By Natalie Sturgeon (PR ’25)
What originally sold me on Murray State was the clear dedication that the Department of Journalism and Mass Communications faculty members had for their students. Even as a prospective public relations major, it was obvious that the professors and administrators cared for each student’s education – and their dreams. Once I arrived on campus, I fell in love with my classes where I met like-minded people who were dedicated to advancing their careers. I entered classes thinking that I would go and work for an agency in a big city with a primary focus on crisis communications. That idea quickly changed in my sophomore year.
When it came time to pick a minor, my academic adviser and professor, Elizabeth (Eliza) Thomas, provided me with a list of potential minors and suddenly, the words “sports communications” were singing to me. The idea of having a hand in developing the brand of a sports team, organization and athletes felt like a place of endless opportunities. My adviser offered constant encouragement and support, and the rest of my journey took shape that semester.
Around the end of my junior year, I spoke to Dr. Stephen Cox, my sports communications adviser, about how I could get more involved in sports media. He quickly connected me with Murray State’s Athletic Communications Department where I interned my senior year. My final semester I was asked to be the Sports Information Director for the Women’s Tennis team where I took the lead on social accounts, graphics, photography and more. I also got lucky and covered the team as they became the first MVC Champions in school history. Throughout that adventure, I learned that sports was the place for me.
After graduation, I moved to Detroit, Michigan, to fulfill a lifetime dream of working with the Detroit Lions as a Football Communications Associate. My co-associate and I were given a lot of autonomy. They treated us as extensions of the full-time staff. Over the course of many 60-plus hour weeks, we did statistical research, created posts for our PR X account, updated weekly releases, coordinated local and national interviews for players, pitched stories to news outlets and so much more. Above all, we created relationships with team personnel, Lions employees, and external media and stakeholders. The relationship building is what truly shifted my love of sports communications into a passion.
After the associateship ended in January, I knew I wanted more industry work and that it is what I was meant to do. I was lucky enough to receive a job offer in my home area for INDYCAR, most commonly known as the organization that runs the annual Indianapolis 500. In my role as Communications Coordinator, I am responsible for keeping track of driver appearances, communicating with the local race market media, pitching stories, and again, building relationships that benefit all parties to make a successful racing season.
I am incredibly lucky to be one-year post-graduation and already have the career I dreamed of. That dream came to fruition because of opportunities and support I was given at Murray State and the work that I put in. I know that I would not be here without the education and opportunities provided by the faculty, and the freedom that MSU gave me to learn and grow.
