Katie Hays is the event coordinator for the Donald W. Reynolds Journalism Institute where she plans and coordinates events for RJI. She also handles room reservations for RJI and the Missouri School of Journalism.

Before coming to RJI, she was the fiscal and event coordinator for the Office of Undergraduate Research, part of the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Studies’ division. She has been interested in event planning since college and after planning the annual conference for the Business Development Program, part of MU Extension, she knew it was something she could do full time.

While part of the Office of Undergraduate Research, Hays helped plan and execute a multitude of university events. These ranged from small workshops and dinners to the Visual Art and Design Showcase (an annual multidisciplinary student competition) and the annual Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievements Forum.

Hays holds a bachelor’s degree in theater arts from Stephens College. In her free time, she enjoys participating in the various aspects of theater, as well as gardening and doing arts and crafts.

She resides in Columbia, Missouri, with her husband, Alan, and their son Malcolm.