Summary

Emmy award-winning investigative journalist and educator with a passion for storytelling and media production. Co-creator of Oklahoma’s first statewide high school journalism program, now directing a department that serves hundreds of students annually. Skilled at bridging the gap between journalism and creative media, having received numerous honors including awards from the Oklahoma Associated Press, Society of Professional Journalists, and National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. Experienced in both educational leadership and hands-on media production. Cited nationally and internationally for investigative reporting, with a deep commitment to mentoring the next generation of media professionals.

Experience

Director, Student Journalism and Creative Media

[June 2019] – [Present] Epic Charter Schools

Lead the Journalism and Media Production Department, managing a team of 3 educators while teaching full-time.
Designed and implemented a comprehensive curriculum for both in-person and online courses in journalism and media production, focusing on career development skills such as digital media production, visual storytelling, and professional networking.
Spearheaded the creation of new courses that integrate industry standards and practical career skills, preparing students for entry into media careers.
Oversaw the design and execution of a comprehensive studio remodel, resulting in a fully functional professional-grade news studio utilized by students and staff.
Supervise the end-to-end production of a statewide magazine, website, and regular broadcast programming, ensuring high-quality content aligned with journalistic standards.
Drive innovation in media instruction and production, enhancing student engagement and expanding the program’s regional impact.
Maintain contacts with state leaders and high-profile figures in Oklahoma to visit students and appear in student productions.

Adjunct Faculty

[January, 2022] – [Present] Rose State College

Instruct MCOM 2503/FSDM 2503 Media Production and MCOM 2603 Video News, serving students in both Journalism and Film pathways.
Teach comprehensive media production skills, including audio/video acquisition, non-linear video editing, and principles of visual storytelling.
Develop and deliver curriculum that bridges journalistic integrity with cinematic technique, preparing students for careers in digital media, film, and broadcast journalism.
Provide hands-on instruction in professional production environments, fostering both creative and technical proficiency.

Investigative Reporter

[March 2007] – [April 2019] KOKH-TV/Fox 25 News, Oklahoma City, OK

Senior reporter responsible for leading the station’s “We’ve Got Your Back” campaign.
Led high-impact investigative journalism efforts, producing in-depth reports on government accountability and public affairs.
Earned a regional Emmy Award for excellence in investigative reporting, along with multiple honors from the Oklahoma Associated Press, and was named Journalist of the Year by the Oklahoma Public Employees Association.
Reported from high-profile events, including a U.S. Supreme Court hearing, providing in-depth legal and political coverage.
Highly proficient in leveraging the Oklahoma Open Records Act, Open Meetings Act, and Federal FOIA requests to uncover critical information and hold public institutions accountable.
Work cited by national and international media outlets, amplifying local journalism’s reach and relevance.
Started as a producer and general assignment reporter, progressing to senior investigative roles through demonstrated editorial leadership and journalistic impact.

News Producer and Assignment Editor

[January 2005] – [February 2007] WHO-TV, Des Moines, IA

Managed news crews and assigned stories for daily newscasts, with additional responsibilities as a web producer.
Coordinated political coverage for the 2006 election and contributed to weekend newscasts as a producer and occasional reporter.
Worked as photojournalist as needed to shoot and edit on evenings and weekends.
Trained to shoot video from news helicopter.

News Producer

[July 2004] – [January 2005] KOAM-TV, Pittsburg, KS

Produced #1-rated newscasts, with additional contributions as a video shooter and editor during breaking news events.

Education & Qualifications

Master of Science in Criminology

[August 2014] – [December 2015] Oklahoma City University, Oklahoma City, OK

Graduated with High Honors, Cumulative GPA: 4.0
Research topics of interest criminal behavior, crime victims and ethics in policing
Master’s Thesis on defining key terms of solving a crime and application to high-profile criminal cases

Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications, emphasis in broadcasting

[August 2000] – [May 2004] Missouri Southern State University, Joplin, MO

Minor in Psychology
Graduated Summa Cum Laude, Cumulative GPA: 4.0
Outstanding Graduate in Mass Communications
Senior Honors Thesis: Nonverbal Communication and Detecting Deception

Certifications

FAA Part 107 Certified Remote Pilot – Federal Aviation Administration.
Adobe Certified Professional – Photoshop, Premiere Pro, and Professional Video Design.

Technical Skills

Learning Management Systems (LMS): Proficient in Canvas, Schoology, PowerSchool, and Google Classroom for course creation, content delivery, student assessments, and communication in both hybrid and fully online courses.
Media Production Tools: Adobe Photoshop, Premiere Pro, Audition; AVID Media Composer; AVID iNEWS, MediaCentral | UX/Media Manager.
Productivity and Collaboration: Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides).
Public Records and Data Analysis: Skilled in using open records laws, FOIA requests, and data collection techniques for investigative journalism.

Additional honors

Emerging Leaders Program – Completed specialized leadership training and mentorship at Epic Charter Schools – Federal Bureau of Investigation Citizens Academy – Gained hands-on experience in federal investigative efforts, including firearms and surveillance training
Corporate Mentorship Program – Mentored new investigative reporters within Sinclair Broadcast Group
Oklahoma Collegiate Media Association Conference Speaker – Guest speaker and lecturer on open records laws and investigative reporting
Southwestern Association of Criminal Justice – Panelist on officer-involved shootings at the criminal justice forum
Oklahoma Department of Homeland Security Media Training – Panelist on media coverage during disasters, training first responders

Special Skills

Trained in precision shooting with professional sniper as part of a television news story with a military-trained sniper; capable of hitting targets at 100 yards.

References Available Upon Request

Resume