From Runway To Restructure: 5 Shocking Career Pivots Of Brittani Kline, The ANTM Cycle 16 Winner

Brittani Kline, the fiery and unforgettable winner of America's Next Top Model Cycle 16, has engineered one of the most dramatic and successful career transformations in the show's history. While many winners attempt to cling to the high-fashion runway, Kline made a deliberate, strategic pivot, trading in couture for a career in communications and a fulfilling family life, proving that "America's Next Top Model" is just a launchpad, not a destination.

As of late 2024, the former high-fashion model is no longer chasing editorial spreads but is instead applying her sharp intellect and strategic mindset as a communications professional at a major university. Her journey from the small town of Beech Creek, Pennsylvania, to the international runways of Paris, and finally, to the academic halls of Penn State, is a testament to her resilience and her famous on-screen determination, which continues to inspire fans of the reality TV juggernaut.

Brittani Kline: A Full Biography and Profile

Brittani Kline’s profile is defined by a fierce authenticity and a willingness to walk away from the spotlight to pursue a more grounded, sustainable life. Her time on ANTM was marked by a transformative makeover and a controversial, yet iconic, confrontation with the judges, cementing her status as a fan favorite.

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• Full Name: Brittani Autumn Kline
• Date of Birth: May 19, 1991
• Hometown: Beech Creek, Pennsylvania, U.S.
• ANTM Cycle: Cycle 16: "America's Next Top Model: British Invasion" (Winner)
• ANTM Win Date: May 25, 2011
• Modeling Agencies (Post-ANTM): IMG Models (New York), Paragon Model Management (Mexico), Elite Model Management (Milan)
• Education: Bachelor's Degree (Lock Haven University, 2015); Master of Professional Studies in Strategic Communications (Penn State University, 2022)
• Current Career: Strategic Communications Professional at Pennsylvania State University (Penn State)
• Partner: Erik Fetter
• Child: Son, Rowan Hayes (born circa 2017)

The High-Fashion Highs and the Infamous Panel Meltdown

Brittani Kline’s victory in Cycle 16 remains one of the most satisfying for many fans, primarily because she was a high-fashion, "couture" model in a cycle dedicated to the genre. Her portfolio, which included a stunning black-and-white photo shoot and a dramatic portrayal of a fallen angel, consistently put her at the top of the judges’ critiques.

The Moment That Defined Her: The Panel Confrontation

The defining moment of her time on the show was not a photo but a confrontation with the judges. During a panel session, an argument broke out between fellow contestant Alexandria Everett and a stylist over a dress. When Tyra Banks and the judges asked for an explanation, Brittani, known for her outspoken nature, stepped in to defend the stylist and call out Alexandria's behavior. The resulting argument, which saw Brittani raise her voice and momentarily lose her composure, led to Tyra Banks delivering a stern, unforgettable rebuke about respecting the panel.

Despite the "panel meltdown," Brittani's raw passion and honesty ultimately worked in her favor. She was able to regroup, deliver outstanding photos, and beat runner-up Molly O'Connell in the final runway show in Morocco. Her prize included a $100,000 contract with CoverGirl Cosmetics, a contract with IMG Models, and a fashion spread in Vogue Italia and Beauty in Vogue.

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From IMG Model to Strategic Communications Expert: A New Chapter

The modeling world is notoriously demanding and fleeting. For many ANTM winners, the post-show contract is a brief window. Brittani, however, made a conscious decision to prioritize stability, education, and family over the relentless, often unstable, high-fashion lifestyle. This decision is the core of her fresh, modern story.

The Educational Pivot: Master’s Degree and Penn State

After fulfilling her contract duties, Brittani returned home to Pennsylvania and systematically pursued a higher education. She first earned her Bachelor's degree from Lock Haven University in 2015. The most significant and recent update to her career is her successful completion of a Master of Professional Studies in Strategic Communications from Penn State University’s prestigious Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications, graduating in 2022.

This academic achievement was a deliberate move away from the runway. Today, Brittani Kline utilizes her advanced degree in a professional capacity, working within the strategic communications field at Penn State. Her role involves managing and contributing to the university's public image and messaging, a far cry from posing for cameras, but a career that leverages her public speaking skills and her ability to handle pressure. She has been credited on Penn State’s official news sites for her contributions as recently as May and October 2024, confirming her deep integration into her new professional life.

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The Real-Life Riches: Family and Writing Aspirations

While the modeling career was put on the back burner—she still takes on limited, select clients—her personal life flourished. Brittani is a devoted mother to her son, Rowan Hayes, whom she shares with her partner, Erik Fetter. Her son’s birth, around 2017, marked a significant shift in her priorities, leading her to step away from the grueling travel and demanding schedule of full-time modeling.

In addition to her communications work, Brittani has always expressed a profound interest in writing. She has spoken publicly about her desire to become a published author, specifically hoping to write a children’s book series, a memoir, and travel pieces for magazines. This aspiration shows her creative spirit is still very much alive, even if it is channeled into a different medium than modeling.

Brittani Kline’s Legacy: Redefining "Top Model" Success

Brittani Kline’s post-ANTM journey is a powerful case study in redefining success after reality television. She took the exposure, the prize money, and the industry contacts and used them as a springboard for a completely new, stable, and intellectually stimulating career. Her story resonates with fans because it proves that true success is not just about the fleeting fame of a modeling contract but about building a life that is fulfilling on a personal and professional level.

She is an example of a reality TV contestant who successfully transitioned her on-screen determination and outspoken nature into real-world strategic thinking. By earning a Master’s degree and becoming a communications professional, Brittani Kline has secured a legacy far more enduring than any single editorial spread. She is a reminder that the most important pivot in a career is often the one that leads you home, to a life of stability, family, and intellectual growth.