Alumni Spotlight: Taylor Justice

Alexis Weller, left, and Taylor Justice, who both work at Beverly Farm Foundation, with 2023 awards from the organization.

Over the past 110 years, more than 200,000 individuals have graduated from Webster University around the world.

Join Us As We Highlight Their Webster Stories

Meet Taylor Justice, who earned a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations from Webster in 2014 and currently works for the Beverly Farm Foundation.

What enticed you to choose Webster for your degree?

Originally, I chose Webster University because I was recruited for its softball program. I met with the head coach at the time and took a tour of the campus and fell in love with it! I specifically remember loving downtown Webster Groves and the feel it had.

Whenever I was deciding on schools and where I would play softball, I noticed that Webster had a wonderful Communications program. I heard many great things about it, and I stumbled across the Public Relations degree. I did some more research, and after years of thinking I would be a nurse one day, I quickly realized that wasn't the case. The opportunities I could pursue with the PR degree from Webster were immediately what I wanted to do. I went into my freshman year at Webster already declared with a major.

What stood out about your studies at Webster?

Debra Carpenter was the absolute best and made my senior year exciting and inspiring with all the support and information on possibilities in the future. I remember being so close with her and several members of my class that we would even go out to breakfast as a group from time to time and just talk about our goals and aspirations.

What is something valuable you have learned during your career?

Something that I am still learning, and probably always will be, is that I am capable. I am in this seat for a reason, and I should never second-guess that.

What advice would you give to others who are considering Webster for their degree?

The size of the school is perfect, in my opinion, to receive a personalized education and direct support whenever you want it! It can truly help enhance your learning opportunities.

What is your favorite spot on campus?

I spent a lot of time in the University Center. Whether that was sitting around the blue chairs with my teammates between classes or grabbing a bite to eat, I had many laughs there. I would also say the fourth floor in the library! I did a lot of studying there.

What has your life journey looked like?

I grew up in Alton, Illinois, and I work in the same community and live about 20 minutes north of that. I have been in the nonprofit sector for about 12 years now and have been with the same organization for 11 consecutive years, where I have worked my way up from an entry-level position to a C-suite executive. During that time, I have connected with the mission greatly, and this organization has watched me grow up and establish both my personal and professional lives.

What was your first job, and what do you remember most about it?

My very first job was when I was 16, and I worked for a local restaurant known for its delicious desserts. I remember actively recognizing that I was the low man on the totem pole, but sticking through the hard parts of those jobs truly develops character and grit! Those are both important to have as a leader.

How do you spend your free time?

I spend my free time being a mom and a wife! I am happily married and the mother of three wonderful boys! They keep me very busy.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

Something else that I loved about my education at Webster was the requirement to have an internship. I interned with the Ronald McDonald House Charities of St. Louis my senior year as its annual giving intern. At the time, I took the opportunity because it was a requirement, and the organization was a very reputable one. I had no idea I would be interning in a role that would be a great part of my career in the future! I never expected to be a fundraiser when I was in school, but that internship opened my eyes to the different possibilities that were out there in the workforce. Now I find myself working in fundraising for over a decade and even extending my education by obtaining my CFRE.