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Bill Gay, BJ '68

Describe your career.
Since getting my BJ in 1968, I have spent my career in media management and public relations in private, public and nonprofit sectors. Before beginning my own public relations agency in 1997, I served as a reporter, editor and finally general manager at the Imperial Valley Press in El Centro, Calif. I also served concurrently for more than 25 years in the Naval Reserve, most of it as a public affairs officer. I retired in 1994 with the rank of commander. In October 1997, my wife, Sue, and I founded Reliance Communications, a public relations agency located in El Centro. It has since incorporated as Reliance Public Relations, Inc. Our clients have included our local college as well as educational institutions, cities, water agencies and other public entities. Our work has been varied and fulfilling. In January 2007, I received the nationally-recognized Accreditation in Public Relations through the Public Relations Society of America. Other civic and community activities have included leadership in chambers of commerce, service clubs and other community organizations. Along the way, I also added a Master of Arts degree from the University of Redlands. Sue and I have two grown children and three grandchildren.

How did you get your job?
I guess I was pushed into it. A new publisher came in to the newspaper and decided he didn't need a general manager. I ended up being one of those 50-somethings who had to either re-invent myself or starve. You will see I haven't been starving.

What is the best professional lesson you learned at the J-School?
I learned how to work hard and to be accountable for what I produce.

What advice do you have for current students?
For J-School students: become a news junky and learn to write well.

What is your favorite J-School memory?
Even though I have spent my career out here on the left coast and have lost contact with many of the friends I made at Mizzou, they are what stand out in my memory. And then, there are always the memories of Eugene Sharp, Phil Norman, Tom Duffy, Copy 1, and that first page 1 story in the Missourian.