Alexis McClellan’s journey to earning her degree at UAB reflects her resilience as a first-generation, transfer and nontraditional student who has built a promising future in public relations.Alexis McClellan’s college journey did not follow the path she had originally imagined, but her journey turned out to be invaluable to her education. As a transfer, first-generation and nontraditional college student at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, McClellan adapted to changes in her education and learned the importance of resilience.

In 2023, McClellan transferred from the University of North Alabama to UAB after her father, Steve Owens, was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS.

“I chose UAB because being closer to home allowed me to take care of him while continuing my education,” McClellan said.

Major in public relations

McClellan’s passion for storytelling, connecting with people and creating impact led her to choose education as her original major. After reflecting on her appreciation of one of her high school teachers, she eventually switched her major to communications with a public relations concentration in the College of Arts and Sciences.

“I realized the part of teaching that I loved most aligned even more closely with communications,” McClellan said. “When I discovered she also had a background in communications, I took that as my sign. I changed my major the next semester and never looked back.”

Her journey

Toward the start of McClellan’s UAB journey, she faced her hardest challenge. Her father passed away in the spring of 2024.

“Continuing school during that period felt impossible at times; but the support of my professors, classmates, friends and family helped me persevere,” McClellan said.

UAB gave her the flexibility she needed to cope with her father’s passing while staying on track with her degree. As she progressed through the public relations program, she received an Award of Merit from the Public Relations Council of Alabama for a communications audit she completed as part of her coursework. She received recognition during First-Generation Student Month and Transfer Student Week, hosted by UAB Student Affairs.

“Those acknowledgments meant so much to me,” McClellan said. “They validated the hard work and dedication I’ve put into reaching this milestone.”

Leadership and accomplishments

On top of classes, McClellan completed an internship for the UAB Office of Marketing and Communications. As a public relations intern, she strengthened her writing, learned what is expected in the PR industry, gained invaluable experience and understood the value of a supportive network.

One of McClellan’s greatest accomplishments from her time as an intern was working on a story that secured national media attention for UAB from The New York Times.

“It was a surreal and unforgettable moment that affirmed my passion for media relations,” McClellan said.

During her senior year, McClellan served as an active leader in the Public Relations Council of Alabama/Public Relations Student Society of America at UAB, which taught her accountability, time management and the importance of giving back to the community.

She recently received the Best Internship Award from PRCA/PRSSA at UAB for her work as an intern. She was recognized as Best Account Executive for the golf tournament fundraiser she organized during her capstone course campaign.

Future plans

After graduation, McClellan hopes to further her education by pursuing a dual-degree program through UAB. The program includes a Master of Public Administration degree from UAB and a juris doctorate from Samford University.

“Becoming a lawyer has always been a dream of mine, and losing my dad reminded me that life is too short to put dreams on hold,” McClellan said.

McClellan will graduate from the UAB on Dec. 13 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in communication studies with a concentration in public relations and a minor in marketing.

“Walking across the stage means honoring my dad and everyone who lifted me up along the way,” McClellan said. “Every milestone reminds me that I am making my parents proud and creating new opportunities for our family.”