Patia Stephens

Patia Stephens

Marketing and Communications Manager at University of Montana

Missoula, Montana Area

Current
  • Marketing and Communications Manager at University of Montana
  • Writer, Editor, Web Content Expert at Patia Stephens
Past
Education
  • The University of Montana
  • The University of Montana
  • Flathead Valley Community College
Connections
118 connections
Industry
Writing and Editing
Websites

Patia Stephens’s Summary

I am seeking a senior position in web content management, new media, social media, publications, public relations or marketing and communications.

I have a passion for creative communication, from the written word to the visual image and from online to print. I am an award-winning writer, a respected editor, a passionate photographer and a longtime blogger.

I have a bachelor's degree in journalism and a master's degree in creative writing.

As Web Content Manager and News Editor for University Relations at the University of Montana, I was responsible for university home page content, the UM Style Guide and the weekly campus email newsletter, among other things. I left UM in January 2008 to pursue a freelance career, but have recently returned as a part-time Marketing and Communications Manager.

I am open to relocating to the West Coast. I am also interested in freelance assignments and telecommuting positions. I love to travel.

Patia Stephens’s Specialties:

Writing, editing, AP Style, web content, web design, photography, photo editing, blogging, social networking, e-mail, newsletters, publications, communications, marketing, branding, media and public relations, Photoshop, Dreamweaver, HTML, CSS, CMS, Constant Contact, Flickr, Facebook, Twitter.


Patia Stephens’s Experience

  • Marketing and Communications Manager

    University of Montana

    (Educational Institution; Higher Education industry)

    April 2009Present (8 months)

    • Develop marketing projects.
    • Write and edit news releases and articles.
    • Design and maintain departmental web pages.

  • Writer, Editor, Web Content Expert

    Patia Stephens

    (Writing and Editing industry)

    January 2008Present (1 year 11 months)

    • Freelance writing, editing and web content development.

  • Web Content Manager and News Editor

    University of Montana

    (Educational Institution; Higher Education industry)

    September 1997January 2008 (10 years 5 months)

    • Responsible for university home page content, including news, events, photographs and profiles.
    • Wrote news releases, feature articles and other items for university magazines and newsletters.
    • Copy edited publications using AP and Chicago style.
    • Managing editor of UM Style Guide. Led major lexicographical update.
    • Managing editor of weekly and monthly university e-mail newsletters.
    • Leadership role on campus web committee and home page redesign subcommittee.
    • Managed bloggers and content producers.
    • Acting director in director's absence.
    • Designed Web sites for print publications and various programs.
    • Maintained department Web presence.
    • Worked closely with Information Technology and other campus departments.
    • Responded to inquiries from multiple constituencies.
    • Communicated with media about news and events.
    • Participated in events production.

    From my last performance review:

    "You possess an exceptionally well-rounded skill set that makes you very unique. It's rare to find someone with your technical knowledge who can also write and edit. In addition, you also are very adept at decision-making and problem-solving.

    "You're consistently highly productive and your work is always of the highest quality. ... You consistently perform at an uncommonly high level."

  • Online Editing Intern

    South Florida Sun Sentinel

    (Public Company; Newspapers industry)

    June 1998August 1998 (3 months)

    • Won competitive Dow Jones Newspaper Fund editing contest.
    • Attended weeklong editing residency at the University of Missouri-Columbia.
    • Completed 10-week internship incorporating writing, reporting, editing and Web design.
    • Created news, entertainment and travel packages for newspaper’s digital division.

  • Production Assistant

    Whitefish Pilot

    (Newspapers industry)

    19931997 (4 years )

    • Typeset and edited copy.
    • Reported and wrote news and feature articles.
    • Did paste-up and computer-paginated layout.
    • Designed graphic advertisements.
    • Assisted customers.
    • Served as temporary county reporter during last three months.


Patia Stephens’s Education

  • The University of Montana

    MFA , Creative Writing , 20052007

    My emphasis was in nonfiction, studying memoir and essay, among other things. My mentor and thesis committee chair was Judy Blunt.

  • The University of Montana

    BA , Journalism , 19972000

    I loved college. Loved learning. Still do.

  • Flathead Valley Community College

    AA , General Studies , 19951997


Additional Information

Patia Stephens’s Websites:

Patia Stephens’s Interests:

Writing, blogging, photography, art, history, food, culture, politics, animals, outdoors, travel, technology.

Patia Stephens’s Groups:

Ice Age Floods Institute, Montana Public Radio

  •    BlogHer
  •    The Content Wrangler Community
  •    University of Montana Alumni
  •    CASE District VIII

Patia Stephens’s Honors:

Council for Advancement and Support of Education, District VIII:

• Gold Award, Feature Writing, 2006
• Rising Star Award, 2004
• Silver Award, Feature Writing, 2004
• Bronze Awards, Feature Writing and Web Design, 2002
• Virginia Carter Smith Grand Crystal Award (shared), Public Relations Projects, 2001
• Bronze Awards, Feature Writing and Photo Essay, 2000

Montana Newspaper Association:

• First Place, Best In-Depth Reporting, 1994


Patia Stephens’s Contact Settings

Interested In:

  • career opportunities
  • new ventures
  • job inquiries
  • reference requests
  • getting back in touch

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