Alumni Spotlight
Courtney Goolsby
by: Greta Allen PR, student intern
Courtney Isbell Goolsby received her Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a concentration in Public Relations in 2002 from Mississippi State University.
Goolsby grew up in Savannah, Tenn., and she now resides in Jackson, Tenn., where she works as a podcast host for the “Say it Southern” podcast.
Goolsby says her daily work responsibilities range from working on the annual retreat to recording podcast episodes for the “Say it Southern.”
“We’ve been working on building the “Say it Southern” brand since it’s inception,” said Goolsby. “What started as a podcast geared towards the modern Southern woman, has grown into much more than we could ever have planned: a three-season web series garnering more than one million views, networking socials in cities across the South, an annual three-day retreat for 40 women, and of course the duties of producing the podcast. Daily responsibilities include keeping all of the above on track.”
Goolsby became interested in podcasting because of her communication degree. She explained that hosting the “Say it Southern” podcast fulfills her love for networking and connecting with people.
Goolsby said the MSU public relations concentration helped prepare her for the work she does today.
“The Mississippi State PR concentration absolutely prepared me for my career path and all the twists and turns through the pathways of public relations,” Goolsby stated. “I graduated with the, probably premature, confidence that I could be successful in whichever direction I decided to go. PR in Organizations, taught by John Forde, was the most beneficial class during my tenure at State because it laid the foundations of building a business from start to finish. It honed my people skills, organizational skills and put the polishing on any business sense I managed to muster over the years.”
Favorite memory as a communication student?
I loved the Communication Department. It produced some of the brightest, most creative, most versatile students on campus. As our concentrations progressed, we built relationships that lasted long past our graduation date.
Favorite class you took and why?
Loved Interviewing with Hank Flick.
Most valuable lesson learned from the communication department?
Don’t take yourself too seriously. I think our class work and our professors reflected this. Public Relations taught us that almost anything can be undone with a little bit of skill.
Favorite communication professor and why?
Lora DeFore. She helped shape me into the person and the professional I am today.
What are you passionate about?
Professionally: Finishing well, a buttoned-up production and execution. The details. Connection: to people, networking, building community. Creating work you love.
Personally: My Family. Laughing a LOT. A back porch with friends. Community. Giving back. My beliefs. And the Bulldogs!!!!!