I began my journalism and communications career as a writer for the newspaper, The Current Sauce, at Northwestern State University. I worked my way up to editor-in-chief by the time I was a junior. Check out one of my old issues here. During this time, I also photographed athletics, school ceremonies, and news events, and I worked for the Natchitoches Times daily newspaper. I interned with the Daily Town Talk as a photographer and writer.
After completing my B.A. in journalism with a minor in political science, I worked for DeVille, O’Neill & Associates, a full-service advertising agency. While there, I fine-tuned my media relations, photography, and graphic design skills. I created brochures, business cards, letterhead, posters, postcards, and interactive CDs. I supported clients in increasing business and publicity through strategic promotion plans. After two years with DeVille, O’Neill & Associates, I returned to the Town Talk to work in advertising and special projects.
At The Town Talk, I worked as a writer and graphic designer, and was quickly promoted to niche products manager, then audience development editor. I represented the paper and two local magazines through speaking engagements, radio station interviews, and writing columns. I promoted and produced the Louisiana Family Expo, an event with more than 3,500 attendees, for two consecutive years, and worked on the Taste of Home Cooking School and Bridal Extravaganza events.
I managed a salesperson, a writing team, and graphic designers, and served in a leadership role on the newspaper’s Operating Committee. I frequently worked with other departments, including news editorial, marketing, online, advertising, and circulation.
I was quite busy at The Town Talk, handling photography, writing, editing, and design. I served on the press quality committee, obtained press quotes, selected printers, and attended press checks. I developed, edited, and produced Signature Magazine. Additionally, I was responsible for a variety of sections, including: About Home, Rapides Senior News, Louisiana Family Magazine, Go Outdoors Louisiana, Women of Achievement, and the Forest Hill Nursery Festival guide.
From there, I moved into public relations at Cleco Corporation in Pineville, LA. I served as the company webmaster, managing the corporate website and internal site, and I created a customer-facing site to promote energy efficiency. I won a Cypress Award from the Public Relations Association of Louisiana for the Cleco Energy Smart marketing plan and website. I also worked with vendors and managed marketing buys across the state. I coordinated and produced radio and television commercials and set up interactive tours. I handled crisis communication through hurricanes, fatalities, and legal issues. Finally, I trained other staff members on media relations and public speaking.
In 2012, I decided to continue my education at Louisiana State University. I wanted to explore the world of biology, and LSU offered interesting courses and experiences that helped expand my skills as a science communicator. At LSU, I took dozens of courses in the sciences (agriculture, chemistry, marine biology, mathematics, microbiology, physics) and communications. I held a few part-time jobs on campus, including in the library, in the Foil Entomology Lab, and in the Elderd Disease Ecology Lab.
In Dr. Foil’s lab, I learned about research methods and writing. This was my first chance to see science in action as a lab technician, rather than from the sidelines as a reporter. I even did field work looking for blue-tongue virus in deer. In Dr. Elderd’s lab, I managed insect colonies, set up experiments, worked with viruses and microscopes, collected and analyzed data, and presented results.
I moved into a marketing, communications, and events role at the LSU Center for Academic Success, where I served as webmaster for two department sites and assisted with a third. In this role, I further honed my skills in audience analysis, information architecture, and website design. I also published press releases, designed brochures, managed numerous social media accounts, and led a team of graphic designers, videographers, writers, and photographers. I taught department members and students to use project management software effectively and to follow brand guidelines.
At the University of Wisconsin—Madison, I was hired as the Department of Chemistry senior communications specialist and promoted to marketing and communications manager. In this role, I redesigned the intranet and external website, migrating both sites and numerous faculty and center subsites to an updated platform with consistent branding. I also trained and mentored numerous undergraduate and graduate students from diverse backgrounds in public relations, information architecture, website design, and scientific communication. Mentee, Dr. Stephanie Blaszczyk, even won an American Association for the Advancement of Science Mass Media fellowship. I am so proud of her!
Additionally, I worked on events, including annual awards ceremonies and graduation celebrations, where we welcomed alumni and donors and helped students connect with them. I also held professional headshot sessions for students, faculty, and staff of the department and managed donor relations, executive communication, and crisis communication.
In 2021, I joined Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN, where I managed the School of Nursing social media channels and produced research and feature content. I developed and executed strategic communication plans that strengthened brand visibility and supported student recruitment goals, contributing to increased prospective student engagement and conversion.
In 2024, I took on the role of director of communications and external engagement at a in Western Massachusetts college, where I focus on strategic communications and reputation management, guiding efforts that connect campus priorities with the broader community. I advise senior leadership and campus partners on messaging, crisis readiness, and stakeholder engagement, ensuring the college’s story reflects its values, strengths, and impact.
I have led communication strategy for major institutional initiatives, including the sesquicentennial celebration, crisis and safety communications, and strategic planning, while strengthening town-gown partnerships through board service and regional collaboration. My focus is on building trust, elevating visibility, and aligning communications with institutional goals.
I’ve driven process improvements that streamline communications, created an equity-focused sponsorship model to ensure transparency in community giving, and led cross-campus efforts that integrate analytics, accessibility, and inclusivity. I also represent the college in regional planning efforts and public forums to advocate for institutional interests.
Tatum Lyles Flick 