Laura Phelps

Background

About Laura Phelps

I consider myself a writer first and foremost. I tell stories for a living. Currently, I tell stories about Jacksonville University, a premiere private university in North Florida with a bold vision for the future. My role focuses on telling compelling stories about the University and our amazing students for a wide range of audiences, including media. I have extensive experience in crisis communications and writing for a major corporation - CSX Transportation. As a media relations manager there, I responded to daily media calls and the occasional train derailment. I also have more than 10 years of experience in journalism. I started out as a newspaper reporter, but soon began searching for bigger opportunities. WNCT in Greenville, NC gave me my first break in broadcast news as a line producer. As it turns out, I was better suited for TV news - especially when it came to writing. I've spent most of my career working on morning shows. When I was promoted to Executive Producer, I discovered I also have a passion for teaching others to write. I love watching producers and reporters blossom and stoking their passion for storytelling. As a producer, working with social media was always one of my responsibilities. It truly developed into a passion. As Assistant News Director in Savannah, I helped develop a social media strategy and worked to refine the protocol for posting updates from the field and incorporating social media into newscasts. After that, I became an independent social media marketer for local businesses and franchises looking to engage with their customers and expand their reach.