At the conclusion of each semester, the WVU Marketing Communications Programs are excited to celebrate our graduates. Meet the members of the class of Summer 2023 who have successfully completed their studies!
Hannah Booth
M.S. Digital Marketing Communications
Assistant Director of Marketing & Communications, WVU Extension
Morgantown, WV
Why did you choose to pursue a WVU Marketing Communications Graduate Degree?
Marketing communications is an ever-changing industry, and I was at a place in my career where I wanted to refresh and expand my knowledge and skills. I knew the Digital Marketing Communications program would help me advance to the next stage of my career with more confidence, experience, and a stronger resume.
What was your favorite course and why?
Honestly, my favorite course was my capstone. It was so exciting to be able to use everything I'd learned and pull it all together in a cohesive digital marketing plan!
What advice do you have for those considering the programs?
You can do it – just jump in! The marketing communications programs are all designed to fit into your already busy life and still provide you with a valuable learning experience. If you're considering one of these programs, I encourage you to go for it. I know you'll find the same value in each of the courses as I did.
What are your plans for after graduation and future career goals?
I plan to use my newly expanded skillset to continue growing in my role with WVU Extension and as a marketing communications professional in general.
Is there anything else you'd like to add? Or a quote you'd like to provide?
This program was not easy, but it was worth it!
Curtis Hill
M.S. IMC + DINFOS
Public Affairs Officer, Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton
Camp Pendleton, CA
Why did you choose to pursue a WVU Marketing Communications Graduate Degree?
Although I had nearly two decades of practical experience in Public Affairs in the United States Marine Corps at very senior levels of command, I had no actual education in Communications. This DINFOS cohort was the perfect opportunity to use my GI Bill benefits to obtain a degree in Integrated Marketing Communications.
What was your favorite course and why?
Brand Equity Management: it required a deep dive into a brand of interest to the student. I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of the course and will be able to use the knowledge I gained in my current position.
What advice do you have for those considering the programs?
Don't wait, go for it now! Unless you are going to school full-time, nobody really has time for school. You just get in there and get it done!
What are your plans for after graduation and future career goals?
I plan to use the knowledge gained in the program to help me in my current position.
Is there anything else you'd like to add? Or a quote you'd like to provide?
It's never too late to get started. I had 32 years between getting my undergrad degree before starting this program. School changed drastically during that time, but I was able to succeed and you can too!
Aryaunna Mosley
Digital and Social Media Graduate Certificate
Why did you choose to pursue a WVU Marketing Communications Graduate Degree?
Everything that I've accomplished since I first set foot on the campus of West Virginia University in 2015 has been strategically planned. I have dreams that I am diligently working to turn into a reality starting with finishing my PhD next year and launching my own for-profit and nonprofit businesses. It all starts with having the proper education. Thus, I decided to pursue the Digital and Social Media Certification program to expand my knowledge and leadership skills. As a future CEO, I will wear many hats within my organization during the initial start-up phase and I want to be prepared.
What was your favorite course and why?
My favorite course was Digital Storytelling with Professor Mark Fragale. I have so many ideas in my head when it comes to connecting with audiences through promotional materials and interviews. Perhaps it was the creative process of storyboarding, scripting and interviewing that I enjoyed the most. I was already familiar with Adobe Creative Cloud as I earned my BSJ in Strategic Communications AOE Public Relations. I am a kinesthetic learner, so I thoroughly enjoyed putting together innovative stories utilizing a humanistic approach to help clients connect in a deeper manner with their target audience.
What advice do you have for those considering the programs?
The best advice I have for a prospective student considering the program is to take the leap and go for it! The wealth of knowledge you will receive will help you in any career pathway you decide to pursue going forward.
What are your plans for after graduation and future career goals?
I am currently a third-year Ph.D. student at Davis College studying Human and Community Development. Earning this professional certification will allow me to wear many hats within my future for-profit and nonprofit companies. My love for innovative digital storytelling will also allow me to provide services to clients in the areas of web development, strategic marketing, social media marketing and digital storytelling consultations if I choose to extend my services on a contracted basis.
Is there anything else you'd like to add? Or a quote you'd like to provide?
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” —Nelson Mandela. “The ability to read, write, and analyze; the confidence to stand up and demand justice and equality; the qualifications and connections to get your foot in the door and take your seat at the table — all of that starts with education.” —Michelle Obama
Sydney Starkey
M.S. Integrated Marketing Communications
Marketing Coordinator, Middletown Homes
Morgantown, WV
Why did you choose to pursue a WVU Marketing Communications Graduate Degree?
I wanted to continue my education at my own pace, and the IMC program allowed me to do that while working full-time!
What was your favorite course and why?
Cause Marketing was my favorite course because it goes really in-depth with non-profit work and corporate social responsibility.
What advice do you have for those considering the programs?
Once you take your first course, you'll feel so much more comfortable with the system!
What are your plans for after graduation and future career goals?
Long-term, I would love to work in the non-profit industry, helping organizations tell their stories and reach their audiences effectively.
Chad Thiele
M.S. Integrated Marketing Communications
Hudson, WI
Why did you choose to pursue a WVU Marketing Communications Graduate Degree?
I chose this IMC master’s program because I wanted to earn my degree from a respected university. I also liked that WVU offers the Alumni Lifelong Learning Program (ALLP), which means I can enroll in additional courses in the future. Given how fast the world is changing, this is very important!
What was your favorite course and why?
I enjoyed all of them! I also intend to enroll in additional courses sometime in the future.
What advice do you have to those considering the programs?
There are many reasons to get a master’s degree from WVU. After you graduate, you will have a respected degree and knowledge that will help you for the rest of your life!
What are your plans for after graduation and future career goals?
I hope to use what I learned in this master’s degree program to help grow a business and do some good in the world.
Is there anything else you'd like to add? Or a quote you'd like to provide?
I’m proud to be a Mountaineer!
Interested in growing your career with a master's degree in Data, Digital or Integrated Marketing Communications? Request more information today!