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BRISTOL, R.I. – Alexandra Cos has skillfully woven together a powerful combination for her craft. The senior at Roger Williams University, majoring in Public Relations and minoring in Marketing with a core concentration in Psychology, has taken her academics and coupled it with real-world learning experiences to create a career-ready skill set for the working world. 

“I want to have an impact through the messages I create,” she said. “I want to make experiences that are long lasting with people, not just an ad on the sidewalk, something more meaningful.”

Cos’s decision to attend Roger Williams University in the fall of 2021 was driven by the promise of a hands-on learning environment and real-world opportunities. 

“You're either doing hands-on projects for real clients, or you're joining national organizations that allow you to connect with the real world before you even graduate,” she said. 

Cos quickly became involved in the student organizations that drew her to 91��������, the  (PRSSA) and  (NSAC). But it wasn’t just real-world experiences she sought out. Growing up in Danbury, Conn., a bustling town near New York City, she wanted something different: a slower-paced atmosphere where she could immerse herself in her studies. 

“91�������� is the complete opposite – by the water, picturesque, a little bit slower – and I just fell in love with the bay and the entire area.”

Since arriving at 91��������, Cos took full advantage of the hands-on learning opportunities that came her way. She became instrumental in growing the Public Relations program under the guidance of Amiee Shelton, Professor of Public Relations and PRSSA advisor, and helped expand the program from nine students to 71 over the course of five semesters. She also contributed to creating the Sandbox, an experiential learning lab that allows Public Relations students to collaborate on projects for real clients.

“It's been so incredibly unique to work alongside Amiee Shelton,” said Cos. “To create meaningful trips and experiences for everybody, and help lead a group that does meaningful work that sets us up to be better professionals, has just been such a unique experience that I loved.”

Beyond the classroom, Cos has been incredibly involved in extracurricular activities. Since her first year, she’s been a dedicated member of Hawkward, a co-ed a cappella group on campus. As the creative director, she manages the group’s public relations efforts, a role that marries her love for music with public relations. 

“It is probably my most heartfelt passion project on the Roger Williams campus,” said Cos. “We compete at the  (ICCA) and being able to take students there on our own dollar, and truly earning our way up has been something that I'm very proud of.”

Additionally, Cos has honed her leadership skills as president of PRSSA where she coordinates events like alumni networking mixers and professional development workshops. The organization serves as a launchpad for students pursuing careers in public relations, and Cos’s vision for it has helped make it a powerhouse student organization on campus.

“I've never had such an experience that has prepared me for the real world. Leading is much more than being in a position of power. It's been a journey towards inclusivity and towards creating an environment that benefits students and not just myself.”

Perhaps one of the most immersive experiences Cos has had at Roger Williams is participating in the , a prestigious public relations competition for students. As part of the first team to bring the competition back to campus in years, she worked closely with five other students to develop a comprehensive public relations campaign for a client. This year, that client was EveryLibrary. While the 91�������� team did not receive an honorable mention in this year’s competition, students gained invaluable experience working in a professional environment, from research to strategy implementation. 

“We've been doing real, real immersive work, and this type of hands-on experience is very, very rare at the college level. So, I'm very grateful for being on the Bateman team.”

As graduation approaches, Cos has aspirations of a job in entertainment public relations. Whether in-house or at a public relations agency, she is eager to work with clients she is passionate about. When reflecting on her time at 91��������, Cos credits Professor Shelton with being an invaluable mentor and someone who has truly prepared her for the real world. 

“Without her, I would not be who I am today, and I would not be the professional that I aspire to be. Her support throughout and everything that she does, as far as growing the program, creating these opportunities, is so that students have more applied learning experiences so we can confidently take on the real world.”

If there’s one thing Cos learned in her time at 91��������, it’s this: say yes to everything. She believes the most fulfilling college experiences come from stepping outside your comfort zone and seizing every opportunity that comes your way. For her, the key to success at Roger Williams was embracing every challenge, getting involved in various activities, and making an impact wherever she could.

“The only way to become who you want to be, is to push yourself outside of your comfort zone,” said Cos.  “My journey has been nothing but the best time ever. It has truly been the time of my life.”