Thursday, March 31, 2016

Alumni Spotlight: Tiara Pulsipher


Tiara Pulsipher (’15, communication) is the floor manager for ABC 4 Utah.  The floor manager on a television crew is responsible for calling cues, given by the director in the control room, to the crew on the studio floor.

While considering which university to attend, Pulsipher checked out other communication programs. Whereas many other schools had great programs, she discovered that most students didn’t get hands-on practice until later in their education. At SUU, students are given the opportunity to gain hands-on experience during their first class.

“I got my job because of the experience I gained at SUU, which included learning all positions of news, talk, sports, film, radio, advertising, public relations, and other important skills, like writing, being a team-player and solving problems,” says Pulsipher.

Professor Jon Smith was a huge influence in the development of Pulsipher’s skills in broadcasting and film. He was willing to spend extra time helping her fine-tune her resume and demo reel. Smith gave her the guidance she needed to produce her best work and demonstrate her skills on paper and in person. He always had a 'dream big' attitude that inspired her to do her best.

“Not only did I land a job that I love, but I am already training to direct, which is my dream job! I did not expect to be able to move up this quickly,” said Pulsipher.

She learned a lot about herself while at SUU, because she was able to explore the many aspects of the communication field to figure out what she was really passionate about. After taking several very different courses she eventually gravitated toward the broadcasting major.

“Taking a lot of different classes helped me to close in on the one that I could see myself doing and enjoying for the rest of my life,” said Pulsipher.

Pulsipher enjoys spending her free time in the outdoors, with friends and watching movies. She is currently single and living in Salt Lake City with her pet Betta fish, James.

Originally posted on suu.edu in March 2016

Tuesday, March 15, 2016

Grace Simkins, a life well-lived

Grace Simkins of Cedar City, might just hold the distinction of being the oldest living* member of the SUU Alumni Association, having celebrated her 107th birthday this past November.

Her SUU journey began in 1958 at the age of 50, when she enrolled at SUU to renew her teaching certificate.

“Going back to school as old as I was, it made me feel like I had a future,” Simkins said. “It was like being young all over again.”

Simkins began her teaching career at an elementary school in Las Vegas, Nevada, where she experienced first-hand racial integration. While public perception at the time highlighted differences, she found none and loved her teaching career. 

What is her secret to a long life? She credits a loving family, devotion to religion, healthy diet and most important, plenty of laughter. 

Grace passed away March 7, 2016, before this spotlight could be published in the SUU In View Alumni Magazine.