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Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 2:57 PM

Meet the Team

Top Row L-R: Jacob Back, Lindsey Hughes, Andrew Utterback, Gavin Patrick, Brenna Dempsey, Ava Davis, Austin Lewter
Front Row L-R: Kellan Byars, Helena Knutson, Ashtyn Hansard, Brooklyn McKinney, Caroline Crain, Bethany Kilpatrick, Micaela Sullivan, Kelli Jo Mckee, Madalynn Davis, Hannah Brooks

Author: Photo by Bethany Kilpatrick

 

The Executive Team

 

Caroline Crain is the Editor-in-Chief 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.

 

 

Bethany Kilpatrick is the Managing Editor for the Texan News Service.

Major: Communication and Agricultural Communications 

Where I'm from: Tenaha, Texas

Classification: Junior

Why I joined: Because I would love to work in the newsroom.

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.

 

 

Ashtyn Hansard is the Digital Media Director 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: Because I love to write, love art and photography, and have found a great community here!

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

 

 

J-TAC

 

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

Major: Journalism & Business

Where I'm from: Arlington, Texas

Classification: Junior

Why I joined: I joined the TNS to foster my love of reporting, podcasting and broadcasting.

What I'm most excited about: This semester, I'm most excited about continuing to grow our pop culture podcast: "The Purple Popcast" 

 

 

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.

 

 

Brooklyn McKinney is the Feature Editor for the Texan News Service.

Major: Communications & Journalism

Where I'm from: Burleson, Texas

Classification: Junior

Why I joined: To write feature stories.

What I'm most excited about: I am always excited about getting the opportunity to write more articles for the paper and the website! 

 

 

 

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 joined because I love video editing and the people were super nice.

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. 

 

 

Podcast 

 

Helena Knutson is a Podcast Host 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

 

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

Major: Animal Science

Where I'm from: Vernon, Texas 

Classification: Sophomore

Why I joined: I worked at my hometown newspaper and fell in love with writing and especially photography. So working at
TNS was a no brainer when I was offered a spot!

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: Sophomore

Why I joined:  To bring news to students and learn first hand what this industry is all about.

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. 

 

 

Ava Davis is a Multimedia Journalist for the Texan News Service.

Major: Communication, Minor in Business and Kinesiology

Where I'm from: Hawley, Texas

Classification: Senior

Why I joined:  For connections, broadcast and new experiences!

What I'm most excited about: Learning more about TNS as a whole.

 

 

Hannah Brooks is a Multimedia Journalist for the Texan News Service.

Major: Communications PRC and Political Science

Where I'm from: Midlothian, TX

Classification: Junior

Why I joined:  To make connections and get out of my comfort zone

What I'm most excited about: Learning more about TNS as a whole.

 

 

Jacob Back is a Multimedia Journalist for the Texan News Service.

Major: Journalism

Where I'm from: Poolville, TX

Classification: Junior

Why I joined:  I joined the TNS because I am pursuing a career in News anchoring and I believe I can find valuable experience and knowledge at the Texan News Service.

What I'm most excited about: Learning more about TNS as a whole.

 

 

Madalynn Davis is a Multimedia Journalist for the Texan News Service.

Major: Communications

Where I'm from: Crosby, TX

Classification: Junior

Why I joined:  To get experience for future jobs

What I'm most excited about:Learning more about TNS as a whole.

 

 

Kelli Jo Mckee is a Multimedia Journalist for the Texan News Service.

Major: Communications

Where I'm from: Hico, TX

Classification: Freshman

Why I joined:  I wanted to join TNS because it seemed like a fun and interesting way to explore more aspects of my major.

What I'm most excited about: Learning more about TNS as a whole.

 

 

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