by Elisabeth Coon, Student Public Relations Writer
2025 Cedarville University communication graduate Rae Gill is spending her first year after graduation writing press releases and communicating with constituents from the district where she serves. As a fellow for State Representatives, Meredith Craig and David Thomas, answering constituent phone calls and helping shape how lawmakers communicate with the public is central to her work.
Gill was one of 24 fellows selected statewide for the 12-month Legislative Service Commission Fellowship Program. Administered by the Legislative Service Commission, the program places recent graduates in the Ohio House, Senate and government telecommunications for hands-on experience in public service.
Serving in the Ohio Statehouse
As a member of two legislative offices, Gill is supporting Craig and Thomas, while also assisting the House Republican communications team.
From Classroom to Statehouse
Gill credits Cedarville University’s Department of Communication for equipping her to serve with excellence in her role.
“The first time I wrote a press release at the Statehouse, I realized Dr. Andrew Harris (associate professor of communication) had already taught me how to do this,” Gill said. “We learned AP Style, boilerplates and how to structure informational writing. I felt prepared.”
Gill said the fast-paced, collaborative classroom environment strengthened her writing and public speaking skills.
“We had to learn how to communicate clearly and professionally,” Gill said. “That’s something I use every single day.”
Living Out Faith in Public Service
Some of the most challenging moments at the Ohio Statehouse, Gill said, are her phone conversations with constituents.
“A lot of times, people just need someone to listen to their thoughts and concerns,” she said. “Being patient, kind and empathetic, even when someone is upset, makes a difference.”
Gill’s faith in Jesus influences how she approaches those conversations.
“I try to show Christ’s love through how I treat people,” she said. “You can’t always openly talk about your faith in government, but you can reflect it through integrity, servant leadership and compassion.”
Gill hopes her experience encourages current communication students to consider public service, where clear messaging often determines whether people understand what government is doing.
“Policy has to be communicated before it can be understood,” Gill said. “In government, every word matters. Communication majors belong in this space just as much as anyone else.”
About Cedarville University
Cedarville University, an evangelical Christian institution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduate residential and online programs across arts, sciences and professional fields. With 7,265 students, it is among Ohio's largest private universities and is ranked among the nation’s top five evangelical universities in the Wall Street Journal’s 2026 Best Colleges in the U.S. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more at cedarville.edu.
