Priyanka Deo, a University of Illinois Springfield alumni with distinguished credentials as a media and communications professional, has been named UIS’ new director of student media, overseeing the campus’ independent digital news outlet, The Observer.
Deo also will teach courses within UIS’ School of Communication and Media.
Deo is seeking students and others in the UIS community to contribute to The Observer this year.
“Whether you are a writer, poet, reporter, photographer, video producer, podcaster and/or another type of digital content creator, we need your voice to highlight important events, issues, sports and happenings that matter to the UIS campus — especially those stories that professional media around town aren’t covering,” she said.
Contact her at pdeo2@uis.edu for more information on how to get involved.
Deo has worked at UIS since December, when she was appointed the campus’ assistant director of media strategy in the Department of Media Strategy within the Office of the Chancellor. There, she helped manage public relations messaging and strategy and overseeing top-level UIS social media accounts.
She joined UIS from The Times of India Group in New Delhi, India, where she played a key role in the chief operating officer's office and hosted her own digital show. With a robust career at Associated Broadcasting as an anchor and deputy editor, English, she was also invited to be part of the communications team for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the 2019 Lok Sabha national elections.
Deo is recognized as a national political commentator in India and a prominent voice among the youth on social media. Her work has garnered attention from influential figures globally, including Prime Minister Modi himself.
Deo holds graduate degrees from Harvard University, the University of Southern California and the London School of Economics. She has a dual bachelor’s degree in political science and sociology/anthropology from UIS, where she also was captain of the women's tennis team, made significant contributions to the Illinois Innocence Project, received the Lincoln Medallion and was named a Student Laureate of The Lincoln Academy of Illinois.
“We are excited to welcome Priyanka to our team,” said Beth Ribarsky, director of the School of Communication and Media. “She brings great experience and enthusiasm that will provide invaluable learning opportunities for our students.”
Beyond her professional pursuits, Deo continues to play tennis, practices yoga and enjoys reading. Her greatest joy comes from the delightful chaos of raising her daughter Diya and her German shepherd, King Troy.
“I am thrilled to work alongside all of you and look forward to the stories we will tell together,” she said. “Let’s make this year at UIS one of compelling narratives and powerful communication.”