By: Cadence Auten
STEPHENVILLE, Texas — The Communication Studies Department in the College of Liberal and
Fine Arts at Tarleton State University welcomed a very special guest recently.
Students in Dr. Cessna Winslow’s Comm 3320-Public Relations heard from Tarleton alumna Aissa
Simmons, now an HR Events Specialist at Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union (RBFCU), who
shared insights on communication, relationship-building, and leveraging a communication studies
degree to build career opportunities.
At RBFCU, Simmons oversees key initiatives such as the internship program, career and wellness
efforts, and partnerships that support transitioning veterans as they build civilian careers. She
discussed how her degree shaped her professional path and emphasized the opportunities available
in communications roles within the organization. “I am passionate about helping students and veterans build confidence, take ownership of their story, and feel prepared to navigate any opportunity with clarity and self-assurance,” said Simmons.
Students remained actively engaged throughout the presentation, raising questions and exploring
topics including crisis communication, insurance benefits provided through her company, continuing
education and additional career-development resources. “It’s inspiring to see someone who once sat in the same classroom, sharing the same ambitions, not only flourishing but also elevating her career using the same degree I am pursuing,” said communication studies student, Cadence Auten.
Simmons holds a bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies from Tarleton State University and a
master’s degree in Mass Communication from Texas State University. At the end of the event, she shared her LinkedIn profile and invited students to converse with her after class. She also encouraged them to apply for RBFCU internship opportunities opening in January across the Dallas-Fort Worth, San Antonio, and Corpus Christi regions. “It was a privilege to share information about our internship program and meet so many excited communications students sitting where I was eight years ago,” said Simmons.
Through her presentation, Simmons not only shared valuable insights into career development and
communications roles but also motivated students to take the initiative and explore opportunities with
confidence. Her visit highlighted the connection between classroom learning at Tarleton and realworld experience, leaving students with an invitation to pursue their professional goals and engage
with organizations like RBFCU.