By Jatavian Walker
(JACKSON, Miss.) – Jackson State University (JSU) hosted the inaugural THEE Industry Access Series “From JXN to the Industry” session on April 7, 2026, at the Dollye M.E. Robinson Liberal Arts Building. Award-winning Executive Vice President and Head of Worldwide Digital Marketing at Lionsgate, Briana McElroy, served as the featured guest, sharing insights into her role and the film and entertainment industry with students.
The conversation, moderated by senior Journalism and Media Studies major Callie Callicut, highlighted McElroy’s career journey from Jackson, Mississippi, to a senior leadership role in Hollywood, her work on major film campaigns, and the role HBCUs and community ties have played in her trajectory.
A native of Jackson, McElroy has over 15 years of experience leading and developing creative digital marketing campaigns. In her current role, she has overseen digital campaigns for numerous films under the Lionsgate umbrella. Her resume includes franchises such as “John Wick”, “Saw”, “Twilight” and “The Hunger Games”. She also leads campaigns for upcoming releases including “Michael”, “Now You See Me: Now You Don’t” and “The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping.” Lionsgate’s digital marketing campaign for “Michael” features JSU’s marching band, the Sonic Boom of the South.
McElroy gave a deep dive into going the extra mile and how to get noticed as a valuable asset within the workplace.
“I think you have to be excited to do the hard work, excited to help make everybody’s job around you a lot easier and make yourself a valuable team player,” said McElroy. “Being able to come in and add value to a team or company, that’s your personal brand.”
THEE Industry Access Series connects Jackson State students and the Jackson community with high‑profile professionals across industries to provide mentorship, career insights, and networking opportunities that bridge academic study and professional practice.
Callicut commented that her conversation with McElroy and hosting the event boosted her confidence in working in a similar industry and that she hopes to be a guest in a future session.
“She brought up knowing your worth, when you go into spaces and when you sit at tables knowing the things you value and knowing that you can make an impact, I think that is something that I really resonated with,” said Callicut. “It felt natural talking to her and her kindness made me take what she was speaking to heart.”
Students had the opportunity to ask McElroy questions to help them learn how to advance their careers and work as professionals in a high-profile environment. Sophomore speech theatre major Noni Burke was one student who was interested in McElroy’s industry and learned a lot from the event. Burke looks to utilize what she learned within her own academic and career journey.
“They can sort of connect and network with people who are working within her industry, so they can see other sides of not just acting but other skills to put under their tool belt and other people that they can connect to and be able to get to the spot that you would want to be,” said Burke.
Justin Jones, a sophomore music technology major, was another student who not only asked McElroy for advice but also looked at this event as an opportunity to make connections. Not only that, but he also wants to learn about the behind-the-scenes aspects of the industry.
“I want to use all my opportunities to the fullest, and events like this help me get an insight into what’s happening behind the scenes of different industries,” said Jones. “I know students like me appreciate these events because it’s something very helpful that I’m sure a lot of the people who came before us wish that they had.”
Dr. Nicholas J. Hill, Ph.D., the Dean of the College of Business, speaks on the importance of students building connections at these events and expresses gratitude for McElroy’s participation.
“One of the things that is always important is understanding that when you have an opportunity, everything is a business and the opportunity to engage with those who have been successful in that space is highly important,” said Hill. “I am just happy that Jackson State had an opportunity to engage with Ms. McElroy, and just the commitment that she has made to the university, what she has done here is going to be life-changing for some of the students that are here.”
Dean of the College of Liberal Arts, Dr. Rico Chapman, Ph.D., explains why the Industry Access Series benefits students.
“I think it is important that students show up for the industry access series because it exposes them to our folks in the industry,” said Chapman. “If students show up, get active and engage, I think they could have access to many opportunities.”
The event concluded with JSU’s MADDRAMA performance troupe delivering a student-led tribute honoring McElroy’s impact and success.