Go to main contentsGo to search barGo to main menu
Thursday, December 4, 2025 at 11:48 PM

Meet the Team

Top Row L-R: Andrew Utterback, Riley Heatherington, Gavin Patrick, Colton Bradberry
Middle Row L-R: Brooklyn McKinney, Drew Fleming, Lindsey Hughes, Mackenzie Johnson, Caroline Crain, Brenna Dempsey
Front Row L-R: Kellan Byars, Ashtyn Hansard, Alexis Gonzalez, Leslie Posadas, Micaela Sullivan, Bethany Kilpatrick

Author: Photo by Austin Lewter

 

The Executive Team

 

Kenzie Johnson is the Editor-in-Chief for the Texan News Service.

Major: Agricultural Communication, Minor in Communication Studies.

Where I'm from: Milan, Tennessee

Classification: Senior

Why I joined: I have always known I wanted to be a writer, and joining the TNS as an MMJ seemed like the step I needed to take in order to reach that.

What I'm most excited about: Learning more and more about the ins and outs of journalism and leading a news staff. 

 

 

Colton Bradberry is the Managing Editor for the Texan News Service.

Major: Communication, Concentration in Journalism and Broadcast 

Where I'm from: Dublin, Texas

Classification: Senior

Why I joined: Journalism is the career I want to work in, and this was a great opportunity to gain experience. 

What I'm most excited about: Working on the health magazine and as the managing editor. 

 

 

Ashtyn Hansard is the Digital Media Director and Feature Editor for the Texan News Service.

Major: English with a concentration in Creative Writing

Where I'm from: Hamilton, Texas

Classification: Senior

Why I joined: The experience of working with other students while creating my own stories.

What I'm most excited about: Seeing how the TNS expands and evolves over the semester and seeing how my colleagues get inspired.

 

 

Lindsey Hughes is the Art Director for the Texan News Service.

Major: Journalism & Broadcasting

Where I'm from: Oak Point, Texas

Classification: Junior

Why I joined: I enjoy writing and that TNS is more than just a print newspaper.

What I'm most excited about: I'm excited to meet new people and learn new skills as a journalist.

 

 

 

J-TAC

 

Caroline Crain is the News Editor for the Texan News Service.

Major: Journalism & Broadcast

Where I'm from: Gorman, Texas

Classification: Senior

Why I joined: I joined the TNS to work with a community of other driven writers and to develop my skills across the field of journalism. I think the things I learn here will prepare me for success when I graduate.

What I'm most excited about: I'm super excited to be working with the executive team this semester! I especially look forward to learning the behind-the-scenes operations that keep the TNS and JTAC running and thriving.

 

 

Gavin Patrick is the Sports Editor for the Texan News Service.

Major: Sports Communication

Where I'm from: San Antonio, Texas

Classification: Junior

Why I joined: To inform and entertain readers about important topics relevant to the Stephenville community while honing my craft as a journalist.

What I'm most excited about: Leading a new sports team and taking our coverage of Tarleton Athletics to new heights.

 

 

Andrew Utterback is the Opinion Editor and Podcast Producer for the Texan News Service.

Major: Journalism & Broadcasting

Where I'm from: Arlington, Texas

Classification: Sophomore

Why I joined: I joined the TNS to share my love of journalism and writing with the Tarleton student body.

What I'm most excited about: This semester, I'm most excited about growing our new pop culture podcast: "The Purple Popcast" 

 

 

 

Broadcast

 

Brenna  Dempsey is the Executive Producer for the Texan News Service.

Major: Journalism & Broadcasting, Minor in Film Production

Where I'm from: Walnut Springs, Texas

Classification: Senior

Why I joined: I got super interested in video production, and when I took a news writing class from Mr. Lewter and he convinced me to join. Great decision. I love it here at the TNS.

What I'm most excited about: Working on the broadcast and filming more video packages.

 

 

Drew Fleming is the Associate Producer for the Texan News Service.

Major: Agricultural Communications

Where I'm from: Red Oak, Tennessee

Classification: Junior

Why I joined: I joined because I want a career in journalism and think TNS is a great way to get experience in news writing. 

What I'm most excited about: I’m excited to give more time to TNS and work on getting more into my stories. 

 

 

 

Marketing 

 

Helena Knutson is the Marketing Director for the Texan News Service.

Major: Journalism & Broadcasting, Minor in Marketing

Where I'm from: Hamilton, Texas

Classification: Sophomore

Why I joined: I wanted more experience with news writing & broadcast.

What I'm most excited about: The podcast!!!!!!!!!! I am also very excited about my new marketing position.

 

 

 

Multimedia Journalists

 

Brooklyn McKinney is a Multimedia Journalist for the Texan News Service.

Major: Journalism & Broadcasting

Where I'm from: Joshua, Texas

Classification: Junior

Why I joined: I joined TNS because I love to write and wanted the opportunity to meet new people. I expected to grow my skills as a journalist and it has definitely surpassed those expectations!

What I'm most excited about: I am always excited about getting the opportunity to write more articles for the paper and the website! This year I am looking forward to trying new things like maybe getting more involved in broadcasting or even the podcast.

 

 

Bethany Kilpatrick is a Multimedia Journalist for the Texan News Service.

Major: Communications (Journalism and Broadcasting)

Where I'm from: Tenaha, Texas

Classification: Junior

Why I joined: I joined the TNS because I have always loved writing and storytelling. Being a voice for students at Tarleton is very rewarding and something I enjoy. 

What I'm most excited about: This semester I am most excited meeting new people through the process of scheduling interviews and finding new topics on campus to shine light on. 

 

 

Leslie Posadas is a Multimedia Journalist for the Texan News Service.

Major: Agricultural Communications

Where I'm from: Grand Prairie, Texas

Classification: Senior

Why I joined: I joined TNS to gain hands on experience and I expect to make new connections and opportunities.

What I'm most excited about: This semester I am excited to write articles that will inform, entertain and educate readers.

 

 

Kellan Byars is a Multimedia Journalist for the Texan News Service.

Major: Animal Science

Where I'm from: Vernon, Texas 

Classification: Freshman

Why I joined: I worked for a newspaper in my hometown and fell in love with photography and writing.

What I'm most excited about: Getting unique opportunities and being able to explore my passion for photography and writing.

 

 

Micaela Sullivan is a Multimedia Journalist for the Texan News Service.

Major: Communication, Concentration in Broadcasting and Journalism

Where I'm from: Tahoka, TX

Classification: Freshman

Why I joined:  I joined the TNS because I love having the opportunity to get students reliable and relevant news.

What I'm most excited about: I am definitely most excited to anchor a broadcast considering that is the job I want to go into. 

 

Share