For Oakland University alumna Shelby Tankersley, The Oakland Post was more than just a newsroom. The experience shaped leadership skills, professional confidence and a long-term commitment to storytelling.
Tankersley joined The Oakland Post as a reporter and remained involved all four years at Oakland University.
Responsibilities expanded into editing, photography and page design before eventually serving as Editor-in-Chief.
“I was very lucky to have access to student editors who were willing to let me learn and try new things,” she said.
Although hired as a reporter, Tankersley said the newsroom encouraged exploration across roles. Exposure to multiple disciplines built confidence and revealed new interests, including photography.
“Being at the Post for all four years of college taught me the value of helping others and investing time in your peers and people younger than you,” she said.
The newsroom environment became central to Tankersley’s college experience. Beyond deadlines, the space served as a gathering place for collaboration, studying and creative discussion.
“The newsroom became my favorite place on campus and was somewhere I made a lot of friends,” Tankersley said.
As Editor-in-Chief, Tankersley valued late production nights spent finalizing pages alongside editors and copy staff. Shared responsibility and teamwork created a close-knit culture that extended beyond publication day.
Tankersley emphasized the importance of student journalism in maintaining accountability on campus. Independent reporting allows students to track spending, question decision-makers and provide oversight of university leadership.
“Oversight of authority and government bodies is so important, and the Post is able to provide that as an independent news source,” she said.
The hands-on experience also prepares students for professional environments in ways traditional classrooms cannot replicate. Real deadlines and editorial decisions mirror newsroom pressure beyond campus.
Serving as Editor-in-Chief required leadership beyond writing and editing. Managing between 30 and 40 students demanded adaptability, communication and patience.
“I learned very quickly that EIC is just as much of a people’s job as it is a journalism job,” Tankersley said.
Tankersley said leading watchdog reporting required courage. Early encounters with criticism from readers and administrators proved intimidating but ultimately strengthened resilience.
“But when I became a professional, I was so incredibly grateful to have had those first experiences as a student with an advisor and a team of peers around me,” she said.
Skills developed at The Oakland Post continue to influence professional work today. Critical thinking, thoughtful questioning and the ability to adapt quickly remain central to daily responsibilities.
“Journalists develop a lot of soft skills that benefit you in any career,” she said.
Tankersley now serves as the Communication and Content Specialist for PACE Southeast Michigan, a nonprofit providing all-inclusive healthcare to low-income, chronically ill seniors.
“I still tell stories every day, and working for a nonprofit that serves the community scratches the itch that my inner journalist will always have to do something good with my time,” Tankersley said.
Tankersley encouraged current Post staff members to explore multiple roles and embrace the opportunity. Experimentation, Tankersley said, allows students to discover strengths early.
“Try as much as you can,” she said.
Tankersley also advised Oakland University students considering student media to view the newsroom as hands-on preparation for future careers.
“To journalism students, I’d say the Post is the best ‘class’ they could take.”
Reflecting on time at The Oakland Post, Tankersley described the experience as both formative and memorable. Lessons learned in the newsroom continue to shape leadership style and professional direction.
“It’s the best learning experience you can get as a student reporter, and it’s also a ton of fun.”