Conversations with Alexis Clark

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexis Clark.

Hi Alexis, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I moved to Nashville in 2015 to attend the one and only Tennessee State University. I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications with a minor in Marketing. I became the first recipient of the Tennessean-endowed Getahn Ward Memorial Scholarship and a graduate of the Chips Quinn Scholar Program for diversity in multimedia training. I became a news intern for the Tennessean and was hired as a breaking news reporter in Clarksville at The Leaf-Chronicle. After 2.5 years of covering crime, court, health, and education for the Clarksville community, I moved back to Nashville to pursue a career in Public Relations as a communications specialist at my alma mater, TSU.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Nothing good comes easy. It has been a challenge, but I can honestly say it all has been worth it. The struggle of quickly adjusting to a career right after college, hitting the ground running, and moving was a little overwhelming initially. As a breaking news reporter, I captured what may have been someone’s most vulnerable moments. From years of murder trial coverage, to being on the scene of a fatal shooting and speaking with a loved one. Early on, I was told to try my best not to take these stories home with me emotionally, but reporters are human too. I think the biggest struggle was trying to balance my personal life with the news. It’s a quick turn and a fast pace environment. Even on an off day or vacation, I’d catch myself thinking, “oh, this could be a really good story! I’ll shoot my editor a text.” My community, supporters, sources, and colleagues made it all worth it. It always feels great to know someone is willing to open up and trust me enough with their story. Sometimes community-goers may feel like they don’t have a voice, and being the person to help express themselves is always an honor.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Although I work in Public Relations now, I am still reporting for the University rather than an entire city. I am known for reporting, writing, and interviewing sources, but I also have a passion for acting and cooking! I have been a part of several short films shot by local cinematographer Justin Woolen, and I have an Instagram account for cooking content and recipes. I recently covered Vice President Kalama Harris attending TSU’s commencement to deliver the keynote address, which was a great experience.

Is something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I love pottery!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oglexx/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000139782191
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUw4jGQirMc
• Other: https://www.theleafchronicle.com/staff/4383108002/alexis-clark/

Image Credits
Brittany Morrill Bowen (For headshot) Henry Taylor (All other photos)