Student Profile: Rachel Dotson '08
Rachel Dotson credits the Communication Program at Alma for obtaining an internship with Michigan Senator Carl Levin.
“The communication major at Alma College—far and away attributable to the professors—teaches students to think strategically and abstractly in any given situation,” the Chelsea senior says. “It has tremendously enhanced both my public speaking and writing skills, and has also taught me to be a more effective communicator in my day-to-day activities.”
Dotson, a double major in communication and political science, hopes in the future to work on the Democratic presidential campaign and lobby for education, the environment and health.
Senator George McGovern and Rachael Dotson. Former US Senators George McGovern and Robert Dole discussed their thoughts and observations on responsible leadership and civility at the inaugural Center for Responsible Leadership Speakers Series event at Alma College in October 2006. As a CRL fellow and the editor of the Alma College newspaper, Dotson was the only student invited to the Dole/McGovern press conference and was asked to present the first question.
“The art of communication has always fascinated me, particularly as someone who is very interested in politics and in traditional media” she says. “What’s more, effective communication is a key component to success in nearly any facet of life—be it a career, relationship, or otherwise.”
Alma’s wealth of opportunities drew Dotson to the College.
“It has provided me with a perfect mix of the personal, academic, community service, extra-curricular, and social components necessary for an enjoyable college experience,” she says. “For a school of this size, it’s unbelievable how many opportunities there are for each student.”
Dotson is the two-year editor-in-chief of The Almanian, the Alma student newspaper, and has traveled to San Francisco and Portland for the Associated Collegiate Press national convention.
She is also involved in Lambda Pi Eta (an honorary communication fraternity), Omicron Delta Kappa (the national leadership honorary fraternity), varsity soccer, student government, the Posey Global Leadership Initiative, the Center for Responsible Leadership and Relay for Life.
