Class of 2026 Broom Student Fellows Named

The Glen M. Broom Center for Professional Development in Public Relations named Ava Armstrong, Vivian Gomez, Cambell Kirk and Brooke O’Leary as its 2026 Broom Student Fellows.

The fellowship recognizes students who demonstrate leadership, initiative and a clear promise as emerging professionals in the public relations industry. Through mentorship, alumni engagement and professional travel opportunities, fellows engage directly with public relations professionals and expand their industry networks.  

“Each of these future PR practitioners has shown a genuine commitment to growing as a professional,” said Dr. Kaye Sweetser, director of the Broom Center.  “They are not just strong academically. They are curious, reflective and ready to engage with the profession in meaningful ways.”

For Vivian Gomez, the fellowship signals a deeper level of accountability.  

“Being selected as a Broom Student Fellow feels like stepping into a bigger responsibility,” said Gomez. “It motivates me to continue sharpening my voice and approaching my career with even greater clarity and purpose.”

The program’s emphasis on initiative and leadership resonated with Ava Armstrong.  

“This fellowship feels like a turning point for me,” Armstrong said. “I’ve always known I care about doing meaningful work, and the Broom Center gives me the chance to lead and learn with intention.”

Early engagement with alumni has already shaped the experience for Cambell Kirk.  

“What excites me most is the community we are building,” Kirk said. “Knowing I get to learn from alumni who have already built careers in this industry makes me excited for what’s possible as I step into being a professional.” 

For Brooke O’Leary, the fellowship program represents both validation and opportunity.  

“Being selected as a Broom Student Fellow is a real milestone for me,” O’Leary said. “It affirms the work I’ve put into growing as a professional and encourages me to be intentional about my development. I’m looking forward to learning from the alumni and understanding how I can approach this profession with more confidence and purpose.”

The 2026 cohort recently began its fellowship with an alumni mixer, launching a year focused on mentorship and professional development.  This spring the Broom Student Fellows will travel to New York City for agency visits and conduct job shadows with leaders in the industry.

About the fellowship

The Broom Student Fellows program is the flagship program of the Broom Center. The fellowship began with the class of 2020 and is in its seventh year. Fellows have gone on to work everywhere from boutique firms to international PR agencies. They all have a common thread in dedicating their professional lives to using their craft to serve their communities.