Amelia Blakely
Public Historian
Email:
Location:
Southern Illinois and Nashville, Tennessee
Education:
B.A. - Philosophy, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, May 2020
B.S. - Journalism, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, May 2020
M.A. - History, specializing in Cultural Resource Management, Middle Tennessee State University, August 2026
News Reporter for WSIU Public Radio
2018 - 2020
-
Produced and edited daily news reports for on-air and online.
-
Presented coverage of breaking news and special events to viewers from on-site locations.
-
Reviewed feedback from editor and completed revisions for approval.
2018 - 2024
Contributing Writer and Editor for the Gateway Journalism Review
-
Developed and wrote in-depth, compelling stories covering a range of topics, including the health of local newspapers, Fake News, racism in the Midwest, and the political climate of reporting during the Trump era.
-
Researched and edited articles.
September 2020 - December 2020
Communications Intern - United States Sentor Tammy Duckwoth (D-IL)
-
Drafted and edited social media posts, press releases, and advisories with the communications team to inform constituents about the Senator’s work in Congress.
-
Prepared daily briefings sent to the entire office, including the Senator, that highlighted media clips of her and the important news to know.
-
Answered phone calls and messages from constituents, assisted the Carbondale office with outreach and casework.
June 2021 - May 2023
Illinois Student Assistance Commisson Representative
-
Mastered knowledge in federal and state financial aid, including FAFSA completion.
-
Advised rural high school students in career development and college planning.
-
Presented accessible information to families and their students in presentations and workshops.
October 2023 - Present
Graduate Research Assistant - MTSU Center for Historic Preservation
-
Conducted in-depth research on rural properties in Middle Tennessee using archives in state libraries and county deeds offices.
-
Prepared preservation assessments, Nominations for the National Register of Historic Places, historic structure reports, and historic interpretation plans.
-
Designed exhibit panels for MTSU's Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center
2017 - 2018
Reporter and Editor for the Daily Egyptian
-
Produced and edited daily news and entertainment reports.
-
Updated the organization’s social media and website pages with breaking news stories to keep the audience engaged.
-
Developed connections with public relations contacts, which provided exemplary sources for news stories.
May 2025 - December 2026
Graduate Academic Affairs Fellow - Tennessee Higher Education Commission
-
Contributed to the agency’s revision of academic program approval policies following recent legislative changes through researching contexts and parameters across seven states and authoring policy briefs.
-
Developed interview questions and protocol.
-
Solicited and facilitated interviews with higher education agencies in other states.
-
Supported the work of the entire bureau through participating in convenings with higher education stakeholders, attending site visits for new programming, and providing technical support.