Classroom to Career: Communications Alumni Making an Impact
In a world driven by content, connection, and storytelling, strong communicators stand out. At Lindenwood University, the Bachelor of Arts in Communications prepares students to think critically, adapt quickly, and communicate with purpose across industries.
Through a mix of foundational coursework and hands-on experience, students do more than learn communication. They practice it. From producing content to working in real media environments, the program is built to turn opportunity into career momentum.
For alumni like Robin Smith, Greg Amsinger, David Amelotti, and Ethan Hannaford, that foundation became a starting point for success across the communications field.
Robin Smith
Class of 1976
A trailblazer in broadcast journalism, Robin Smith has built a remarkable career defined by excellence, leadership, and impact. A 1976 graduate of Lindenwood University, she earned dual degrees in Communications Arts and Psychology, laying the foundation for more than four decades in television news.
Over the course of her 42-year career in TV news, Smith became one of St. Louis’ most trusted voices, earning multiple Emmy Awards for both anchoring and reporting, along with the prestigious Edward R. Murrow Award for excellence in journalism. Her influence extended beyond the newsroom, as she made history in Missouri as the first woman of color to become a major political party nominee for statewide office when she ran for Secretary of State in 2016. Today, she continues her work as a communications and political strategist.
For Smith, the value of her Lindenwood experience went far beyond the classroom.
“Lindenwood like other universities offers you an opportunity to expand your views to encompass a global perspective and an expansive experience in diversity.”
That perspective, she explains, comes from engaging with people from all backgrounds and walks of life.
“Lindenwood teaches you to be open, talk to, debate with and to sincerely engage with those who do not look like you, who do not speak like you and who may not share your beliefs.”
Those experiences shape not only how students communicate, but how they understand the world around them.
“We may all be more similar than we are different.”
Smith’s legacy reflects the power of communication to inform, connect, and lead. Her career stands as a lasting example of how perspective, experience, and a willingness to engage can shape both a profession and a community.
Greg Amsinger
Class of 2001
A familiar face to baseball fans across the country, Greg Amsinger has built a nationally recognized career as a studio host for MLB Network. He appears across the network’s programming, including MLB Tonight, and plays a key role in major events like the MLB Draft, All-Star Game, and World Series coverage.
Amsinger’s path into national media started with hands-on experience early in his career. While attending Lindenwood University, he worked in radio, including as a network producer for the St. Louis Cardinals on KMOX-AM. That early exposure to live broadcasting helped shape the foundation of his career.
After graduating, he worked as a sports director at WTHI-TV before moving into a national role with CBS College Sports Television, where he became the network’s first on-air host. From there, he continued to build his presence in sports media, eventually joining MLB Network in 2009.
“I do a show where I can ad-lib, get to interact with people, and mix my social life with work,” Amsinger said. “It’s a dream come true.”
His career reflects the kind of versatility and confidence that comes from real experience—something that starts long before stepping into a national spotlight.
David Amelotti
Class of 2014
An Emmy Award-winning journalist and current member of the Investigates team at KMOV First Alert 4, David Amelotti has built his career on curiosity, adaptability, and a willingness to take on new challenges.
“There is no denying Lindenwood’s impact on my broadcast career,” Amelotti said. “I had four semesters and I think I made the most of it.”
After transferring in, he immersed himself in every opportunity available. He called Division II basketball, covered multiple sports, and emceed campus events. Those experiences helped shape a mindset that continues to guide his work today.
“That drove me and taught me my most important lesson, say ‘yes’ to opportunities that force you out of your comfort zone.”
That mindset carried him through roles in Quincy, Illinois, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and eventually back to St. Louis. Today, he continues to grow as an investigative journalist, pushing himself into new areas of reporting.
“I’m learning every day and continuing to expand my professional toolkit because of this latest opportunity.”
He also credits the people around him for shaping his path, from professors to fellow students to alumni who encouraged him early on.
“Real experience, real success. Lindenwood really does deliver while you’re a student and beyond into your professional and personal life as an alum.”
Ethan Hannaford
Class of 2023
Representing the next generation of communications professionals, Ethan Hannaford is building his career at the intersection of sports and broadcasting. As a Radio Booth Assistant for the St. Louis Cardinals, he supports live broadcasts by assisting announcers, managing in-game information, and coordinating guests. He also serves as KMOX’s Clubhouse Reporter, interviewing players and coaches after games for the Cardinals Radio Network postgame show.
For Hannaford, Lindenwood played a direct role in preparing him for that level of opportunity.
“The heartbeat of Lindenwood University is opportunity—the chance for students to continuously develop and refine their craft,” he said. “In the broadcasting field, repetition is essential. The more you practice, the better you become.”
That emphasis on repetition and real-world experience mirrors the fast-paced demands of sports broadcasting, where preparation and adaptability are key.
“Lindenwood provides its media students with consistent opportunities for repetition and exposure at the highest levels of collegiate sports,” Hannaford said. “That experience is further elevated by the presence of successful alumni who return to campus, recognizing how instrumental their time at the university was in shaping their success.”
His experience reflects the strength of Lindenwood’s approach. Students are not just learning concepts. They are actively building the skills, confidence, and professional presence needed to succeed in the field.
A Shared Foundation, Different Paths
While their careers span different stages and roles, Robin Smith, Greg Amsinger, David Amelotti, and Ethan Hannaford share a common starting point. Each built their path through hands-on experience, a willingness to step outside their comfort zone, and a commitment to refining their craft.
From national broadcasts on MLB Network to decades of trusted local journalism in St. Louis, investigative reporting, and live coverage inside a Major League Baseball clubhouse, their careers reflect the range of opportunities a communications degree can unlock. Just as importantly, they highlight how those opportunities are shaped by what students choose to do with them.
Their stories also show the strength of the Lindenwood network. Alumni continue to influence and support one another, whether it’s encouraging a transfer, mentoring students, or returning to campus to give back. That connection creates a cycle of opportunity that extends well beyond graduation.
Together, they represent what success can look like at every stage of a communications career and what’s possible when preparation, experience, and community come together.
What Sets Lindenwood Communications Apart
The success of these alumni points back to a shared experience. Lindenwood’s communications program is built around real-world application and flexibility.
For the BA in Communications, students complete 36 credit hours that combine core communication principles with production and elective coursework. There are also two emphases student can choose from – Broadcast & Media Production and Journalism. Both emphases maintain the Communication core while presenting opportunities for students to specialize in their field, gain valuable experience, and build a substantial portfolio. From public speaking and professional writing to broadcast production and research techniques, the Communications curriculum prepares students for a wide range of careers.
More importantly, students are encouraged to step outside their comfort zones and try new things in a supportive environment. That mindset shows up clearly in the careers of alumni like Amelotti and Amsinger.
Turning Experience into Opportunity
A communications degree opens doors, but success comes from how students use those opportunities.
At Lindenwood, students are encouraged to get involved early, build real experience, and develop a skillset that translates across industries. Whether that leads to national media, investigative journalism, or emerging digital roles, the foundation stays the same.
Explore Your Path
Whether you’re interested in communications studies, broadcast and media production, or journalism, Lindenwood’s Communications program provides the foundation to get there.
At Lindenwood, communication goes beyond the classroom. You don’t just learn it; you live it.