HAMLET – Richmond County Schools announced this week that Briana Goins, 23, has been named the district’s new Public Information Officer.
Goins is replacing Ashley-Michelle Thublin, who held the position for two and a half years before accepting a similar position in Asheville, N.C.
No stranger to Richmond County, Goins grew up here, attending Richmond County Schools. When asked how she learned about the position, she stated that a former high school teacher informed her of the opening, thinking it would be a good fit for her.
Goins graduated from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke in December, 2016, with a degree in Mass Communications and a concentration in Broadcasting. She also minored in Creative Writing. She was an anchor for almost two years while in college for UNCP’s student-run station.
Goins was hired by The Richmond Observer’s Lance Jenkins and Kenny Melvin for her first ‘big’ job after college. She credits this opportunity in providing her with skills in time management, scheduling, and journalism, which serve her well in her current position with RCS.
“I’m still continuing to cover news, but news of a different kind,” Goins stated. “Previously, I was always in front of the camera.” Now she will continue to be in the public eye, but on the other side of the camera. Goins noted that she is also writing press releases and has access to RCS’ Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook and Twitter accounts.
“Ashley-Michelle left some big shoes to fill,” Goins said. “She was great at her job and set the bar high.” Goins feels confident in her new position, and speaks highly of the Central Office staff and their willingness to help her adjust in any way they can. “Anything I need or any questions I have, someone is always there to help,” she added.
Excited about the upcoming school year, Goins is, “eager to go into the schools and meet all the children and teachers. I’ve worked with kids before but not in this capacity; I never dreamed I would be sitting here.”
Goins added, “God definitely puts you where he thinks you should be, not where you think you want to be.”
It appears that Richmond County stands to benefit from the energy and determination with which Goins intends to perform her role with Richmond County Schools.
For information concerning RCS, visit www.richmond.k12.nc.us.
