Communication Department Undergraduate Alumni

Chastity Champion
B.A. in Communication Studies

I am a 2008 WKU graduate with my BA in Communication Studies.  I am currently working as a Compliance Analyst for Addus HomeCare corporate office in Frisco, Texas. My department is responsible for leading investigations and responding to records requests to ensure we comply with HIPAA regulations. In my free time, I enjoy traveling and being outdoors. 

My time in the Comm Studies program prepared me for the corporate world. Every leader I’ve had has complimented my communication skills. 

Zena Pare
B.A. in Communication Studies

I am an investment banking analyst at J.P. Morgan in New York City, working in the Power and Renewables group. For fun, I enjoy traveling, reading, attending Broadway shows, browsing vintage/antique stores, and exploring the city.  I most appreciated how kind and supportive the whole Department of Communication was during my college years, from encouraging my study abroad plans to serving as references for applications.

Paige Allbright
B.A. in Communication Studies

I am currently living in Chicago, IL as a recruiter for a staffing firm with high-profile clients. Along with that, I am also working on multiple accounts with The Scratch Collective, a female-led public relations agency. In my spare time, I have very much been enjoying getting to explore this city and all Chicago has to offer!

"The WKU Communication Department has absolutely prepared me for the start of my career in this industry and has given me so much confidence in my capabilities. Working in the Communications field, one has their hand in so many different pots; and the diverse curriculum informed my understanding of all the different facets of the industry."

Claire Duckworth
B.A. in Advertising

Hi! My name is Claire Duckworth and I am the Lead Graphic Designer for Get Organized HQ, a blogging company centered around organization and planning. I design promotional and social graphics, eBooks, printable worksheets, planners, stickers, art prints, surface pattern designs, and web pages. In my spare time, I like to draw on my chalk wall, work on freelance branding projects for small businesses, and dress my dog Murphy up in bandanas that he doesn’t want to wear.

The WKU Advertising program and its caring staff equipped me with the skills I need to complete projects—especially branding projects—as a team, which plays a huge role in my job now.

Conner Raymer
B.A. in Corporate and Organizational Communication

Since graduating from The Hill, I have continued my real estate career that began in 2012 at WKU. I am currently the co-owner and Broker Associate of NextHome Realty Experts and am celebrating 10 years in the real estate industry this year!

When I’m not selling homes, I can be found spending time with my wife, Becca, our three boys JJ, Bo, and Hunter, and our mini golden doodle, Murphy! We love to attend WKU athletics events, and are members of Crossland Community Church.

My time in the Corporate and Organizational Communication program definitely helped mold me to the agent that I am today. The versatile skill set that I developed as a major are a natural fit for anyone working in a sales job. Communication is key, and WKU’s Communication Department will help you feel prepared from day one on the job. 

After graduation, I moved to Atlanta, Georgia, to work for The Home Depot as Business Analyst in the Merchandising department. My responsibilities include project management of vendor signage and off-shelf merchandising for all U.S and Offshore stores. I coordinate with the vendor and the creative team to create a seamless customer experience.

When I’m not working, I love being on the lake with friends, traveling, doing group fitness classes, and snow skiing. In 2023, I want to go skydiving for my 24th birthday; it has been on my bucket list for years, and I am excited to check it off!

The Communication department prepared me for my career by teaching me to think critically about workplace communication. Because of those lessons learned in the classroom, I have leveraged my business partner’s past experiences and lessons learned to help me make informed decisions daily. 

What I liked most about the Communication department was that the professors empowered me to run with my ideas; whether it was a research project, presentation, or campaign, I could be creative, engaging, and strategic. Because of the Communication professors, I now have the confidence and the tools to do the same in the workplace.

I would not be where I am today without the help of WKU faculty and staff pushing me to new heights. GO TOPS!

Matt Villmer is an attorney and partner at Villmer Caudill, PLLC, a business and litigation law firm in Charlotte, North Carolina.  In addition to practicing law, Matt teaches entrepreneurship and business growth classes to passionate entrepreneurs who want to build successful businesses that align with their personal and professional vision.  For fun, Matt loves to travel the world with his wife, Kelly. 

"I absolutely loved my time at WKU, where I majored in Corporate & Organizational Communication.  The skills I learned from communication department faculty helped pave the way for my success in law school.  The department’s curriculum was absolutely crucial in the my success as a trial attorney, and ultimately, my ability to operate a law firm."