From Campus to Community

She feels it every time she returns to campus. “It feels like a second home,” reflects 2004 graduate Sarah Cook.  “No matter how much time has passed or how much Xavier University has changed, I feel a sense of home being there.” 

After majoring in Electronic Media, now DIFT (Digital Innovation, Film and Television) program, Cook has built  a career rooted in storytelling, service and strategic thinking.

Described as “a natural leader who leads with positivity,” the high energy Springfield Township, OH native is known for inspiring confidence in those around her.  

As a teenager, Sarah followed in the footsteps of her older brother, a fellow Xavier graduate, which led her to choose Xavier for college. Once on campus, she began exploring her own interest in television news. The Xavier TV Center’s TV Lab became a cornerstone of her education.

“It's one thing to tell me something, but the TV lab gave us the chance to have that hands-on experience.  That was such an invaluable tool in my time at Xavier.”

She credits adjunct professor John Addino with making the experience especially meaningful. 

“He knew how to connect with students and make the work feel real,” she says. “When I think about the TV lab, I think about him.”

“From the moment I met Sarah,” John recalled, “it was clear she was destined for success. Her work ethic consistently exceeded what one would expect for her age or level of experience.

“As a senior, the TV Center had the opportunity to take on a project for a prominent nonprofit organization, and we entrusted Sarah—still a student—to produce it. She exceeded our expectations and delivered outstanding work.”

Sayer Crompton was a classmate.   “At Xavier she approached every challenge with passion and a smile, preparing her for the career she has today.  Sarah was incredibly focused while building connections with everyone around her.” 

During her junior year, Cook secured an internship at WKRC-TV (Local 12 News) in Cincinnati, rotating through reporting, producing and the assignment desk. 

“I thought I wanted to be on air, and once I saw firsthand some of what goes into that job. I was like, yep, nope, I think I'd prefer to be behind the scenes.”

The internship paid off when, on her final day, WKRC offered Sarah a job.  She initially worked as a Production Assistant before shifting to Assistant Assignment Editor while balancing classes during her senior year.  

“I was already working in the industry before I graduated,” she says. “That experience gave me confidence and helped shape my career.”

Sarah continued to advance at Local 12, eventually becoming an Associate Producer. In 2008, she began producing the 10 p.m. newscast on CW Cincinnati, managed by Local 12 team. While the pace was intense, the lessons were lasting.

“TV news teaches you how to work under pressure, manage deadlines and juggle multiple priorities,” she says. “Those skills translate to any career.”

Seeking a more balanced lifestyle, in 2010 Sarah shifted from journalism to public relations, joining the Freestore Foodbank in Cincinnati.   For eight years, she led media relations and storytelling efforts for one of the region’s largest hunger-relief organizations, sharing the stories of clients, volunteers and supporters across television, radio, print and digital platforms.

“It felt like the perfect blend of my skills and my values,” she says. “I could use communication to help people in need.”

Since 2018, Cook has served as a Communications Strategist at Vehr Communications, managing integrated marketing and communications programs for nonprofit, government and community-focused clients. 

“Working with a multitude of clients, with varying needs, has deepened my professional skills.”

Vehr Communications CEO Nick Vehr recognizes how much she cares about her teammates and her clients on a professional and personal level.

 “Sarah is the consummate team player.  Her attention to detail and natural instincts for what is best for our agency’s clients are invaluable qualities. She works efficiently and effectively.

“Sarah is on point for multiple agency clients. In particular, I know she has a professional and personal passion for Joseph House, our nonprofit client supporting veterans who are working to overcome addiction and homelessness.  Sarah pours her heart and considerable experience into the job of supporting those who served their country in the military.”

A commitment to nonprofit work has been a consistent thread through much of Sarah’s career. While at Freestore, she worked alongside former Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton, who supported the organization annually through its Taste of the NFL fundraising event. Later, in her current role, her agency partnered with Dalton’s foundation during his time in Cincinnati. 

“He and his wife are genuinely great human beings,” Sarah says.

Looking back, Cook sees a clear through-line from her Xavier experience to her career today—and she offers simple advice to current students.

“Get hands-on experience as early as possible,” she says. “Internships are critical. My internship opened doors I never expected and set the foundation for everything that came next.”

Grounded in the hands-on lessons she learned at Xavier and guided by a deep commitment to service, Sarah Cook continues to tell stories that matter.