Representing CCI and the public relations program: Jaelyn “JB” Brown’s whirlwind homecoming court experience

Blake Serrano​

When senior communication studies major Jaelyn “JB” Brown first came to Kent State, she did not know the adventures that would be in store for her throughout her college career. 

“I came into college not knowing what I wanted to do so I chose to be an exploratory major,” Brown said.

Joining the exploratory program would serve as a pivotal moment for Brown, as she was able to connect with her mentor who was a communication studies major and public relations minor.


“She told me that if I majored in communication studies and minored in public relations I would be able to meet amazing people, network with others and gain useful skills,” Brown said.

After hearing her mentor’s advice, Brown took Principles of Public Relations with Professor Michele Ewing and Public Relations Case Studies with Professor Stephanie Smith. She decided to declare a minor in public relations, launching her into a field with endless opportunities. 

“I fell in love with the classes and the coursework it offered,” JB said. “I self-reflected and came to the realization that I was going to continue taking PR classes.” 

This semester, Brown was one of three students representing the College of Communication and Information on Kent State University’s homecoming court. She was also one of two representing the public relations program. 

“It was honestly surreal,” Brown said. “Being able to represent the public relations program and CCI was just an amazing feeling, and I loved that there were multiple students from our college on the court.” 

While being on the homecoming court, Brown utilized important skills that she learned in her public relations coursework.

“Everything that I was doing on court I was thinking about it from a PR or communications perspective,” Brown said. “My degree is always in the back of my mind whenever I do something.” 

Utilizing her platform and creativity, Brown partnered with the College of Communication and Information’s Banned Book Reading event and hosted a book drive.

“I thought it would be cool if we collected books from students, community members or anyone that has old books they want to get rid of,” Brown said. “CCI served as the inspiration behind the event and I was fortunate to be able to put on the drive.”

Serving on homecoming court was not the only thing Brown has done to represent CCI. Brown is an active member of the CCI Ambassadors program where she is able to talk to incoming students about her experience at Kent State University. 

“The work I do there has a lot to do with public relations as well,” Brown said. “We’re hosting events, posting reels on social media and coming up with other ideas to get people to join our college.”

In her ambassador’s program, Brown aims to create a welcoming and belonging atmosphere to draw in prospective students. Brown hopes that these students can make Kent State their home just as she does.  

“Belonging is that warm and comfortable feeling knowing you have people you can lean on on your bad days and celebrate with you on your good days,” Brown said. “Our professors in CCI and the public relations program incorporate belonging very well.” 

Overall, Brown is proud of the work she has done representing CCI on campus and is grateful for all of the opportunities she has received. 

“Being able to represent everything that I stand for on this campus was amazing,” Brown said.