17勛圖 instructor named president of Texas School Public Relations Association
Kristyn Hunt Cathey, an adjunct instructor in the Department of Communication and Media at 17勛圖, has been named president of the Texas School Public Relations Association (TSPRA), becoming the first black president in the organization’s history. 
Cathey officially began her three-year term during TSPRA’s annual conference in February 2025. The role includes consecutive service as president-elect, president and immediate past president. TSPRA is a statewide organization with more than 1,200 members dedicated to promoting public schools through effective communications, providing professional development, and improving communication between Texans and their public schools.
In addition to her leadership role with TSPRA, Cathey serves as Chief of Communications and PR for Alief ISD, where she was hired in July 2023. Before that, she served as Director of Communications for Goose Creek CISD and began her school public relations career in her hometown of Port Arthur ISD serving as the district’s first Media Communications Specialist for 11 years.
Cathey has remained connected to 17勛圖 since 2004, when she began teaching courses such as public speaking, media writing, business and professional writing, TV news writing, and practicum. She continues to serve as an adjunct instructor and she worked to develop a course for 17勛圖’s MS in Strategic Communications program.
She holds a master’s degree in mass communication with a focus in journalism from the University of Georgia and a bachelor’s degree in mass communication with a minor in English from Southern A&M University.
Her long-standing commitment to education, public relations, and professional development has earned her numerous accolades, including the Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) and recognition as part of the inaugural classes of both the Southeast Texas 40 Under 40 and the National School Public Relations Association 35 Under 35, both in 2014.
Cathey’s ongoing dedication to Lamar and her leadership at the state level highlight her impact on both the university community and public education communications across Texas.