Franklin College has selected seven students to serve as Pulliam Fellows during the 2024-25 academic year. The Pulliam Fellowship program was established in the 1982-83 academic year through the College’s Pulliam School of Journalism and serves as an experiential learning opportunity. The fellowship provides students with hands-on experience in feature writing, media relations, marketing, sports information and photography. The fellowship also puts students in contact with media professionals in various fields.

The following students have been selected for the fellowship:

Madeline Lemon, a senior public relations and sports communications major, is from Evansville. Lemon recently completed an eight-month internship with Indiana Sports Corp., where she helped coordinate volunteers and marketing for events like NBA All-Star Weekend, March Madness and the 2024 U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials. Lemon is on the executive board for H.O.P.E. and Pi Beta Phi at the College. She said, “Being on a small campus has introduced me to my best friends, given me opportunities that I have always dreamed of and provided me with a close relationship with my professors.” Lemon is serving her Pulliam Fellowship in the athletic division.

Magdelene “Maggie” McGuire, a senior ecology and conservation biology major with minors in chemistry, math and multimedia journalism, is from Plainfield. McGuire has accepted a fully funded position as a doctoral candidate at the University of South Alabama. She is a member of the Franklin College Student Foundation. McGuire said, “Franklin College has given me the most support in all aspects of my life. My professors push me not just to be ready for graduate school, but to be set up for success.” McGuire is completing her fellowship as a marketing writer.

Hannah Johnson, a senior digital fine art photography major with minors in visual communications, business and art history is from Indianapolis. Johnson recently finished a summer position writing and taking pictures for The Statehouse File. She is a member of Zeta Tau Alpha, Franklin College Dance Marathon and the women’s chorus. She said, “Franklin has given me the opportunity to do incredible things like photographing the Indianapolis 500, which allowed me to gain valuable experience.” Johnson is completing her Pulliam Fellowship as a photographer.

Katie Thoman, a junior public relations major, is from Rushville. Thoman works on the Mahoning Valley Chrisitan Service Camp media team. She also serves on the executive board for Delta Delta Delta at the College and is a member of the women’s chorus. Thoman said, “The sense of community at Franklin continues to thrive year after year.” Thoman is completing her Pulliam Fellowship as a press release and feature writer in the communications office.

Laura Sickmeier, a junior public relations major with a minor in data science, is from Greenwood. Sickmeier participates in the College’s theater productions and has spent two summers managing The Statehouse File’s social media accounts. She won the College’s 2023-24 Fields-Borgerding Prize for Excellence in Data Science. She said, “I love that we are a school that emphasizes the importance of learning through experience.” Sickmeier is completing her Pulliam Fellowship as a photographer.

Clayton Shull, a junior public relations and Spanish major, is from Muncie. Shull recently completed a summer internship at the Indianapolis Department of Parks and Recreation, where he helped manage the department’s social media and communications strategy. He is on the executive board of the College’s Student Government Association and Kappa Delta Rho. He said, “I am so proud to be part of a campus community where I feel valued and supported.” Shull is completing his Pulliam Fellowship as a press release and feature writer in the communications office.

Lauren Agee, a senior multimedia journalism major, is from Morristown. Agee wrote for The Statehouse File last summer and had the opportunity to cover the Indiana Republican Gubernatorial Primary Debate. Agee is a member of the College’s women’s chorus and InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. She said, “I am proud to go to a school with a beautiful campus full of diverse wildlife.” Agee is completing her fellowship as a Pulliam photographer.

For more information, contact the Franklin College Office of Communications at (317) 738-8185.

By Clayton Shull ’26

Pulliam Fellow