Richard Tharrett

Macomb, MI 48044 586-789-5674 tharrett@umich.edu Portfolio: https://richardtharrett.weebly.com/

Education
University of Michigan-Dearborn — Dearborn, MI September 2019 - Present
Bachelor of Arts, Double Major in Journalism & Media Production and Political Science, French Studies Minor
UM-Dearborn Honors Program Graduating with High Distinction in April 20203 GPA: 3.95/4.00

Work Experience
Communications Intern - Executive Office of the Governor October 2022 – Present
State of Michigan —Lansing, MI
• Drafted speeches, press releases, and social media copy for official use of Governor Whitmer’s office
• Staffed events the Governor and facilitated interviews with local and national news organizations
• Wrote talking points to prepare the Governor and Lt. Governor for speaking engagements
TV Studio Assistant and Campus Media Services Production Assistant September 2021 - Present
Journalism and Media Production Department Studio, University of Michigan-Dearborn
• Produced live video coverage for events such as the Chancellors State of the University address
• Communicated with departments to manage video and photography equipment checkout
• Trained journalism students to operate equipment and advised students on Adobe Creative Suite
Maxwell Gray Film Fellowship April 2022 - September 2022
Eisenberg Family Depression Center, University of Michigan
• Led the development, production, and dissemination of videos working alongside professionals in the
field to promote mental health
• Directed and edited videos aiming to reduce stigma and increase help-seeking for student mental health
Event Manager April 2017 – November 2022
The Grand Belle Wedding Venue — Holly, MI
• Managed the operations of events while enhancing client experience by solving on-site problems
Leadership Experience
Staff Writer — News Department January 2022 – January 2023
The Michigan Journal, University of Michigan-Dearborn

• Conducted interviews and researched information to produce newsworthy stories

• Reported on international and national news to write stories to entertain and inform readers while
meeting deadlines
Vice President — Political Science Association April 2022 - Present
Student Organization, University of Michigan-Dearborn
• Organized weekly meetings to foster good-hearted debate of current events and political issues
Head Delegate and Lead Organizer Jan.– Feb. 2020, Jan. – Feb. 2022, Jan. – Feb. 2023
Model Arab League Student Debate Team, University of Michigan-Dearborn
• Led team to be champions in a statewide debate competition in two consequence years and managed
research of Middle East and North Africa region history, politics, and social dynamics
National Board Member June 2019 - Present
Unicycling Society of America — National Non-Profit Organization
• Director and Chief Judge of Freestyle competition at the world championship for unicycling in 2022
Awards and Certificates
The Michigan Department of Education

• The Michigan Seal of Biliteracy – French May 2019

UM-Dearborn Writing Awards Competition

• Achieved first place for original documentary film “Second Chance” which uncovers the experience of a
formerly incarcerated man who served nearly four decades in prison - 2022
• First in the category of Honors Writing - 2022
• Honorable mention in the category of Writing in the Public Sphere Writing - 2022
• Honorable mention in the category of Honors Writing - 2021
• Second in the category of Honors Writing - 2020

Michigan Model Arab League Jan.– Feb. 2020, Jan. – Feb. 2022, Jan. – Feb. 2023
• Distinguished Delegate for individual representation of Kuwait in the Council on Social Affairs 2023
• Outstanding Delegation for individual representation of Lebanon in the Council on Social Affairs 2022
• Distinguished Delegate for individual representation of Egypt in the Council on Political Affairs 2020
University of Michigan
• 6 Term Angell Scholar Award March 2023
University of Michigan - Dearborn
• College of Arts Science and Letters Dean’s Medallion Award Class of Winter 2023 March 2023