Your Budgeting Team 

Jake Janesch, Travel

Jake Janesch is a motivated, organized, and adventurous student. He is a junior at James Madison University (JMU) majoring in communication with a concentration in public relations. After graduation with his degree, Jake plans on moving towards the west coast and working internationally for a public relations firm. He wants to travel the world, while doing a job he enjoys. Jake is involved with SafeRides, Orientation as an Orientation Peer Advisor, and SAAA at JMU. He also works part time and has a public relations internship, along with classes. Jake was born in Malvern, PA but now lives in Lancaster, PA when not at school. Past work experience includes retail, waiter, working for a consulting firm, and being a clinical aid at a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center. Jake wants to help college students live an affordable life because he is practically paying for college himself and currently lives a similar lifestyle.

Colin Hautman, Entertainment

Colin Hautman is a fun loving, free spirited and no excuses kind of guy. He is a senior at James Madison University majoring in communication (public relations) and minoring in creative writing. He transferred from Montgomery College in Rockville, MD after receiving his associate’s degree in communication. As for future plans, Colin hopes to one day work in the advertising field and help write scripts and plan out commercials. He is involved in PRSSA, UPB and MAAF on campus at JMU. Colin was born in Washington D.C. and raised in Bethesda, MD his whole life. He loves everything to do with movies, music and writing. Some claim to fames that Colin has are: he is part of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, he received the Norma Berkeley Communication Studies Award and he is has never been beaten in a game of Mario Kart Double Dash (84-0). Colin has been working since he was sixteen when he was a bag boy at Safeway, further explaining why he is a part of this website because he is paying his own way through college. He has done everything from being a telephone surveyor to a shoe salesperson at DSW to a host at a 5 star restaurant. He even works for Jim Beam  promoting different alcohol companies at liquor stores. He has more recently been a marketing and social media Federal Work Study for JMU where he has freshened up his writing skills to prepare him for future endeavors.

Ashley Cravens, Food

Ashley Cravens is a junior at James Madison University. She is currently studying Communication Studies with a concentration in Public Relations. While being a full time student, Ashley also works at Campus Cookies, the local late night cookie delivery service, she is also involved in PRSSA, and has a local internship in the community. Ashley was born in southern California but was raised in a small town called Nottoway, Virginia. While living in Nottoway she had several jobs from the age of 16 that included being a nanny and working at the local fast food restaurant. After college, Ashley plans to work for a PR firm and live in a city such as New York or LA.

Alexis Haas, Drinking

Alexis Haas is an outgoing, fun-loving student.  She is a junior at James Madison University, and is majoring in Communication Studies with a concentration in Public Relations.  She is also pursuing a minor in Human Resources Development. Once she has graduated, Alexis plans to live in Hawaii for a year or two before beginning her career.  She hopes to one day work for a Public Relations Firm and focus on event-planning.  Alexis is involved in PRSSA and the National Society of Leadership and Development on campus. Alexis was born in Fairfax, Virginia and then grew up near Raleigh, North Carolina.  She now lives in Mechanicsville, Virginia when not at school. Her past work experience includes being a shift manager at Rita’s Italian Ice, an Associate at Panera Bread, and odd jobs around the city.

McKenzie Carroll, Quick Tips

McKenzie Carroll  is a junior at James Madison University. She is currently working towards a degree in Communication Studies with a concentration in Public Relations. To further her PR goals she is heavily involved in PRSSA and is the head of the fundraising committee. She transferred to JMU after getting her Associates Degree in Social Science from J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College. In addition to school, she works at King’s Dominion on the weekends during school and full time in the summer. She started working at the theme park seven years ago and has stayed in the entertainment department since the beginning. McKenzie was born in Los Angeles, California and was later raised in Bumpass, Virginia. She plans on moving to a larger city, such as New York City, after she graduates. Her dream job is to work at Edelman or to work in Crisis management at any Public Relations firm.