Stephanie Moeller’s path from college student to five-time Emmy–nominated producer reflects the lasting impact of her experience at Elon University.
“I’m 16 years in this business, and if anyone asks me about my path, I truly owe it all to Elon University, as I wouldn’t be where I am in my career without it,” said Stephanie Moeller ’09.
Moeller has made a name for herself as a 5x Emmy-nominated senior producer at E! Entertainment Television, who now works as a producer at Entertainment Tonight.
“Back in high school, I used to watch all the red carpets and read all the entertainment magazines,” she explained. “I knew I wanted to work in entertainment television, and I knew Elon University had one of the best schools for communications in the country.”
Recognizing that Elon was the perfect fit for her academic and personal aspirations, it became clear that she had to attend. Upon arriving at the school, Moeller dove right into her classes and even picked up a minor she had never considered.
“I majored in broadcast communications and minored in theater arts because I was told the Theatre Arts minor would be helpful with an on-camera presence,” she said. “My junior year in 2007, I studied abroad in London, and I now credit an entire career in entertainment news, due to Elon helping me acquire an internship abroad.”
Moeller remembers Elon asking her to choose her top three companies she would want to work for in London, and E! Entertainment was her first pick. With Elon’s help, she secured exactly what she’d hoped for.
The initial internship with E! during her London study abroad changed her trajectory for the better.
“I kept in touch with the London office, so when I did Elon’s inaugural ‘Elon in LA’ program in the summer of 2008, I was able to land my second internship at E!,” she explained. “One week after graduation in 2009, I moved back to LA without a job. I hustled and kept in touch with the E! team, getting my first paying gig with them in 2010, working in the international department, all thanks to my first internship in London.”
Moeller made the switch from the international department to the domestic department at E! News and then rose through the ranks, from intern to senior producer. Over her 15 years at E! News, she was nominated for five Emmy Awards, and interviewed people like Steve Carell, Charlize Theron and 50 Cent. She also had the privilege of working on the red carpet at the Oscars and Golden Globes.
“I think one thing that’s gotten me far in this business is realizing celebrities are just normal people too, and they want to be treated that way,” she explained. “When working with and writing scripts for celebs and hosts, I’ve always had success connecting with them on a personal level and not treating them like royalty. They will always feel more comfortable around people who treat them normally and give them honest feedback, good or bad.”
Moeller credits her continued success to strong relationships with her coworkers, interviewees, and former hosts, always keeping in contact with them even after some of their shows had ended.
When reflecting on her favorite experiences so far in her career, she recalls being able to work on one of the biggest pop culture stages as a top moment.
“I recently worked the Golden Globes red carpet this year with our host Keltie Knight, and it was my first time doing a major awards show red carpet; we were positioned right at the limo drop where we saw all the celebs exiting their cars, like George and Amal Clooney, Julia Roberts, and Leslie Mann, to name a few.”
This unforgettable experience solidified for her that she was in the right career.
Another memorable project was producing live coverage for Kobe Bryant’s memorial service in 2020, outside of the Staples Center.
“It was just me, my host Will Marfuggi, and a cameraman. We were reporting live from downtown LA, getting footage and statements of the fans showing up to mourn his death. It was a surreal experience to be in the presence of that historic moment,” she said.
Moeller’s journey at E! News was marked by steady growth in leadership, as she took on a variety of roles throughout her time at the company. When E! News was cancelled in September 2025, she unexpectedly lost her job. However, the strong professional relationships she had built over the years quickly became a source of support and opportunity.
“One meaningful connection I made along the way was with Jerry O’Connell, who at the time was hosting ‘The Talk.’ After our interview, he followed me on Instagram and has been a huge supporter of my career ever since. When E! News was cancelled in September, we went out to lunch to talk through opportunities and strategies. He even reposted my Instagram announcement when I shared that I had landed a new job at Entertainment Tonight,” said Moeller.
Building on her professional network, she transitioned from a freelance role at Entertainment Tonight in October to a full-time position in January of this year. She credits this milestone to her connections and a pivotal, “game-changing” internship in London.
Elon’s top-notch curriculum and amazing professors helped her feel prepared for the real world, knowing she could succeed outside the classroom. Elon’s study abroad center helped many students, including Moeller, afford transformative international experiences. Opening doors to life-changing internships and meaningful global connections while abroad.
Moeller has come a long way through courage and perseverance, and now she works for a nine-time Emmy Award-winning nationwide show.
“This business, especially out in LA, is 100% about who you know, but it’s how good you do that is what keeps you there,” she explained.
“My main advice is to take the internships, do the study abroad, make the connections, and always keep in contact with people and never burn bridges,” she said. “You never know who’s going to end up where and who can help you down the line. And when you’re on top, know that it can always change in an instant, so always be kind to the people below you, as one day you may be working for them.”
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