Marlee Morgan could have started her career after walking the Lawn. She had an offer. But with the expanded interests and abilities she developed at McIntire, she’s still looking to learn more. As such, she’s made the decision to attend Syracuse University for graduate studies. She’s undertaking the one-year program propelled by her time at UVA, which ultimately paved the way for her interest in multimedia, ranging from photography and design to TV and film.
Originally from Houston, TX, Morgan concentrated in Marketing and Management, with a track in Strategic Brand Consulting & Communications, at the Comm School. She thrived in the Promotions coursework as part of the yearlong competitive program, serving on its video committee, on its creative committee, and as the Special Ops Chair, designing props for the team’s campaign. Morgan’s role in the Promotions class furthered her interest in creative endeavors. “I learned a lot of corporate marketing in Promo; it exposed me to a lot of that.”
She also discovered that she really enjoys working with video.
“Before I started running track, I did a little bit of shadow work with some people for a few games who did photography in the sports department,” she says about the period when she served as the UVA Track & Field Manager; this was before she famously earned a spot on the team by competing as a walk-on. “When I joined the team officially, I didn’t have time to shadow anyone, but I knew that it was an area where I really wanted to expand more.”
“Before I was on the track team, I also worked on the Sprints and Hurdles media,” she says. “I’d record and edit videos for them to post on their page.” Morgan adds that as an intern with Kat Lawrence, she also recorded student stories to showcase at events. “I like filming, and I love editing and seeing projects come to life based on clients’ asks. I want to develop more in that area and see what other opportunities exist—since I already understand the business side of it.”
Cultivating a deeper understanding about business took hold when Morgan was introduced to McIntire through a former McIntire student—one who connected her with the Commerce Cohort. She’s stayed engaged with the program designed for high-performing, high-need students, later serving as a mentor to guide new students.
As she worked through her McIntire course load, Morgan fully immersed herself in internships at Dell Technologies and Lighthouse Midstream Services, an oil and gas firm in Houston. While both positions provided valuable experience across various business sectors, she is eager to explore more of her creative interests. “I’ve worked in various commercial service rotations and in tech marketing and communication but not many fully immersed in digital producing, so I am excited for the future,” she says.
Morgan’s extracurricular involvement also embodied that creativity and multimedia interest. Working as a servant leader with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes led naturally to the launching of “The Purpose Report,” her podcast committed to fostering meaningful conversation and exploring personal faith journeys. “It’s to show that like everyone’s walk is different, and it starts at different points in people’s lives,” she says, having completed about a half dozen episodes starting in February 2025, with plans to make more in the future.
Helping her throughout her time at McIntire, Professor Yu Tse Heng provided significant guidance to Morgan, particularly in navigating ethical challenges. “I enjoyed how she exposed us to how it could be navigating the professional workplace and figuring out ways to learn more about the people you work with,” Morgan remarks, noting Heng’s influence on her professional growth. “Outside the classroom, I was able to go to her with concerns of corporate decision-making and ethics, and she was always very helpful and informative.”
Morgan’s decision to pivot to multimedia reflects her evolving growth, driven by practical experience and creative aspirations that she wants to develop further before committing to where and how she wants to begin her career in earnest. As she has forged a path where business and creativity intersect, she’s equipped with the foundational skills from McIntire as she makes her way to Syracuse University, marking the close of one chapter and the beginning of another.
