Distinguished Alumna 6 Elizabeth Missan Yost, ’85
&A
s an aspiring college student, Elizabeth Yost had her heart set on attending an extremely large university. Instead, she chose Southern on her father’s advice that a smaller, more personal setting would suit her better. “My parents are very smart people,” concludes Yost, who is “living her dream,” as the vice president of development for the Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movie Channel. Based in the company’s Los Angeles office, Yost has made close to 150 movies over 10 years, and oversees all scripting and casting of the network’s productions. The determined communication major traveled to California immediately after graduation, launching her career at the William Morris Agency. Other positions followed, including time at Robert Greenwald Productions, a supplier of prime time television films, and EMY Entertainment, an independent production company. In 2002, Yost joined Hallmark Channel as director of development, original programming — and was responsible for launching the network’s first original series and Mystery Movie franchises. While Yost attributes her success to a combination of endurance, talent, and luck, she also places a high premium on the experience she gained at Southern. “The personal attention really made a difference,” says Yost, noting the university’s small class sizes
and opportunities to work closely with members of the faculty. “You don’t get that at a bigger school,” she adds. Yost has stayed in touch with Professor Joseph (Jos) Ullian, and about 14 years ago they worked together to arrange a summer internship that brought Southern students to Los Angeles to work on scripts and casting. As her success and connections increased, Yost expanded the program. In 2003, she teamed up with Southern’s Department of Communication to offer a Hollywood internship program with the Hallmark Channel. According to Yost, the program is a winning scenario for all involved. “The students who have come out to work for us have been extraordinary,” she says.
Spring 2010 | 11