Kline joins college as grants, communications coordinator

Equipped with a background in law and journalism, Hailey Kline joined the Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering as grants and communications coordinator Aug. 17.

The position is a bit of new wrinkle. The college hasn’t had a communications coordinator before. However, it fits Kline’s background well. The Aberdeen native earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from SDSU in 2018 and graduated from the University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law in 2022.

She practiced for about a year as an associate attorney at Bantz, Gosch & Cremer LLC in Aberdeen, the same firm for which she interned as an assistant administrative clerk in summer 2020.

“My path is not one of a stereotypical law student, graduate or attorney, but that is not something I am afraid of pursuing,” said Kline, whose path also includes a stint as an assistant preschool teacher at the Youth Development Center in Aberdeen.

“I was primarily drawn to communications because I enjoy connecting with people—something I didn’t quite have the opportunity to do in a way that I felt best suited my abilities while practicing law. My journalism degree prepared me for future assignments involving objective writing, reporting and integrity. These skills lent a helping hand in the legal field as well.

“I am excited to be back in Brookings. There is something to be said about the community and the atmosphere. The support for the university and its activities is truly unmatched. I am honored to be part of it once again,” Kline said.

As grants and communications coordinator, she assists faculty members in submitting grant proposals by providing budgeting information, correcting documentation, routing and the overall strengthening of proposals.

She also produces a monthly research newsletter containing funding opportunities, announcements and related news that is sent to Lohr faculty.

Kline also serves as a point of communication for faculty, staff and constituents within the college.

Thus far she said everyone at SDSU “has shown nothing but kindness, patience and understanding. I remember a similar feeling when I attended school for my undergraduate degree, which is incredibly reassuring.”

Kline, whose family all lives in Aberdeen, said outside of work she enjoys baking, taking care of her plants, listening to Taylor Swift, reading and yoga. In fact, she is training to become a registered yoga instructor.