Shana Bristow

Shaping Positive Relationships

Shana Bristow

1992 Graduate of McMurry University with a B.A. in Business

Even though 15 years separates shana norman Bristow from her college days at McMurry, she still draws daily from her college experiences in learning to succeed in the fast-paced world of international corporate public relations. A 1992 McMurry graduate, Bristow currently serves as senior vice president for Fleishman-Hillard International Communications. Her agency work has focused primarily on corporate clients. Though she has worked with many industries, her main focus is on healthcare. she is currently working with an oncology group, and much of her efforts for them focus on cancer prevention and early detection. regarding her job responsibilities, shana states, “I do media relations. When a reporter wants to talk to one of my clients, I help arrange that interview and prepare the spokesperson.” Her duties at Fleishman-Hillard also include making company announcements, suggesting stories to the media to educate them about clients, and conducting internal communications for companies. shana admits that she wasn't sure she would like working in an agency because it was so different from previous work experiences, but she realized “there are great opportunities and sometimes you have to weather the learning curves and challenging times to achieve success, and then be able to use the lessons learned to help others." shana’s career journey has convinced her that each career position a person holds helps set the stage for subsequent job opportunities. “For me, it's easy to trace my path back to McMurry,” she states. A year after graduating, she spent five years in various capacities at McMurry. That experience helped her land a job at the Council for Advancement and support of Education in Washington, d.C. she explains, “The combination of these two experiences positioned me well for my current position.” shana credits her college experience as an important factor in her career success, stating that "going to a small university gave me the opportunity to hold leadership positions in a variety of organizations. That hands-on experience working with diverse personalities and learning the fine art of multi-tasking has proved invaluable.” Her multi-tasking skills are also valuable as she balances work and family. she explains, "Like every

McMURRY’S RISING STARS

“Sometimes you have to weather the learning curves and challenging times to achieve success and then be able to use the lessons learned to help others.”

working mother, I strive to achieve balance in my life. I couldn't have achieved everything I have professionally without another McMurry graduate, my husband, supporting me at every turn.” McMurry’s core values remain a focal point for shana in both her professional and personal life. "McMurry's core values hang on my office wall as a reminder that they are universally good tenants to follow," said Bristow. she continues to explain that "some of the most rewarding aspects of my job closely align with McMurry's core values. For example, I have an opportunity to mentor junior staff members, especially those on the team I lead." Bristow is proud of her McMurry education and says it gave her the tools she needed to succeed. "I work with people all over the country who hail from public relations and journalism powerhouses like the University of Texas and University of Missouri Journalism school,” she explains, “but I found the fundamentals of a liberal arts education helped me hold my own and gave me the well-roundedness to tackle any project that came along." shana demonstrates her appreciation to her alma mater and is giving back through her membership on the McMurry University Alumni Board of directors. In addition, she and her husband, steven, a 1992 McMurry graduate, also serve as members of the servant Leadership Center of the southwest Advisory Board. shana is truly a rising star destined to make a positive impact through her profession, her family and her commitment to shaping the future of new generations of McMurry graduates. 