Alumni Engagement: Baylor JPR&NM Advisory Board Proves Invaluable to Baylor JPR&NM

The launch of Friends of the Department Council, now known as Friends for Life, along with the revitalization of the JPRNM Advisory Board in 2020, has proven invaluable to the Baylor Department of Journalism, Public Relations & New Media.

Initially led by Professor Emeritus Bob Darden, who suggested a handwritten letter-writing campaign, and Dr. Cassy Burleson, senior lecturer and fundraising chair, and Mia Moody, Professor and department chair, these two groups have become vital pillars of the department, supporting student fundraising and career networking, and exemplifying resilience and innovation in our academic community.

In 2024, the board selected its first slate of officers, which includes Chris Talley as president, Ed Wyatt as vice president, Selena Mejia as secretary, Monica Feid as treasurer, and Lewis Moore as chaplain. Under Talley’s leadership, our department has experienced significant revitalization this year.

Members offer valuable feedback for program improvements, make donations, and connect the department with other alumni. These efforts have led to increased philanthropic contributions, enabling the creation of new scholarships and paid internships that further support students and provide practical learning experiences.

In line with Baylor in Deeds, the advisory board has established several goals for the coming years. These include organizing field trips to Austin in Fall 2025, Houston in Spring 2026, and San Antonio in Fall 2026. They also emphasize networking and mentoring through “Career Discussions” and “Informational Interviews,” as well as supporting recent graduates.

Two awards were presented to JPR&NM advisory board members this year. Talley was named Alumnus of the Year, and Robert Davila received the Board Member of the Year award. Talley has led teams at major companies, including USAA and Lockheed Martin, and has experience at the well-known public relations firm FleishmanHillard. Currently, he runs his own business, volunteers in his community, and mentors students who aim to build careers in communications.

Davila is the VP of Audience Development and Research at Texas Monthly. He began his career there as an intern in the publisher’s department, then interned in the research department before starting full-time in 1993.

Baylor Advisory Board Link