Taylor Shelnutt

FleishmanHillard

Taylor Shelnutt is currently making her mark in the public relations field at FleishmanHillard in Dallas, Texas. As a senior account executive, Shelnutt operates in a traditional public relations role, primarily working with media and influencer relationships. While at The University of Alabama, Shelnutt met the leadership team at FleishmanHillard prior to graduating and fell in love with the company culture. Since then, Shelnutt has worked with various partners and accounts, which have laid a strong foundation for her career in public relations.

As an undergraduate student, Shelnutt majored in public relations and was on the executive board of the Public Relations Student Society of America. She also served as the firm director of Capstone Agency. Shelnutt believes her active participation and the relationships she cultivated with professors while at UA greatly contributed to her success.

“Mrs. Henley was a constant source of support, strength and wisdom, and I will forever be grateful for her role in my education,” Shelnutt said.  “Mrs. Sims inspired me to be a diligent, intentional writer and to pursue opportunities for leadership.”

Having instructors like Teri Henley and Tracy Sims as mentors made Shelnutt’s undergraduate career less stressful, and she said if she could redo her time at UA she would spend more time enjoying the experience and less time worrying.

“I was constantly focused on the future and what I had to do to find a job immediately after college,” Shelnutt said. “I’ve [since] learned that it’s okay to take life a little slower and trust that you’ll find your path at the right time.”

Although she still had a lot to learn after graduating, Shelnutt said UA and the Department of Advertising and Public Relations provided her with the necessary foundation to grow and excel in her career. In the future, Shelnutt aspires to continue learning, mentoring and pursuing opportunities in her field of work— all while having fun.

 

 

By: Shanna Wallace