Kallie Hagel, ’20, is the communications coordinator for the Honors College and has been part of the HC team for the past two years. She oversees the college’s storytelling, visual media and content development, working closely with student employees to feature the experiences and accomplishments of the Honors College community. Kallie also leads major digital communications efforts — including the Monday Message newsletter, social media coordination, event invitations and other outreach that supports student engagement and strengthens the college’s public presence. Her work plays a key role in connecting students, faculty and alumni to opportunities and to each other. In this Q&A, Kallie reflects on her experiences in the Honors College, her responsibilities and what inspires her work.
Q: What is your role in the Honors College?
I have my hands on all things communications — managing our website, social media, newsletters, event invitations, digital signage, print materials, you name it! I am also very lucky to supervise a team of super talented student writers, designers, app developers and social media editors! My role is about telling the Honors College story in creative, accessible and inclusive ways to our various audiences.
Q: What's one project or initiative you've worked on that you're especially proud of?
I’m proud of so much of the work I’ve done in my two years with the HC! Within my first six months, I led a record-breaking Honors College Dam Proud Day campaign and tackled a huge overhaul of our website content, design and accessibility. I’m also incredibly proud of my student employees and the work we’ve accomplished together — expanding social media engagement, telling important community stories, increasing awareness of HC events and opportunities for connection and more.
Q: What kind of questions can you answer from honors community members?
If you have a message, event or opportunity you'd like the HC community to know about, please reach out to me so I can connect with you and help you get the word out.
Q: What's something you enjoy doing outside of work?
I’m definitely a homebody who is happiest when I’m cozy at home! I love getting lost in stories — whether it’s a great book, an album, movie or a TV series. The human condition is beautiful to me and there's something fascinating about diving into characters and seeing the world through their lens. It’s also the perfect excuse to curl up with my cats, which is my favorite pastime. Outside of that, I really love thrifting, cooking, hosting game nights and going on walks with a loved one or album to keep me company.
Q: What's a book, podcast or movie that's inspired you or made you think recently?
I’ll never pass up a chance to talk about my favorite television series of all time — Mr. Robot. I recently completed my first rewatch after the series wrapped in 2019. It’s brilliantly written from start to end. It's a series which must be watched all the way through to the finale to fully appreciate and understand. As a result, a rewatch feels like an entirely new experience (I just finished one recently, years after the 2019 finale!). It’s thought-provoking, visually stunning and honestly more relevant now than ever.
Q: If you had the opportunity to work on an HC thesis today, what do you think the theme or title would be?
I have actually thought about this before! I think my topic and title, though a bit long would be something like "Hays Codes and Hidden Queer Narratives: Examining how the Hays Codes era forced filmmakers to conceal queer narratives through subtext, symbolism and coded language in movies, and its lasting impact on cinematic storytelling."
Q: What's one of your favorite memories or moments from working in the Honors College?
I've been incredibly lucky to meet one of my best friends, Kara Harris, while working in the Honors College! We are very spoiled to both work together at the HC and attempt to go on walks during the workday when it isn't pouring down rain. It's such a nice way to stretch your legs and take a mental break. I'd also like to throw an honorable mention to our incredible 2025 Fall Fest event!
Q: What's something you've learned from the HC community that's influenced you?
Our students inspire me every day. The creativity and passion they bring to their thesis topics is incredible. When I hear them share their ideas — whether in conversation or during a defense — it reminds me how much there is to learn and why curiosity matters. Honors students make me want to keep asking questions and exploring new perspectives.
Related Stories
