|Alumni Activities| How did Montevallo affect your career choice? The mass communication department, along with Cynthia Shackelford from the public relations office, offered me opportunities to branch out and try different things in the broadcasting and print field, which allowed me to make a sound decision on what I wanted to do after college. BYRON ROBINSON ’97 Sports copy editor for Montgomery Advertiser
How did Montevallo affect your career choice? I think I’m a walking billboard for the importance of a liberal arts degree. I came to UM to study music education and I still teach music and lead a church music program. But the way UM affected my journalism career most was by opening my mind to various subjects and ideas. The onecareer professional is a creature of the past; teaching its students to think is the most important thing a university can give its graduates. DAVID KNOX ’81 Assistant sports editor for The Birmingham News
Words of wisdom you would offer students: Network, network, network... and not just online! Nothing replaces meeting someone in person. You never know when those contacts can help you down the road. In turn, always be willing to help out those you can assist, too, whether it's through an introduction or a job lead.
LEADA DEVANEY GORE ’92 Display ad manager for The Decatur Daily, President of the Alabama Press Association
Words of wisdom you would offer students: Your twenties are your time to explore and find something you are passionate about – do it, enjoy it, and learn as much about business as possible. If students will start to think more entrepreneurial instead of simply about ‘getting a good job’ we can continue to (generation after generation) innovate, create, and grow.
What was your favorite aspect of Montevallo? My favorite aspect has to be meeting all the wonderful friends I still carry with me. Some of my best friends remain ones that were first just strangers in the Caf or new girls on my floor in the residence hall. My family still comes down to College Night every year to cheer on the purples and reunite with the people and place we love so much.
AMY LEMLEY BAILEY ’00 Owner and publisher of MyScoop.us at MyScoop Media Inc.
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STEPHANIE COMER NEWTON ’03 Director of publicity for the Non-fiction Trade Group at Thomas Nelson Inc.