas State students in news, sports, digital, investigations, weather, and more.

Jamie Burch is the news director at KXII, ABC 7 in Amarillo, which he has led for the last five years. 

Prior to Amarillo, Jamie led newsrooms around Texas, Florida and Alabama for over a decade. He is a longtime coach for early career journalists and multiplatform journalist and graduated from Texas A&M University.

Sierra Martin (TXST Class of 2020) is the Senior Editor for Community Impact Southwest Austin-Dripping Springs and San Marcos-Buda-Kyle editions. 

She has extensive experience covering the I-35 corridor, including reporting on government, education and transportation. She has been an editor at Community Impact for four years and started her reporting career right here at the University Star.

Prof. Bowers has nearly 30 years of experience in higher education and has won multiple awards. He is a longtime expert in curriculum, guiding faculty in course and program design and serving both the University and City of San Marcos in multiple roles.

Dr. Mike Devlin is a Professor and Regents' Teacher in Advertising and is the faculty advisor for SJMC's National Student Advertising Competition team which won the national championship in 2025. He teaches Strategic Sports Communication and has published multiple academic journal studies about the intersection of media and sports. 

Dr. Mark Mederson is an Assistant Professor of Electronic Media. He's a longtime media professor with three decades of experience covering sports. He teaches Media Production for Sports and led the creation of Bobcat GameDay, Texas State's new live pregame show before home football games. You'll often find Dr. Mederson on the sidelines of Bobcat home games mentoring his student journalists.

Laura Duclos is a future-focused visual storyteller with extensive experience in video and social media storytelling. She's in her third year on the Visuals Team at the Tribune. Before that, she worked for the MediaWise at the prestigious Poynter Institute and the Houston Chronicle. She holds a masters degree from the Craig Newmark School at City University New York and is a graduate of the College of Media and Communication at Texas Tech.