Emma still remembers the exact feeling of standing in The White House Press Briefing Room during the 2024 Presidential Election.
“There were no step-by-step instructions for something like that,” she said. “But the experiences I’ve had at WMUL-FM and MU Report taught me how to think quickly, lead when needed and stay calm while live on air. When it came time to report from D.C., it just felt like second nature.”
Preparation came from countless hours behind the mic, anchoring Newscenter 88 each week and working closely with professors who pushed her to grow. She credits Dr. Rob Quicke and Dr. Chris Swindell for preparing her and the Student News Live team long before their feet hit the ground in Washington.
“Dr. Swindell was always the first to answer the phone when we called from D.C. with questions,” she said. “He made sure we were ready for everything.”
Still, nothing could have prepared her for what happened once the cameras rolled.
“We went live in the Press Room, and suddenly every professional journalist in there turned to watch us,” she said. “Journalists from all over the world stopped to hear what we, as students, had to say. It was surreal, one of those moments you never forget.”
That experience was the result of years of hard work, but it was not the only milestone that shaped Emma’s story.
In October, Emma traveled to New York City for the Edward R. Murrow Awards Gala after a Halloween-themed WMUL-FM newscast she anchored in 2024 won a prestigious honor. The broadcast, filled with festive stories, was put together by a team Emma calls “truly special.”
“I was tearing up when we walked into Gotham Hall,” Emma explained. “Being in the same room as some of the greats in journalism was incredible. It was inspiring to see the work that earned them a spot there and to be recognized alongside them.”
These moments, big and small, have defined Emma’s time at Marshall. And through it all, one person has continually guided, encouraged, and pushed her to be her best.
“My biggest influence has been Dr. Charles Bailey,” she said. “He’s always believed in me. He gave me opportunities at WMUL-FM that helped me grow, and he rarely turns down an idea. Instead, he’s there cheering me on with every new program, every award, every challenge.”
Emma’s leadership roles at WMUL-FM, first as news director and now as executive director have shown her what true collaboration looks like.
“Journalism can be competitive, but I’ve learned that teamwork matters more,” she said. “Watching the staff brainstorm new programs or build a newscast together has taught me just how important connection is.”
Those connections extend far beyond the radio station.
Emma has represented Marshall across states, from reporting trips to Washington, D.C., to attending the Virginias Associated Press Broadcasters Awards, where she recently placed second for Best Radio News Anchor and first for Outstanding News Operation.
“I never imagined I’d have these opportunities while still in college,” she said. “It’s helped me realize that anything is possible, especially when you’re willing to do things a little unconventionally and never turn down a chance to learn.”
That mindset continues to drive Emma’s future aspirations.
“My biggest career goal is to tell stories in a fair, respectful way,” she said. “Connecting with people and sharing their experiences is what I love most, and I hope I get to keep doing that wherever I go after graduation.”
For Emma, Marshall is not just a place where she learned to report, it’s a place that gave her a community, mentors, lifelong friends and opportunities she once only imagined.
“My favorite part of being a student here is the community. It always feels like one big family,” she said. “Marshall has prepared me to go out into the world with confidence—ready to take on whatever comes next.”
Wherever her career takes her next, Emma plans to keep sharing the stories that shape communities, lift voices and create the moments that matter most.
