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
