Communication Department Graduate Alumni

Clinton Lewis
M.A. in Organizational Communication

Originally from Memphis, Tennessee, Clinton has called WKU home for the last 13 years. After earning his undergraduate degree in Photojournalism, he began working as a university photographer and has done so ever since.

In 2018, Lewis began the Organizational Communication M.A. program, which he says helped him expand his communication toolkit in a more well-rounded way, blending creativity, strategy, and research. He says the program aided him as he took on the additional role of Communication Officer, which has allowed him to weigh in on university-wide communication strategy, applying course content directly to his job. Building on course content, Lewis says the program’s flexibility allowed him to make his dream a reality without interfering with work.

“With many graduate-level classes being offered in the evenings, working full time and going to school is easily accomplished. There is really no excuse not to,” Lewis said, adding, “A Master’s degree opens more doors and challenges you in ways that prime you for accelerating your career.”

While the program and its content made earning an M.A. both valuable and attainable, Lewis believes it is the WKU community and atmosphere that made this the best place for him to continue his education.

“What I love about WKU is the spirit here,” Lewis said. “From the campus grounds to the inspiring work our faculty and students are doing, it is easy to be motivated to pursue additional education or just be curious and explore.”

Emily Anne Pride Sutton
M.A. in Organizational Communication

I graduated from WKU in 2018 with my Bachelor's degree in Corporate & Organizational Communication which set me up well to pursue even more education. I graduated from WKU in 2020 with a Master's degree in Organizational Communication and am now in the process of completing my Doctoral degree from WKU in Educational Leadership with an expected graduation date of December 2023. On top of that, I am completing additional coursework in the Masters of Public Health program and the Emergency Management & Disaster Science Graduate Certificate program. When I’m not taking classes or writing my dissertation, I  serve as the Health Careers and Education Specialist for the South Central Area KY Health Educational Center. 

"My degrees from the Department of Communication provided me with a solid foundation on how to effectively communicate with a wide variety of stakeholders and audiences. I put the skills I learned in this program to use every single day as I work to educate students on various healthcare topics."

Julie Sisler
M.A. in Organizational Communication

I am currently pursuing a PhD in Interpersonal Communication and Social Influence at the University of Oklahoma and working as a Graduate Teaching Instructor. Based on work that began under the direction of WKU communication faculty, I was fortunate enough to earn the Dodge Family College of Arts and Sciences Fellowship. My line of research, which was developed on the strong foundation provided by my faculty at WKU, explores interpersonal communication patterns and social norms relating to taboo topics. My current primary interests are in sexual communication, particularly in regards to sexual consent and societal views of sexual assault, specifically with the aim of improving sexual education to promote positive self-image and healthy relationships. 

When I’m not teaching, studying, or conducting research, I enjoy traveling and trying new things. I’ve also recently found a renewed passion for nonprofit work, specifically those that promote healthy relationships and provide resources for underserved populations on college campuses. 

The best word to describe my experience in the WKU Communication Department is unexpected. I began my time at WKU with a different major and vastly different goals. I never expected to change my major to Communication Studies (thanks to a not-so-subtle nudge from Dr. Carl Kell, which I am forever grateful for), or enroll in the Master’s program, or pursue a PhD so I can one day be a communication professor. I’m here because of the wonderful faculty that not only saw potential and encouraged me to see it for myself, but also because they provided me with the tools and opportunities to explore my interests and turn them from interests into passions. Perhaps even more impactful, my time in the department encouraged me to develop skills that extend beyond the classroom: Critical thinking, empathy, self-presentation, and the value of diversity in all respects. Communication courses do not just prepare you to be a good student or employee, rather they arm you with the skills to be a good community member, friend and partner, and lifelong learner.