Digging Into PR With the Archaeology Museum’s Intern
Posted on October 13, 2026
Archaeology is the study of humans through material remains, but it is more than digging up the past. The University of South Alabama’s Archaeology Museum teaches the community about archaeology through educational programs, community outreach, cultural heritage initiatives and campus collaborations. Its team works together to show visitors why archaeology matters and what it can teach them about the people and communities around them.
It’s also where Gulfport, Mississippi native Angel Paulk is honing his skills as a social media intern. As a sophomore at South majoring in communication studies with a minor in public relations, Paulk shares the Museum’s story. His interest in archaeology and anthropology, combined with his communication skills, make him a great fit for promoting the Museum on campus and throughout the city of Mobile. He eventually wants to work in public relations.
Paulk has had a love for archaeology and anthropology long before attending South.
“I have loved archaeology and anthropology since I was a kid,” Paulk said. “It started as paleontology – so, dinosaurs and stuff.” When he got older, those interests shifted into history and anthropology, and he began seeking a way to combine his love with work. Although he wasn’t sure about pursuing archaeology as a career, he still wanted to remain connected to the field. It fell into place when Paulk landed the internship at the Museum.
At the Archaeology Museum, Paulk works closely with Assistant Director Jen Knutson to promote events through social media. Paulk’s role is focused on making the programming appealing and accessible to a diverse audience, especially those who may not know much about archaeology. “People are constantly scrolling [on their phones]. Being a part of that and helping to showcase the Museum in a positive light to get people interested is so much fun.”
When asked, ‘what is something that surprised you the most about working at the museum?’ Paulk shared that it’s the amount of K-12 students who frequent the museum. “Oh my gosh, the amount of field trips we get a year! I really didn't know we did that many.” Working with school-aged students allowed Paulk to explore another interest he once considered: education.
Through guided interactive tours, hands-on workshops and supplying archaeology kits to schools, the Museum works to educate students about anthropology and help them understand that archaeology is about studying people and cultures.
Paulk shared that this experience has helped him understand the importance of making archaeology accessible to someone who may have never encountered the discipline before. In addition to field trips, the Museum also hosts community events throughout the year.
These events connect anthropology and archaeology to issues of cultural heritage and preservation. One example is the upcoming workshop on Oct. 31, Graves Matters. Hosted by Anthropology Professor Lesley Gregoricka, the instructional event will teach people how to maintain and preserve historic graves around Alabama. “It’s important to learn how to approach graves with a form of sensitivity,” explained Paulk.
The Museum also maintains a close relationship with the Africatown community, giving residents opportunities to engage with local history, cultural heritage and South’s anthropology department. In fact, the Museum collaborates with many departments and programs on campus to help organize and sponsor events, like this week’s Arkhaios Film Festival. The Museum will show eight films, each one sponsored by an Arts and Sciences program or major.
Paul remains committed to the Museum’s mission of educating the public about archaeology, and connecting it to the world around them. “It’s wonderful to see our work in action, and that alone is a beautiful thing.”
