WSU journalism grad joins the Whitman County Gazette staff

Kara McMurray, 25, a 2014 WSU graduate with a degree in communication with an emphasis in journalism and media production, has joined the staff of the Whitman County Gazette.

After graduating at WSU, McMurray accepted an internship opportunity in Salt Lake City to work for the Church News, a weekly publication of the Deseret News. She moved back to Pullman when the internship ended and began seeking job opportunities.

She was employed part-time for Inland Northwest Broadcasting before she was hired to work as a reporter for the Gazette.

She began working part-time at the Gazette May 11 and started full-time May 26. She fills the staff position vacated by the unexpected passing of Sally Ousley of Colfax.

"I am excited to be working here and to have a job where I can put into practice the skills and talents I have," she said. "It's so nice to be writing again and to be doing what I absolutely love."

Born in Kennewick, McMurray lived the first years of her life in Finley before moving to Richland. A 2008 graduate of Richland High School, she moved to Pullman that fall to begin her studies with a double major in English education and journalism.

Deciding to split up her coursework, she earned her degree in English with a teaching certificate in 2011 and then went on to complete her student teaching at the U.S. base in Heidelberg, Germany. Teaching abroad allowed her to travel to many countries in Europe and the U.K.

"It was the opportunity of a lifetime! While there, I went to several places in Germany, and I also traveled to England, Wales, Scotland, Switzerland, France, Ireland, Austria, Italy and even Turkey," she said.

Returning to the states in January of 2012, she moved back to Pullman, and completed online studies in special education. She resumed studies for communication in May 2013.

"I had heard many great things about the Gazette and the people who worked here from people in the community and people at my church," she commented. "I am looking forward to working here and growing my career."