UALR alumna Candace L. Randle admits incredible opportunities have opened up throughout her professional career, the latest being her current role as communications director and national press secretary for the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) in Washington, D.C.

Today, the CBC has the largest membership in its history, with 46 members of Congress representing 22 states, the District of Columbia, and the Virgin Islands.

Randle, a native of Camden, is a spokesperson and media liaison for the caucus and its chairman, G.K. Butterfield. She develops and coordinates national media, communications, and public relations strategies to build awareness of the CBC and its congressional members.

Randle has spent the duration of her career as a writer in the fast-paced world political and governmental affairs, as well as the business and entertainment arenas.

“I have always had a passion for politics and an interest in how government works,” she said.
Immediately after Randle received her master’s degree from UALR, she was hired to work in communications and media for then-Gov. Mike Beebe. Within the year, she was presented with an opportunity to work for Hillary Clinton’s 2008 campaign.

“Making the decision to relocate away from friends and family in Arkansas to Washington, D.C., was possibly the single biggest decision I have ever had to make for my career,” said Randle.

In addition to writing for Clinton’s political team during the 2008 primary election, she wrote for former Vice President Al Gore during the 2000 presidential campaign.

Randle worked in Sen. Mark Pryor’s office following the 2008 primary, and she has also served as an aide in both the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives.

Before transitioning to the CBC, Randle worked as director of corporate communications and public affairs for The RLJ Companies, founded by Robert L. Johnson, who established Black Entertainment Television.

In 2005, Randle received her Masters in Public Administration from UALR while working a full-time job during the day and attending classes during the evenings.

“I always felt UALR professors respected me as a professional and supported me just as equally as a student,” she said.

She notes that the professors at UALR encouraged her writing skills, leading her to contribute to numerous political campaigns, businesses, the Arkansas-based PowerPlay Magazine, and now for Capitol Hill.

“My experience at UALR was one of the most supportive academic experiences I may have ever had as a student,” she said.