From Vernon, Vermont to Charleston, Illinois…and part of Panther Nation
Aug-05-2026EIU helps first-gen transfer student Kaylee Unruh find her purpose in PR
as student outcomes continue to inspire, drive Eastern’s mission
(Charleston, IL) — When Kaylee Unruh arrived at Eastern Illinois University after spending her first year of college elsewhere, she wasn't just looking for a different campus. She was looking for a place where she could discover the right academic path, develop as a leader, and prepare for a career built on serving others.
She found all three at EIU.
A 2024 graduate of Brattleboro Union High School in Vermont, Kaylee transferred to Eastern after one year at a private university in Illinois. Although she initially pursued communication and journalism, she realized she wanted a program with a stronger emphasis on public relations—one that focused on strategic communication, relationship building and organizational leadership.
That search led her to Eastern.
"I had a great conversation with [Department Chair and Associate Professor] Dr. Matt Gill, and I immediately felt like EIU would be a better academic fit," Kaylee said. "I loved the campus, and it was clear that people genuinely wanted to help students succeed."
As a first-generation college student, Kaylee shared that Eastern Illinois University’s support services made the transition even smoother, giving her confidence that she belonged both academically and personally.
Since transferring, Kaylee has immersed herself in campus life while building an impressive résumé of leadership and service. She currently works as a student ambassador for EIU, welcoming prospective students and families to campus and detailing how the EIU experience can benefit them directly. Kaylee also serves as a volunteer for EIU’s Connections mentoring program, which matches new Panthers with current students who have lived the Eastern experience. As part of that involvement, Kaylee has worked alongside Daily Visit Coordinator Erin Howarth helping organize Future Panther Friday visit program, which focuses on special visitor and recruitment events for newly admitted students and their families to explore the campus, meet faculty and future classmates, and finalize their college transition.
“Those experiences have been incredible,” Kaylee revealed. “Erin has been more of a blessing than a boss, and I’m so appreciative of the time we’re able to spend together learning more and more about the advantages and values of an EIU education.”
Kaylee, a senior, also will begin the 2026-27 academic year as president of EIU's chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), a subsidiary of the Public Relations Society of America for future public relations professionals across the United States.
Taken together, she said, those experiences have strengthened the communication, organization and leadership skills she first began developing as the oldest grandchild in a large family.
"I've always been the person organizing people and helping everyone work together," Kaylee said. "Growing up in a small community like Vernon, Vermont has taught me the value of cooperation, and those experiences and personal history really translate into leadership and teamwork."
Her involvement at EIU and in the surrounding community extends beyond academics. She is active with the nearby Christian Campus House, paints in her free time, and values the friendships she has built throughout the EIU community.
"EIU does an amazing job of helping you find your people, and discover your interests alongside other students," she said. "It's easy to get involved, and the friendships you build here are genuine. Most people here truly want to help each other succeed."
Faculty and staff mentors have also played a significant role in her success. She credits Gill for his guidance and continued encouragement, Howarth for providing meaningful professional experiences through Admissions, and Career Services Director Bobbi Kingery for helping her explore career opportunities and prepare for life after graduation.
Those relationships—and her accomplishments—have earned national recognition.
Kaylee recently received the Geoffrey M. Curtis Scholarship from the PRSA Foundation, a $10,000 award presented to only three students in the entire nation. She also earned the Eastern Illinois University Department of Communication Studies' Betty Lou Belasi Scholarship, recognizing a student who exemplifies the qualities and spirit of the scholarship's namesake.
"Receiving both scholarships was an incredible honor," Kaylee said. "It's affirming to know that the work I've been doing and the support I've received at EIU have helped me reach for and achieve opportunities like these."
Looking ahead, Kaylee plans to remain in the Midwest after graduation and hopes to pursue graduate study in nonprofit administration. Her long-term goal is to lead nonprofit organizations focused on foster youth or animal advocacy—causes that combine her passion for communication with a desire to create meaningful change.
Meanwhile, she returned to Vermont over the summer to work at a state welcome center before heading back to Charleston, where she will continue her role as an Admissions Connections Mentor for incoming EIU students and a student leader with Christian Campus House.
For Kaylee, those opportunities represent another way to give back to the University community that helped her find her own path.
"I want new students to feel welcomed and know there are people here who want to see them succeed," she said. "That's what I found at EIU."
For students considering a transfer, Kaylee’s journey demonstrates how finding the right academic fit can open doors to leadership, mentorship and career opportunities. Through hands-on experiences, dedicated faculty and staff, and a campus culture built on connection, Eastern Illinois University continues to help students discover their purpose and graduate prepared to make an impact in their professions and communities.
EIU prepares students to accomplish their life goals through a combination of quality academics, personal relationships, and both on-campus and online learning opportunities. For more information about Eastern Illinois University, including its broad array of academic and career readiness programs, community-based services and opportunities, visit Eastern Illinois University or call EIU’s public information office at (217) 581-7400.
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MEDIA/PUBLIC QUICKLINKS
EIU…………………………………….....................................................................eiu.edu
EIU School of Communication and Journalism………………………...eiu.edu/cmnjou/
EIU’s Connections mentoring program…………….……………………….eiu.edu/connections/
PRSSA……………………………………………………….………....…………………………prsa.org/prssa
PRSA…………………………………………………………..………...………………………..prsa.org
