ShelfLife@Texas

Marla is senior program coordinator for the James A. Michener Center for Writers. She conducts their annual literary series, which brings distinguished authors to campus for public readings. She also oversees the visiting faculty and residency programs of the MFA Program in Writing, directs publicity for the center and edits the annual print newsletter. She holds a bachelors’ degree in English from The University of Texas at Austin.

Kerri is a public affairs specialist for the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs. She earned a bachelor's degree in journalism from The University of Texas at Austin and a master's degree in mass communication from Texas State University. While at Texas State, she taught introduction to mass communication writing.

Michelle is editor for ShelfLife@Texas. She is assistant director of public affairs for the College of Liberal Arts where she serves as editor for its alumni magazine Life & Letters. Previously, she was communications manager at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center and an account supervisor at Edelman Public Relations Worldwide. She earned a bachelor's degree in mass communications from Texas Wesleyan University.

Laura is director of media relations for the School of Law and teaches as an adjunct professor in the School of Journalism. She also was a reporter for The San Diego Union-Tribune, New York Newsday, Wall Street Journal, and CNN before earning a law degree from The University of Texas at Austin in 1997. A board member of the Writers’ League of Texas, she is a frequent moderator at the Texas Book Festival.

Amy is the director of public affairs for the School of Architecture and the School of Information. She received a bachelor's degree in Journalism from The University of Texas at Austin and has been employed with the university for over 20 years.

Dietrich edits the biannual print newsletter Ransom Edition and monthly email newsletter eNews; promotes exhibitions and public programs; produces press releases; and works with media.

Erin is the public affairs manager for the College of Communication and KUT Radio. Previously, she was an account manager for public relations agency Citigate Cunningham. She earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Arizona State University and is an accredited public relations practitioner.

Vivé Griffith directs the Free Minds Project for the Humanities Institute. She previously worked for five years as a feature writer for the Office of Public Affairs. A 2002 graduate of the Michener Center for Writers, her essays and poetry have appeared in The Sun, Oxford American, Gettysburg Review, Poet’s Market, and elsewhere. She earned a master’s degree in English from the University of Cincinnati, and a bachelor’s degree in English from Vanderbilt University.

Kathleen is director of communications for the Graduate School. She oversees all marketing and communications efforts designed to promote the impact of graduate education at UT Austin. Previously, she was Brand Manager at Sara Lee Bakery and Cars.com in Chicago, IL. She earned her MBA at The University of Texas at Austin McCombs School of Business and her BS in Mass Communications at Miami University.

Tracy is a public affairs writer/editor for the McCombs School of Business. She is managing editor of the alumni magazines, Texas and Exchange. She also manages the McCombs TODAY news blog and writes for the school’s alumni e-newsletters. Previously, Tracy was a public affairs specialist for the College of Liberal Arts. She has a bachelor’s degree in public relations from The University of Texas at Austin.

Maysie is an intern in the Office of Public Affairs for the College of Liberal Arts. She is a sophomore majoring in Plan II honors, rhetoric and cultural anthropology.

Jessica is a public affairs specialist for the College of Liberal Arts, and contributing writer for Life & Letters, the college’s alumni magazine. Prior to joining the College of Liberal Arts, she was a communications intern for the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. She holds a bachelor’s degree in public relations from Texas State University.

Director of Public Affairs, College of Liberal Arts, The University of Texas at Austin.

Katherine is an intern in the Office of Public Affairs for the College of Liberal Arts.

Molly is a graduate student worker in the Office of Public Affairs. She earned her undergraduate degree from The University of Texas at Austin in both English literature and Spanish (Hispanic Studies). She is now studying for her MA at the Lozano Long Institute for Latin American Studies (LLILAS).

Travis is the communications officer for the 14 branches of The University of Texas Libraries. He’s a writer and editor of the libraries’ biannual newsletter, and edits the monthly staff UPDATE. Previous to joining the libraries, he was a public affairs specialist for the Harry Ransom Center, where he edited the newsletter and liaised with media and visitors. Travis earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Texas A&M-Commerce.