From Moody College of Communication, Oct. 16, 2023

It’s a time of expansion at Texas Student Media (TSM).

Outgoing Director Gerald Johnson’s upward move in Moody College brings about a roster of promotions and structural changes to the organization. Gerald now interacts with Moody College, KUT & KUTX Public Radio, and Texas Student Media as Moody’s Executive Director for Program/Center Innovation and Partnerships.

Position changes at  TSM include:

• Director for Marketing, Agency and Advertising Operations
• Assistant Director for Business and Media Operations
• Manager for Advertising and Revenue/Product Strategy
• And Director of Texas Student Media.

With these shifts in leadership, Texas Student Media is set to boost its growth trajectory and broaden its reach in forward-thinking ways.

Emily Cohen

Emily Cohen has been promoted to the position of Director for Marketing, Agency, and Advertising Operations at Texas Student Media. In her new capacity, Emily will collaborate with the Stan Richards School for Advertising and Public Relations to establish TSM’s first student-run advertising and PR agency, opening more opportunities for students to participate in real-world media careers.

Emily’s wealth of experience comes from a long, successful career in marketing and events across various media outlets, entertainment companies and nonprofits. Her adherence to TSM’s mission and her strategic insights have already made a significant impact on our operations. Her expertise and passion for student development will be instrumental in this pioneering endeavor.

Over the past 7 1/2 years, Emily has served an integral role in our organization as our Advertising Manager. Under her leadership, TSM has consistently reported a profit every year, increased student participation, and expanded its media portfolio, services and client partnerships.

Emily’s hometown is Houston, and she’s an advertising graduate of UT Austin. She enjoys live music, quality time with her husband Bart, and the company of their three beloved cats: Iko, Gumbo and Willie. We look forward to witnessing her continued success in her new role.

Frank Serpas III

Frank Serpas III has been promoted to the position of Assistant Director for Business and Media Operations at Texas Student Media. Frank’s dedication to the organization spans over two decades, making him a cornerstone of our success. His journey began as a student at TSM, where he served as the Station Manager of Texas Student Television, setting the stage for a remarkable career.

Following his graduation from UT with a master’s in mechanical engineering, Frank assumed responsibility for the printing and distribution of The Daily Texan. From there, he ventured into various positions at TSM that involved facilities management, business operations, student employment support and mentoring our broadcast units.

In his new role, Frank will continue to bring his extensive institutional knowledge to the forefront. Frank, whose nickname as the “archivist of TSM” is well-earned, possesses an intimate understanding of the nooks and crannies of the building and the rich history of the organization, which spans over 120 years. In his free time, Frank enjoys trivia tournaments, and “Frank” is the answer to the question: Who created the first (unofficial) websites for Saturday Night Live and the New Orleans Saints, his hometown team?

Frank’s ability to seamlessly bridge the past and present will be invaluable as he supports the directors and TSM’s burgeoning activity.

Marlies Arevalo

Marlies Arevalo will expand her responsibilities as the Manager for Advertising and Revenue/Product Strategy at Texas Student Media.

She carries ample expertise in media sales, having enjoyed a storied career in both print and broadcast media not only as an accomplished individual producer but also as a seasoned manager of sales teams.

Her extraordinary contributions to our organization are well-recognized, as she consistently excelled in driving revenue and leading her teams to success. Before joining TSM as a member of the professional team, Marlies served four years as a Media Professional, a voting member of the Texas Student Media Board of Trustees. She joined the organization in 2021 with a close understanding of all things TSM.

In her new capacity, she will be entrusted with overseeing the team of talented student and professional media salespeople as she guides them toward meeting and exceeding monthly revenue goals. Her penchant for producing excellent results fully aligns with our goal of providing exceptional student experiences. She will also continue to cultivate the critical business partnership with A&M’s The Battalion.

She is a graduate of the University of Houston. Beyond her professional accomplishments, she is wife to Chris, a proud UT alumnus, and has two sons, Hayden (19) and Julian (14). Her family is completed by two canine companions, Piper and Zeus, and their cat Lilly.

Will Parchman

Will Parchman ss the new Director of Texas Student Media. Will’s comprehensive career and proven track record make him the perfect candidate for this pivotal role.

Previously, he served as the Director for Student Media at UT Arlington, where he displayed exceptional leadership over the last three years.

Under his guidance, the program at UTA witnessed substantial growth and profitability, a testament to his ability to foster a thriving student media organization.

Before his time at UT Arlington, Will enjoyed a distinguished 15-year career in sports journalism. His unique journey then led him into the corporate leadership, sales, and training arena, where he continued to excel. At TSM, Will is poised to further enhance the student experience within TSM’s core media outlets. His extensive background in media, combined with his leadership and industry expertise, promises a bright future for Texas Student Media as we break new ground and evolve in the ever-changing media landscape.

Will is originally from Austin and a graduate of Baylor University, where he started his student media experience on the ground floor. Clearly a fan of sports, Will also enjoys podcasts and audiobooks on history. He brings his wife Emily and children Liam (7) and Norah (4) back to Austin.