The Department of Mass Media and Strategic Communication hosted a “Meet the Pros” panel Oct. 28 in the auditorium in the Holt Humanities Building. The panel consisted of UT Martin graduates who are working the mass media and strategic communication field. Taking part in the panel were (l-r) Katie Graves, Anna Chapman, Jasmine Youngblood and Blake Barnes.
Graves, a 2014 graduate, is the executive director of The Capitol theater and has 10 years of experience in the tourism and entertainment industry, with expertise in public relations, social media, networking and community engagement.
Chapman, a 2020 graduate, is the creative services coordinator for the UT Martin Office of University Relations, specializing in editorial design, branding and licensing. With more than five years of experience as a graphic designer, she has designed everything from Campus Scene Magazine to UT Martin’s 125th anniversary logo and poster.
Youngblood, a 2021 graduate, is a multimedia journalist for WPSD-TV, an NBC affiliate in Paducah, Kentucky. Youngblood earned her degree in communications with a minor in theater. While at UT Martin, she worked with WUTM-FM 90.3 “The Hawk,” gaining experience in campus television and radio. She is now building her career in television while calling Paducah home.
Barnes, a 2016 graduate, is the marketing manager at University Clinical Health and owner of Barnes & Company, specializing in brand design and illustration. Barnes has worked in marketing, communications and design since 2016. He has served as lead designer for two private university fundraising campaigns that collectively raised more than $300 million and was part of an award-winning design team at Union University. In 2024, Blake received the MMSC Distinguished Alumni Award.
The purpose of the “Meet the Pros” panel was to provide an opportunity for current students to connect with alumni who have found success in their area of study, including public relations, multimedia design, broadcast and journalism. The panel questions focused on career pathways, current roles and responsibilities and the skill sets necessary for their fields.
Following introductions, each panelist was given the opportunity to answer questions, with a one-minute time slot for each response. Following the panel responses, the floor was opened for student questions.
