Hello everyone!
I am Ryan Featherstone, and I’m excited to join Students United as Public Relations Coordinator.
I am originally from Scarborough, England, a small seaside town known as the first seaside holiday destination. I first attended Performers College in Corrignham, England, where I studied Professional Dance and Musical Theatre. I went on to have a career in professional entertainment for over a decade. I worked in pantomime, regional theater, theme parks, cruise ships, musicals, and plays. Some of my credits include: Chicago; A Midsummer Night’s Dream; Mamma Mia!; Footloose; and My Fair Lady. Fun fact: I am a skilled hand and stick puppeteer and managed a puppetry show onboard cruise ships.
I returned to college and graduated with a bachelor’s in Communication, a minor in Political Science, and an undergraduate certificate in Multicultural Studies from the University of Missouri. Throughout this entire experience, I worked full-time and learned firsthand the difficult balancing act of non-traditional students. I am so thankful for hybrid and remote learning opportunities because it genuinely helps people from all over the country get the education they want and need.
During my college experience at Mizzou, I worked in disability service provision focusing on integrated, competitive employment for Minnesotans with disabilities, and I managed Rep. Jess Hanson’s successful 2022 re-election campaign to the Minnesota House of Representatives. Subsequently, at the beginning of 2023, I worked in the Minnesota House DFL Media Department. I am passionate about media relations and the strategy around gaining awareness and coverage in our fragmented media landscape. Truly! I’m a big nerd about the media!
Outside of education and work, I have two purrfect cats: Diane and Trish. I love learning about cats (and animals in general) and buying all the toys and furniture to ensure my ladies have the best life possible. Of course, I love going to the theater. In 2022 I saw Six, Moulin Rouge, Wicked, and Les Misérables in the Twin Cities. Lastly, I am a giant Pokémon fan and have played all the games in the main series line since Pokémon Red and Blue. My favorite ‘mon is Vaporeon, and right now, I’m working my way (slowly) through Pokémon Violet.
I’m excited to get to work on behalf of students! Contact me if you want to talk social media strategy, are interested in a social media takeover, or want to learn more about what I do for Students United (rfeatherstone@studentsunited.org)!