“I don’t have to know it all. I don’t have to do it all. I don’t have to be it all.”
Newsletter #125
This Week:
Our Latest Messenger
ICYMI: Get Ready, Someone’s Coming
Spotted
Before We Go…
1.Meet the Messenger: Dr. Gail F. Baker, Former SVP & Provost, University of San Diego
We’re excited to feature Dr. Gail F. Baker, Ph.D., former senior vice president and provost at the University of San Diego. A respected communications leader, educator, and scholar, Dr. Baker has built a career that spans higher education leadership, journalism, public relations, and academia. During her time at USD, she served as the university’s chief academic officer, working closely with academic leadership to guide strategy and institutional priorities. Before joining USD in 2017, she was the founding dean of the College of Communication, Fine Arts and Media at the University of Nebraska at Omaha and held additional leadership roles at universities across the country.
Dr. Baker’s career reflects a deep commitment to communication, leadership, and storytelling. Before transitioning into higher education administration, she worked in journalism and corporate communications, including positions with IBM and International Harvester, and as a reporter and editor for the Chicago Daily Defender Newspaper. An accomplished author and educator, she has written books, articles, and book chapters and has earned recognition for both her teaching and documentary writing, including multiple Emmy Awards for Excellence in Documentary Writing and Producing. She shared with us her experiences that shaped her leadership style, the evolving role of communication in higher education, and the lessons she’s carried across journalism, academia, and executive leadership.
2. ICYMI: So You Have a VIP Visiting?
Imagine this: someone you’ve been trying to get through your doors finally says “yes.” You look around and see…clutter. You’re not sure how to round up everyone to say “hello” to your VIP guest at the right time. You’re running through a mental list to make sure no detail is missed. Don’t stress—we’re here to help.
3. Spotted
Everlane is a fashion brand that has always promised ethical sourcing, sustainable materials, and transparent supply chains. So, it came as quite a shock to fans of the brand when news broke that the company had sold to Shein, an ultra-fast fashion brand. Shein, known for its high turnover of products, has been plagued by controversy since its beginning. From NPR:
“Shein has collected a full bingo card of controversies. Artists have filed a racketeering lawsuit accusing it of stealing designs. A congressional report says Shein abuses a loophole in import tax laws. Lawmakers have called for an investigation into alleged use of forced labor.”
To supporters, it felt like a major brand misalignment for Everlane and a betrayal. This week, the founder of Everlane, Michael Preysman, posted his response, along with a new website to launch a new project.
4. Before We Go…
From PR Daily: For Gen Z, what you drink says who you are
“Recent data from Keurig Dr Pepper, the company behind brands such as Dr Pepper, A&W, Canada Dry and Snapple, shows 58% of consumers aged 13-29 say the beverages they buy reflect their identity.”
From TIME: Creative leaders talk working with AI as a collaborator with humans
“At the first-ever TIME100 AI Leadership Forum…three leaders from music, fashion, and entertainment spoke during an onstage panel about how AI has changed how they worked creatively and the role they see for AI in the arts, moderated by TIME deputy editor Kelly Conniff.”
From CNN: ABC says Trump’s FCC is threatening free speech in ‘The View’ probe
ABC and Disney are accusing the Trump administration’s FCC of violating free speech protections by investigating whether talk show The View should lose its exemption from federal equal-time broadcasting rules.
Forward to someone who has a thing or two to say about the Everlane sale (you know someone, trust us).