Each month we connect with alumni who are making a difference in their careers and communities and find out how Baker helped them along their way.
Zack and Kelsey (Epperson) Rockey, are both 2010 graduates, who majored in mass communications—Kelsey concentrated on PR and Zack on broadcasting.
What was the first moment that made Baker University feel like home?
Kelsey: My first meal in the cafeteria with my new roommate freshman year. It was so surreal to walk with her together to go eat dinner after moving into our new room, and I remember feeling so excited about what was to come in this new routine and journey.
Zack: Hanging out with the guys that I played golf with. It made me realize that Baker was where I belong.

What was your favorite class and why?
Kelsey: Sports Broadcasting with Tom Hedrick. It was one of the most uncomfortable classes I’ve ever taken, but equally the most enjoyable. We were fortunate to learn from a legend in the industry, and I’ll never forget it.
Zack: Media Theory with Dr. Joe Watson. I found it fascinating. I loved the open discussion we had in that class every day. Every day in that class I felt like we learned something new.
Who made the biggest impact on you while at Baker?
Kelsey: Dr. Joe Watson was by far my biggest influencer during my time at Baker, and he continues to be part of my life as a supporter of my career path. He’s the reason I stuck with mass media as my major and helped me shape my skills to be a successful young adult entering the workforce.
Zack: Dr. Joe Watson. He’s one of the main reasons I changed my major from business to broadcasting, and he made it something that I wanted to do. I talked to him every single day during my junior and senior years. He’s someone I continue to keep in touch with.
What are two things you would tell current students?
Kelsey: If you’re thinking about trying something new or different—do it! Now is the time to experiment with all the things you’ve considered, like a new club or activity, a class you think you might enjoy, or volunteering somewhere in your free time. You may not have time to do this after college, so experiment now! I would also tell them how lucky they are to be at Baker and how special of a place it is! I miss those years so much, and they are some of the best I’ve experienced.
Zack: Enjoy every second of it because you will miss it. The friends you make at Baker will probably be the most important friends you make anywhere. I’ve been out of school for 20 years and I still have those friends today.
How did your Baker experience shape your career?
Kelsey: Baker’s curriculum and support securing relevant internships really helped define my career path by growing my knowledge and skill set within the industry that I’ve worked in for over 15 years. Beyond that, I do feel like I’m more well-rounded because of my education from Baker—the critical thinking skills acquired, as well as extra classes I wouldn’t have traditionally chosen to take. It really is a unique experience. I felt prepared to succeed in the workforce thanks to the skills and education I acquired from Baker.
Zack: I wouldn’t have a career without going to Baker first. Between the classes and internships, it really helped me hone in on what I wanted to do. Baker also helped me get my foot in the door. The connections I made on campus helped pave the way to connections I made when I graduated and got a job. My first job out of college was with a company whose owner was married to a Baker grad. We instantly had a connection with the common thread of Baker.
Can you briefly describe your career path since graduating from Baker?
Kelsey: After envisioning a career path in sports journalism, I turned to PR after an internship experience and went on to work for one of KC’s top agencies for over 12 years. I broadened my skill set and took a health care PR job for a New York-based agency where I was a director for a few years, then transitioned to an in-house corporate communications role for a global pet food company. These experiences led me to starting my own business, KR Comms, which I’ve enjoyed doing since summer 2024.
Zack: I started off in sports broadcasting and decided that wasn’t going to be the right path for me. I pivoted and went into sales, working on national accounts that had me flying all over the country for many years. Once I started having kids, I didn’t want to be traveling so much, so I’ve pivoted again to a different sales role that has a local territory.
What do you love about Baker the most?
Kelsey: Baker has a tight-knit, familial culture about it that I think is so different and unique. I really enjoyed all of the great professors and staff at Baker, as well as my softball teammates, fellow mass media students who I closely collaborated with on numerous projects, and all of the friends I met there. It all has a special place in my heart.
Zack: The people. From professors, staff, and everyone there was just wonderful. I met my best friends and my wife at Baker. None of that would’ve happened if it wasn’t for Baker.