Each semester the WVU Marketing Communications online programs are excited to welcome a new group of individuals into the MCNetwork. The WVU Marketing Communications graduate student population consistently varies in their experience and expertise, with some just completing their undergraduate studies to those holding senior-leadership positions at the world’s most elite agencies and brands. Each student brings a unique style and perspective to the program.
Meet some of the students who will be joining the WVU Marketing Communications Network in the Spring 2024 semester:
Gretchen Beatty
Integrated Marketing Communications, M.S.
Communications Coordinator for Buchanan Church of God
White, PA
Why did you choose to pursue a WVU Marketing Communications Graduate Degree?
I chose to pursue this graduate degree because of its intriguing electives and relevance to today’s ever-changing world. In addition, I also appreciate the flexibility that this program gives me to be able to fulfill my duties as Communications Coordinator and spend time with my family.
What are your interests outside of Marketing Communications?
I am a HUGE Disney fan! I LOVE traveling to Disney World any chance I can. My family and I became Annual Passholders in 2023 and it has been wonderful spending quality time with my family in “The Most Magical Place on Earth!”
What are you most looking forward to throughout your studies?
During undergrad, I discovered my interest in communications when I took my first intro class during my freshman year. I am looking forward to using my sociology background with this IMC program, in addition to learning about relevant Marketing Communications techniques that will not only help in my current position but also in my future career.
How do you hope this degree will advance your career after graduation?
I hope that this degree will help me to gain a better understanding of marketing and communications trends and give me the creative and practical tools that I will be able to apply in a full-time position after graduation.
Is there anything else you'd like to add? Or a quote you'd like to provide?
“Never worry about failure. It’s gonna happen. But that’s OK: Go ahead, take chances… and you might just find that what feels like failure isn’t failure at all, it’s what inspires you to dream even bigger.” — Kermit the Frog
Crystal Cook
Integrated Marketing Communications, M.S.
Higher Education Marketing Specialization
Development Coordinator
Madison, WV
Why did you choose to pursue a WVU Marketing Communications Graduate Degree?
I feel that in my line of work, as part of the Foundation with Southern WV Community and Technical College, I must use marketing and perfect my communication skills when seeking and speaking with donors. I must market and sell the college so that potential donors will believe in our vision and mission just as I believe in it. Should I expand my career to anywhere else, I know that marketing is a viable aspect of any position. I know this degree will expand my future job opportunities.
What are your interests outside of Marketing Communications?
I am a dedicated WVU football fan, I am involved in multiple aspects of my community. I am the President of the Madison Development Authority. I am a member of the Madison Rotary Club and Leadership Logan as an affiliate of the Logan Chamber of Commerce. I sing the National Anthem for The Dirty Birds baseball team, and WVU Athletics in the 2023 seasons. I enjoy kayaking, ziplining, and fishing. I also Direct the Madison Christmas Parade and the WV Coal Festival Parade annually.
What are you most looking forward to throughout your studies?
Expanding my academic abilities, learning from those around me and expanding my networking.
How do you hope this degree will advance your career after graduation?
One of the reasons I chose this degree path was its broad opportunities to cover literary any job or location I would desire.
Is there anything else you'd like to add? Or a quote you'd like to provide?
One of the greatest goals I set for myself was to graduate from West Virginia University and this has allowed me to expand my academic career to graduate from graduate school at WVU.
Morgan Emery
Integrated Marketing Communications, M.S.
Digital and Social Media Specialization
Marketing & Communications Specialist at Stonebridge Financial Group
Harrisburg, PA
Why did you choose to pursue a WVU Marketing Communications Graduate Degree?
I chose WVU because of its strong alumni network and renowned reputation for academics.
What are your interests outside of Marketing Communications?
I love to read, spend time with my family and friends, and travel whenever possible!
What are you most looking forward to throughout your studies?
I am most looking forward to expanding my existing IMC knowledge and leaning into the more quantitative aspects, especially through digital and social media.
How do you hope this degree will advance your career after graduation?
I hope that my IMC degree will give me new skills and connections that can help me throughout my career in marketing. I have a passion for social media, so I am excited to hone those skills and apply them to my daily and professional life!
Edie Falk
Integrated Marketing Communications, M.S.
Digital Outreach & Marketing Associate at The Service Collaborative of WNY
Buffalo, NY
Why did you choose to pursue a WVU Marketing Communications Graduate Degree?
The passion of the faculty, the flexibility of the program and the breadth of classes offered all made this program a great fit for me.
What are your interests outside of Marketing Communications?
I enjoy cooking, figure skating, cheering on Buffalo sports teams and reading!
What are you most looking forward to throughout your studies?
I love the phrase 'you don't know what you don't know.' I'm looking forward to discovering all of the exciting nuances of IMC along the way! In terms of particular skills, I'm excited to dive into both graphic design and using data to inform my decision-making.
How do you hope this degree will advance your career after graduation?
I hope to be more confident in my professional abilities as I look to take on new challenges in the workplace! I don't have a specific roadmap for where I want my career to go, but I know that what I learn during my time in the IMC program will help me along whichever path I choose to follow.
Jacob Klumb
Integrated Marketing Communications, M.S.
Creative Strategy Specialization
Grafton, WI
Why did you choose to pursue a WVU Marketing Communications Graduate Degree?
I discovered WVU and its programs during my time at the AMA Conference in New Orleans, and I was impressed by what their program had to offer!
What are your interests outside of Marketing Communications?
I'm a massive Milwaukee Bucks fan and I love playing basketball in my free time. Used to compete in cross country and track too. Furthermore, I love watching movies.
What are you most looking forward to throughout your studies?
Learning from professionals and gaining new certifications.
How do you hope this degree will advance your career after graduation?
I aim to enhance my grasp of marketing and eventually be in a role where I can guide and lead others.
Mackenzie Randall
Integrated Marketing Communications, M.S.
Morgantown, WV
Why did you choose to pursue a WVU Marketing Communications Graduate Degree?
I've decided to pursue a graduate degree in Integrated Marketing Communications at WVU to broaden my knowledge and refine my skills for a rewarding career in philanthropy. WVU has been instrumental in supporting my academic path, offering tailored classes that align with my purpose and aspirations. I'm confident that this educational pursuit will not only enhance my academic journey but empower me to create a significant impact in the fields of philanthropy and advertising!
What are your interests outside of Marketing Communications?
Beyond my passion for marketing communications, I love exploring new destinations, experimenting with new recipes, and embracing an active lifestyle! Living in the Mountain State is a constant adventure, with its breathtaking scenery and exciting hiking paths, there's always an opportunity to be active.
What are you most looking forward to throughout your studies?
Throughout my studies, I am looking forward to acquiring the skill set to craft meaningful campaigns that align brands with their true purpose. This journey is not just about learning; it's about evolving into a storyteller who brings authenticity and purpose to every campaign!
How do you hope this degree will advance your career after graduation?
Upon graduating from IMC, my goal is to have a diverse portfolio featuring a variety of projects that will create meaningful connections with brands that align with my values—innovation, philanthropy, and adventure. This portfolio will be more than just a display of my skills, it will reflect my dedication to collaborating with organizations that want to create positive change.
Is there anything else you'd like to add? Or a quote you'd like to provide?
Completing my degree while simultaneously launching my career will bring a unique and valuable perspective to the work environment. I'm grateful for the flexibility of the IMC online program because it allows me to gain experience while applying my studies in real time!
Mackenzie attended the Cannes Festival in 2023 with a group of students from the Reed College of Media. Check out her vlog.
Dustin Toothman
Digital Marketing Communications, M.S.
Fairmont, WV
Why did you choose to pursue a WVU Marketing Communications Graduate Degree?
I am interested in pivoting careers, I feel like I have always been drawn to marketing and communications. I feel like my background in design paired with the knowledge I will gain in this degree will help me achieve my goals!
What are your interests outside of Marketing Communications?
I love video games, live streaming and content creation. I spend a lot of my free time working on content and a podcast that I host with a good friend. When I am not doing that I love spending time with my wife our two dogs, Champ and Zeta, and our cat, Knox.
What are you most looking forward to throughout your studies?
I am looking forward to learning new ways I can apply digital marketing strategies to the things that I love so that I can use those to create my career in the content creation world.
How do you hope this degree will advance your career after graduation?
I believe that I have many personal interests currently that could be pursued as a career. I am hopeful that this degree can get me there!
Bo Wriston
M.S. IMC + DINFOS
Public Affairs Officer West Virginia National Guard
Charleston, WV
Why did you choose to pursue a WVU Marketing Communications Graduate Degree?
After finally completing my bachelor's at the age of 51, I wanted to keep right on moving forward to secure what I hope is only my first of multiple master's degrees.
What are your interests outside of Marketing Communications?
I am a Public Affairs Officer for the West Virginia National Guard and a professional photographer.
What are you most looking forward to throughout your studies?
Learning the latest developing trends and expertise in order to apply it to my job.
How do you hope this degree will advance your career after graduation?
Taking the knowledge learned and applying it directly in the day-to-day operations of the organization.
Is there anything else you'd like to add? Or a quote you'd like to provide?
"To laugh often and much; To win the respect of intelligent
people and the affection of children; To earn the appreciation
of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; To leave the
world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch,
or a redeemed social condition; To know even one life has
breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have
succeeded.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson {1803-1882 American Essayist}
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Marketing Communications Today is a collection of resources for marketing communications professionals filled with industry research, marketing trends, and career information about integrated marketing and data-driven communications. Learn industry insights through the Marketing Communications Today blog, podcast, as well as Integrate Online.
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