By Tim Dahl, Schieffer Associate
L. Michelle Smith
L. Michelle Smith, a Bob Schieffer Schieffer College of Communication alumna and certified executive coach, embodies the transformative potential of a Schieffer College education. In a recent interview, Smith shared how her time at TCU laid the foundation for a dynamic career spanning across journalism, public relations and executive coaching for the C-suite.
Smith graduated in 1993 with a bachelor’s degree in English and would later earn a master’s degree in Media Studies. As an undergraduate, she immersed herself in journalism, writing for the TCU Daily Skiff and Image Magazine as well as reporting for KTCU radio. Although Schieffer College had yet to be formally named in honor of the legendary journalist, Smith’s experiences reflected its hallmark emphasis on hands-on learning and adapting to new trends in the media landscape.
“My advisor encouraged me to explore journalism alongside my English studies at the AddRan College, and that advice proved to be invaluable.”
“I was able to write across mediums – so I did just that. I wrote for the TCU Daily Skiff and Image Magazine, and I was a health reporter on KTCU.”
Smith’s graduate studies deepened her understanding of media, public relations, and advertising – areas that would later become the core emphasis of the Department of Strategic Communication.
After earning her degrees, Smith went on to work for major public relations and marketing agencies like FleishmanHillard and Ketchum. As well as public relations work for AT&T, her roles included ghostwriting for executives, managing crisis communication efforts, and spearheading diversity and inclusion campaigns. One of her proudest achievements was founding her own agency, where she applied creativity and strategic thinking to projects for well known brands.
“I realized I could apply the foundational skills I learned at TCU – writings, storytelling, and strategic thinking – to make a tangible impact on both brands and communities.”
Today, Smith is a certified executive coach who works with C-suite executives and aspiring leaders, focusing on empowering women and women of color. She also hosts “The Culture Soup” podcast, which is available to stream in more than 70 countries, and is the author of three books.
“My time at TCU wasn’t just about earning degrees: it was about discovering who I wanted to be and how I could contribute to the world.”