Archer Fellowship Program Alumni Profiles
Gina Garcia Alger
Spring 2001 Archer Fellow
Internship: Dateline NBC
Education
The University of Texas at Austin
B.A. Psychology, B.J. Broadcast News; May 2001
Georgetown University
M.A. Integrated Marketing and Communications
Career
Assistant Dean, Marketing and Communications Graduate Programs for Georgetown University
Spring 2001 Archer Fellow
Internship: Dateline NBC
Education
The University of Texas at Austin
B.A. Psychology, B.J. Broadcast News; May 2001
Georgetown University
M.A. Integrated Marketing and Communications
Career
Assistant Dean, Marketing and Communications Graduate Programs for Georgetown University
“The Archer Fellowship was the catalyst that gave rise to my learning, growth, experience and opportunities that I am forever grateful for in the 20 years I've lived in Washington D.C.
Q & A with Gina
Please tell us more about your current position.
I lead and empower a team as we shape the student experience, foster community, and incorporate best practices and program policy for 500+ students in five graduate Master’s programs. While I personally make sure to provide career coaching in the competitive communications industry, I also manage strategic internal and external communication and social media across teams and multiple levels of stakeholders (marketing, students, faculty, staff, industry leaders, etc.) Beyond supporting the student academic experience, I'm also focused on business development, marketing our programs, selecting instructors and applicants who are the best fit for our programs, and building relationships with professional partners in the industry.
Please tell us more about your Archer Fellowship Program internship.
As an intern with Dateline NBC, I assisted producers with storytelling and news gathering that included conducting interviews, stakeouts, writing up pitches, conducting research, and I was even able to garner a nomination for a Peabody award.
What has been your general career path?
I've always hoped to stay open, grounded, and ready for what brings me joy and a feeling of being part of something that makes an impact and supports a diverse community. Immediately upon finishing my term with the Archer Fellowship Program, I was recruited to stay on with NBC News where I worked my way from the page program to working in political powerhouse Tim Russert's office, to field producing and booking with the Today Show. That garnered the attention of CBS News who recruited me to work with them for six years producing, field producing, and booking with the national morning news program, CBS This Morning. I was then recruited to lead the Georgetown Graduate Marketing and Communications Programs.
How has your experience as an Archer Fellow influenced your career path and goals?
The Archer Fellowship Program was the spark that gave rise to my learning, professional experience, and opportunities in the 20 years I spent in Washington D.C. I couldn't imagine where I'd be without the Archer Fellowship Program opportunity that changed my life for the better.
What did you value the most about your Archer Fellowship Program experience?
The Archer Fellowship was the spark that ignited my life path and professional journalism and educator experience. Without a doubt in my mind, I wouldn't be where I am today or have the life experience to share had it not been for the inaugural program that brought ten of us to Washington, D.C., to try something new.
What do you value the most about being an alumna?
Being an Archer Fellow alumna, I know that we are part of a legacy that Congressman Bill Archer continues to build and a network that grows with each semester connecting passionate Texans to one another while changing the world.
What is your favorite memory as an Archer Fellow?
I have many favorite Archer Fellowship memories, but I'd have to say there are two that stand out. First, being part of a group of the ten inaugural students who took a chance by moving cross country to complete our University of Texas studies. And, second, the moment we (inaugural fellows) took photos with UT's real mascot, Bevo, on Capitol Hill grounds. It was pre-9/11, when Bevo and many Texans made their way to D.C. for President George W Bush's inauguration and Bevo was a special guest. We paraded (led by our Archer Center leadership) with Bevo to the Capitol Hill grounds and stood for photos with him as D.C. cab goers screamed out their car windows, "there's a cow at the capitol." Of course, we made sure they knew Bevo was in fact a Texas Longhorn.
Please tell us more about your current position.
I lead and empower a team as we shape the student experience, foster community, and incorporate best practices and program policy for 500+ students in five graduate Master’s programs. While I personally make sure to provide career coaching in the competitive communications industry, I also manage strategic internal and external communication and social media across teams and multiple levels of stakeholders (marketing, students, faculty, staff, industry leaders, etc.) Beyond supporting the student academic experience, I'm also focused on business development, marketing our programs, selecting instructors and applicants who are the best fit for our programs, and building relationships with professional partners in the industry.
Please tell us more about your Archer Fellowship Program internship.
As an intern with Dateline NBC, I assisted producers with storytelling and news gathering that included conducting interviews, stakeouts, writing up pitches, conducting research, and I was even able to garner a nomination for a Peabody award.
What has been your general career path?
I've always hoped to stay open, grounded, and ready for what brings me joy and a feeling of being part of something that makes an impact and supports a diverse community. Immediately upon finishing my term with the Archer Fellowship Program, I was recruited to stay on with NBC News where I worked my way from the page program to working in political powerhouse Tim Russert's office, to field producing and booking with the Today Show. That garnered the attention of CBS News who recruited me to work with them for six years producing, field producing, and booking with the national morning news program, CBS This Morning. I was then recruited to lead the Georgetown Graduate Marketing and Communications Programs.
How has your experience as an Archer Fellow influenced your career path and goals?
The Archer Fellowship Program was the spark that gave rise to my learning, professional experience, and opportunities in the 20 years I spent in Washington D.C. I couldn't imagine where I'd be without the Archer Fellowship Program opportunity that changed my life for the better.
What did you value the most about your Archer Fellowship Program experience?
The Archer Fellowship was the spark that ignited my life path and professional journalism and educator experience. Without a doubt in my mind, I wouldn't be where I am today or have the life experience to share had it not been for the inaugural program that brought ten of us to Washington, D.C., to try something new.
What do you value the most about being an alumna?
Being an Archer Fellow alumna, I know that we are part of a legacy that Congressman Bill Archer continues to build and a network that grows with each semester connecting passionate Texans to one another while changing the world.
What is your favorite memory as an Archer Fellow?
I have many favorite Archer Fellowship memories, but I'd have to say there are two that stand out. First, being part of a group of the ten inaugural students who took a chance by moving cross country to complete our University of Texas studies. And, second, the moment we (inaugural fellows) took photos with UT's real mascot, Bevo, on Capitol Hill grounds. It was pre-9/11, when Bevo and many Texans made their way to D.C. for President George W Bush's inauguration and Bevo was a special guest. We paraded (led by our Archer Center leadership) with Bevo to the Capitol Hill grounds and stood for photos with him as D.C. cab goers screamed out their car windows, "there's a cow at the capitol." Of course, we made sure they knew Bevo was in fact a Texas Longhorn.
