From left, Dean of Lee’s College of Arts and Sciences Dr. Matthew Melton; Mary Dukes, associate lecturer in telecommunications; Jessica Hayes; Dr. Joel Kailing; and Dr. Patty Silverman, professor of public relations.
photo by Mike Wesson
Jessica Hayes was recognized as the Lee University Communication Arts Department Distinguished Alumnus during a Homecoming department breakfast.
Ms. Hayes graduated from Lee in 2003 with a bachelor’s degree in telecommunications. She began her career at WDNN in Dalton before becoming the North Georgia bureau reporter for WTVC News Channel 9, the ABC affiliate in Chattanooga. She eventually moved to a reporting position at the station’s headquarters before being promoted to weekend anchor of the 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. newscasts in 2006.
Ms. Hayes currently serves as district director for U.S. Congressman Dr. Paul Broun, who represents Georgia’s 10th Congressional District, and she is responsible for managing Rep. Broun’s district staff, events, and outreach programs. She helped Congressman Broun to win three reelections while serving as press secretary in both the Congressional and campaign offices from 2007 to 2012.
Previously, Ms. Hayes was secretary of the Richmond County Republican Committee and the Republican Women’s Club of Richmond County and is a graduate of Republican Leadership for Georgia. In conjunction with the Georgia GOP, Ms. Hayes recently founded the CSRA Minority Engagement in an effort to reach new voters and significantly change the state’s political environment.
During her career, Ms. Hayes has flown with the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, corresponded with the nation’s capital, and covered President George W. Bush’s visit to the Scenic City.
"The Lee faculty recently affirmed ethical action, redemptive service, and responsible citizenship as three of the university's core values,” said Dr. Joel Kailing, Communication Arts department chair and a former professor of Ms. Hayes. “As a student and a communication professional, Jessica has been the embodiment of these values."
Ms. Hayes now resides in Evans, Ga., with her husband John and their son Ian. She and her husband work with underprivileged children as a part of New Hope Worship Center’s Bridge Ministry, an outreach to the poor and homeless in downtown Augusta. They both are active in local Republican organizations.