MSU PR-Journalism-Poli-Sci Alumnus, Jack Harrison Chose Public Relations
How Harrison found his role combining his knowledge and experience with MSU University Communications and Marketing
By: Cameron Soentgen
Jack Harrison never planned on being a Spartan, but after he attended Michigan Interscholastic Press Association conferences on campus he realized MSU was the university for him.
After graduating with bachelor’s degrees in political theory and constitutional democracy and journalism with a minor in public relations in 2023, he began his role of public relations coordinator at MSU University Communications and Marketing.
He found the public relations minor while looking for ways to fulfill remaining credits and says he found the course material interesting. After taking the required public relations courses, Harrison was hooked and wondered how he could apply these skills into a career.
“I interned at Martin Waymire, now called Bellwether Public Relations. I decided to give this a shot, and wow, I really enjoyed the work,” Harrison said.
Harrison says public relations combines his interests of politics and journalism. Shortly after graduating from MSU in 2023, he transitioned into his current role at University Communications and Marketing.
Harrison acknowledged that his path to public relations was anything but traditional. He previously interned for political campaigns and state representatives. During his time as student body chief of staff for Associated Students of MSU, Harrison was heavily involved in the student response to the violence campus experienced in spring 2023.
“I did a lot of media interviews and helped coordinate the vigils working with stakeholders and policy makers. Almost through that tragedy, I really fell in love with the Spartan community,” Harrison said.
Harrison’s assistance in the student response for campus tragedy bettered his knowledge in communication strategy and pushed him to apply for the public relations coordinator role.
“I was ready to graduate, but I wasn’t ready to leave this community. Everyone here is united by their love for MSU and [the university] just naturally brings people together,” Harrison said.
Harrison currently oversees the public relations strategy and media outreach for the College of Social Science, James Madison College and MSU College of Law. His typical day consists of media training faculty, media monitoring and creating news releases regarding ongoing research projects and university rankings. MSU University Communications and Marketing works with researchers to discuss their research in a manner that is understandable to the public.
As Harrison is currently the youngest on his team, he believes in the power of listening, and urges students to listen to learn in their careers.
“I loved my time here and I love media relations especially, we have so many researchers that are doing life changing work,” said Harrison.