WKU News
WKU Alumnus of the Week: Chris Nation ('06, '09)
- Monday, July 25th, 2022
Major: B.A. in English, M.A. in Communication
Current city: Louisville, Ky.
Job: Vice President of Digital at RunSwitch PR
Tell us about your current job: “RunSwitch PR is a full-service firm providing public affairs, public relations, digital strategy and crisis communication services. I specialize in digital strategy, social media and advising on emerging technologies. Part of my role involves overseeing digital services for Bluegrass Media Lab, Kentucky’s premier media studio that offers a wide array of services including video production, podcasting, live shot broadcasting, web development and media training.”
Why I chose WKU: “I originally wanted to be a photojournalist for National Geographic, and WKU was the top school to learn that skill. While I enjoyed my Journalism classes, I found a love for English and Communications work that ultimately led me to stay at WKU to get my master’s in Communication. This led me to my current work in the PR industry.”
Favorite WKU experience or memory: “I loved having the opportunity to teach Communications classes as a Graduate Teaching Assistant. I was able to teach everyone's favorite class—Public Speaking! It was an experience I will always be grateful for.”
What WKU means to me: “My time at WKU helped shape many areas of my life, and it is a place that reinforced my love for lifelong learning, allowed me to meet many talented individuals, develop friendships and ultimately led me to meet my wonderful wife, Emily. The relationships I made along the way are priceless.”
Skills I learned at WKU: “I learned the value of speaking and writing well. Those two skills are critical to almost any profession and will aid you in almost any endeavor you choose to pursue.”
Advice for future Hilltoppers: “The PR industry is a fast-paced environment that allows you to learn so many new skills and refine the ones you currently have. I highly recommend searching out and asking veterans in the industry for mentorships. I have had several mentors throughout my career, and their advice helped me navigate many crucial decisions.”
Hobbies or Interests: “I love reading a good classic and enjoying hiking one of Louisville's outstanding parks. I am an active community volunteer having served as Chairman and President of the American Advertising Federation of Louisville and President of the Young Professionals Association of Louisville (YPAL).”
Favorite quote or motto: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” - Maya Angelou
Fill out the Alumnus of the Week form for your chance to be featured: alumni.wku.edu/aow.
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