For those navigating the bustling world of political communications, the path often leads to national headlines and Capitol Hill. Masters student Jackson Arnold’s (MA, ’26) passion for impactful storytelling, however, has found its most rewarding outlet at the local level, serving as the Public Information Officer (PIO) for the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office. His journey reflects a deep commitment to fostering community engagement and trust through clear, authentic communication.

Arnold chose AU's SPA for his Master of Arts in Political Communication, drawn by the university's vibrant D.C. location and unwavering support from admissions staff.

"When choosing between graduate programs, the most important thing to me was consistent, honest communication," he recalls, specifically crediting Jennifer Forney and Molly O’Rourke. "The faculty and staff at SPA blew me away from Day 1 and made the decision so much easier."

His choice of political communication as a specialization followed from his belief in the power of narrative.

"I always had a passion to inform and engage people through storytelling," Arnold said, referring to communication as an essential human experience: "To converse, share ideas, and hear about other lived experiences, that’s what makes us all special . . . Political communication as a field...is rooted in that."

At AU, hands-on experience shaped Arnold’s career trajectory. He completed four internships, and considers his time at the U.S. Department of State as particularly revelatory.

"At the State Department, I had a group of mentors who allowed me to take on large responsibilities, like managing the press briefing room, talking with reporters, and training the principal deputy spokesperson. Every day I practiced my skills. Without my time there, I would have never known how much I loved press operations, working for the government, and being a spokesperson, all of which I do now for my career."

Arnold, now the voice of the Stafford County (Virginia) Sheriff’s Office, manages its public image, ensures public transparency, and coordinates media relations, including photography, social media, and press releases. His journey exemplifies the path from passion to public good.

"I fell in love with working for the government, especially at the state and local level where I can meet people every day and engage with them on a personal level,” he said. "I love my coworkers and colleagues in the Sheriff’s Office and couldn’t imagine being in a better place post-graduation."

For more information on American University’s MA in Political Communication, see this blog entry from SPA Dispatches.