Chloe Gaines: A creative force ready for the spotlight
If you’ve spent any time around the College of Business over the past few years — online or in person, in the hallways, the study rooms, elevators, stairwells, lying on the floor somewhere in Austin Hall, or even on the ground out in the Quad — you’ve likely experienced the force that is Chloe Gaines.
As a marketing major with a new media communications minor, a filmmaker, a leader, an athlete, a singer/guitarist, a traveler, and the College of Business’s own social media strategic manager, Gaines has shaped the stories we tell and the way we show up to the internet world. Now, as she graduates, magna cum laude, we get to celebrate her story.
Gaines is the kind of person who brings energy into every room, Zoom and project. Whether she’s directing a short film, crafting a digital campaign, or capturing the perfect moment for our social channels, she leads with creativity, curiosity, laughter and a deep love for storytelling. Her work behind the scenes has helped elevate the College of Business brand — but more importantly, it has helped our students feel seen, connected and proud of their community.
Gaines’s academic path has been shaped by her passion for media, marketing and the art of communication. It’s no surprise that one most transformative lessons she learned at OSU wasn’t about strategy or software — it was all about time.
As someone with endless interests and a drive to stay busy, Gaines had to learn how to balance school, jobs, leadership roles and personal creative projects without burning out.
“College taught me how to make time for various activities alongside my schoolwork, jobs, and multiple personal projects,” she said. “I also learned the importance of allocating time for myself. Allowing myself to do fun activities on my own has fueled my independent spirit.”
Through trial, error and growth, she discovered how to make space for everything that matters.
She found joy in solo adventures: hiking, watching movies, wandering estate sales and exploring the world with the eyes of a creator. These moments of rest and curiosity became just as important as the deadlines and deliverables.
Gaines’s leadership journey is woven through nearly every corner of her OSU experience. Her involvement in the Orange & Black Film Club — where she served as public relations officer and president — became a defining part of her college career. Working on more than 15 short films, she stepped into roles like director, producer and director of photography, gaining hands‑on experience that shaped her creative identity.
What’s made me the happiest in college is sitting around and laughing about something I won’t remember years from now. But I’ll always remember how I felt and the people who were there laughing with me.
Her work across campus reflects that same drive. She spent two years as a digital specialist for the College of Forestry before joining the College of Business communications team as a content creator and eventually as our social media strategic manager. Her eye for detail, her instinct for storytelling and her ability to connect with audiences made her an invaluable part of our internal communications family.
She also found time for Women’s Club Lacrosse, Marketing Club, and Women Mean Business Club, building friendships and networks that supported her through every challenge and celebration.
Chloe is quick to credit the people who helped her grow. Mentors like College of Business marketing team leaders, Sam Pinkerton and Adele Wilson, shaped her professional path, while Anne Sharman fueled her passion in marketing classes. Her friends and family formed the support system that carried her through four years of learning, creating and becoming.
When she looks back, her favorite memories aren’t necessarily the big milestones — they’re the small, joyful moments. The late‑night laughs. The inside jokes. The people who made her feel at home.
“While I’m proud of all my achievements, what’s made me the happiest in college is sitting around and laughing about something I won’t remember years from now,” she said. “But I’ll always remember how I felt and the people who were there laughing with me.”
After graduation, Chloe is heading to the East Coast to pursue a career in digital marketing for entertainment and film — a path that blends her talent for storytelling with her love of adventure.
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