About Emily

Hello, my name is Emily Hicks and I one of the writers for TheCollegeSkinny. I am a senior at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia. I have a major in communication with a concentration in public relations. I also have a double minor in writing and Sociology. I am a Virginia native and reside in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

This past semester, I interned in the corporate communications department of WVPT-Virginia’s Public Television. During my time at WVPT, I wrote news releases, biographical pieces, edited promotional materials, and conducted extensive research for the station. In my numerous public relation courses at James Madison, I learned how to design and write brochures, newsletters, news releases, radio copy, fact sheets and feature releases; as well as planning, implementing and analyzing campaigns. I also participated in my campus chapter of IABC and took advantage of the externship program in which I shadowed the public affairs director for the Environmental Protection Agency. One of my most recent accomplishments was presenting a paper at the National Communication Association conference in Chicago this past November.

While my background is in communications and public relations, health and fitness is of particular interest to me. As a college student, I understand how hard eating healthy and working out can be. However, I have made a conscious effort to use the resources available on my campus. The University Recreation Center is one of my favorite places to exercise; I actually prefer it to my gym at home. I love taking the group fitness classes, particularly body sculpt, cycle and yoga. Besides working-out, I also try to eat plenty of nutritious foods, especially fruits and vegetables. I enjoy cooking, which makes eating healthy a bit easier. TheCollegeSkinny is a perfect way to begin sharing my passion for wellness and assisting others in their journey to healthy habits.

In addition to staying fit and taking classes at JMU, I also work part-time as a food production assistant for the campus catering services. During winter and summer breaks, I work at a seafood restaurant in Virginia Beach, VA, which I have worked for seven years.

I am a member of JMU’s International Association of Business Communicators, the National Communication Association, and Sigma Alpha Lambda Honor Society. I have volunteered at Avante Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center in Harrisonburg, Virginia and the American Red Cross and City of Virginia Beach Mental Health Services.

I enjoy the beach, concerts, shopping, the Redskins, my friends, family and boyfriend, and of course, my three cats.