vol. 29, no. 1 - FALL 2014
Southern Communicator
A Publication of the School of Journalism and Communication
Dual Degree Approved in PR and Graphic Design By Ashley Rich
The School of Journalism and Communication (SJC) and the School of Visual Art and Design (SVAD) were approved to add a new blended B.S. degree in public relations and graphic design. It will be offered beginning in Fall 2015. This degree has been talked about for several years according to Linda Crumley, the SJC dean. “We had in mind a particular kind of student as we worked together to determine which courses were most necessary,” Crumley said. For several months Crumley met with Randy Craven, dean of the SVAD, and other faculty members to craft the best possible blend of public relations and graphic design. “If this degree had been offered my freshman or sophomore year, I definitely would have been interested in it,” said Melissa Guth, senior mass communication/advertising major. In the past few years, several students have tried to create their own blend of public relations and graphic design by double majoring in each separately. Senior Shana Michalek plans to graduate with her B.S. in public rela-
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tions and an A.S. in graphic design. “Both of these areas certainly complement each other and will make new grads even more well-rounded,” Michalek said. The new blended program should shave off nearly a semester compared to double majoring. “Public relations professionals who are also skilled in graphic design are in high demand,” Crumley said. “According to [Professor Lorraine] Ball, several interns have had supervisors who have been surprised, relieved, and delighted to find that they have multiple talents.”
The department has already created a hybrid degree between public relations and business administration, which saved students 18 to 19 course hours. “The SJC thinks it is important to listen to what employers and students are saying is needed,” Crumley said. “The new blended degree in public relations and graphic design offers a good base in both areas, with the potential of graduates serving more broadly in the work world.” Ashley Rich is a junior broadcast journalism and public relations major.
Students Attend 25th SAC Convention By Myron Madden
Nine students and three professors represented Southern’s School of Journalism and Communication at the 25th annual Society of Adventist Communicators (SAC) Convention in Jacksonville, Fla., Oct. 16-18. With the closing of the Review and Herald Publishing Association, the Adventist church is in a transitional period that could redefine its approach to
publishing. Students were able to weigh in on topics such as the operations of the Pacific Press Publishing Association, new marketing strategies for the new age and publication on digital platforms. Linda Crumley, dean of the School of Journalism and Communication, said, “This [was] a good place to connect with other people who are a part Continued on page 2
Student Volunteers at Navajo Reservation
Students Re-Design TV Studio
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A Note From the New Dean to Alumni and Parents
Kendall Rittenour Wins Student of the Year in Fla.
By Linda Crumley
By Jessica Anzai
Hello! Dr. Rumsey has decided to return full-time to his first love, teaching, so I am the new dean of SJC. It is exciting to try out a new role in the school Dean Crumley where I have enjoyed being a professor for the past 10 years. With our strong faculty, innovative students, and solid programs, I am honored to serve.
One of the best parts of being a dean is getting to know more students. With that in mind, every few weeks small groups of students sign up for “Dean’s Beans.” I grew up in New Mexico, and beans were our family comfort food. I invite students to share thoughts and dreams over a plate of home-cooked beans and talk about what is happening and what we envision for SJC. Several students wish for a mentoring connection from alumni, even if it is only a “Mentor for a Day.”
25th SAC Convention in Jacksonville, Fla. Continued from page 1 of the conversation, hear what they think, and realize the places where thinking needs to change with the changing times.” Many students took advantage of the opportunity to network with professionals in the communication field. Students and faculty were able to hone their skills by attending workshops led by prominent figures. Two guest speakers were Alva James-Johnson, an award-winning journalist with 30 years of professional writing experience, and Jim Lake, an advertiser who has worked with the Chicago Cubs and Sears. “My favorite was the photography workshop,” said Debbie Hall, junior mass communication/photography major. “I was able to learn from three different people who had different experiences and styles.” “Going to the convention allowed me to network with people I wouldn’t have had the chance to meet otherwise,” said Melissa Guth, senior mass communication/advertising major. Every year, contributions are given by the Southern Union Conference to ensure that Southern students have the opportunity to network. “We believe in our students,”
Danielle Allen, Ashley Rich and Debbie Hall (left to right) sing hymns during song service at the SAC Sabbath School on Oct. 18. Photo by Stephen Ruf.
Steven Norman, editor of the Southern Tidings and communication director for the Southern Union Conference, said. “We believe the future of communication for our church is with our students, so we want to be able to give them every opportunity to be placed [in jobs].” SAC is an organization that allows Seventh-day Adventists in the field of communication to socialize, network, and learn from each other. Myron Madden is a junior journalism and English major.
If you are willing to let a student shadow you at work for a few hours and to talk with them about your job and their goals, please let me know at lindacrumley@southern.edu or contact Janita Herod at jrherod@southern.edu or 423-236-2330. One of us will be glad to connect you. Students also want to learn and grow, and your interest and help can be vital in inspiring or shaping someone’s career. Thank you in advance! Undergraduate research is a hallmark of a quality education and an important part of being a Christian scholar attuned to what the Lord is willing to reveal at this time (Deut. 29:29). Research opens the door for students to enter the scholarly conversation, and our students are engaged! Every year students present at the Undergraduate Honors Conference of the Southern States Communication Association. Although the SJC tries to help with the cost of the trip, we sorely need long-term funding to ensure that each student whose work is accepted has the opportunity to attend the conference and present. Conferences illuminate the fun and usefulness of research as students network with other researchers and encounter new thoughts. We expect student presentations to increase now that we have fully functioning Public Relations (PRSSA) and Honors (Lambda Pi Eta—Kappa Psi) chapters on campus. Dr. Pam Harris’ Mass Media Law and Ethics class is now required to include a legal research project as well. So many things to learn and share! Please encourage our student researchers in their efforts. As the new dean, I look forward to listening and dreaming with SJC students and faculty—and with you! If you have an idea or suggestion that I should hear, please email or make a time when we can talk. I’m listening!
Kendall Rittenour, junior mass communication/photography major, was awarded Student of the Year for his excellence in communication at the Society of Adventist Communicators (SAC) Conference in Jacksonville, Fla. Stephen Ruf, associate professor in the School of Journalism and Communication, nominated him. “If I could choose one person to fulfill a tough photo or video assignment, it would be Kendall,” Ruf wrote in his nomination. “He has a genuine desire to communicate how the Seventh-day Adventist Church is helping alleviate pain and suffering.” Rittenour obtained an internship at Loma Linda University last summer in its office of enrollment. He was able to create promotional videos for the School of Public Health, along with
other short videos that were sent out to various Adventist universities and high schools. “The internship gave me great experience working with real clients and managing projects from the start to finish,” Rittenour said. Rittenour’s Loma Linda promotional video won Best in Class in the category of Student Videography at the SAC conference this October. Rittenour picked up photography at the age of 16. He recently started doing portrait photography, but for the past five years his favorite style has been landscape. “I love to travel and go to different places,” Rittenour said. “I like going to National Parks to explore and hike.” In the fall of 2013 he won first place for Outdoor Photography’s “Focus on Nature” contest, a competition that attracted hundreds of submissions.
Rittenour’s skill in photography led him to video production. In the past two years, Rittenour has shot promotional videos in Guatemala for Amazing Facts and has worked with Water for Life, an organization that drills wells to get clean water. Earlier this spring Rittenour worked with Quiet Hour Ministries in Costa Rica, shooting an episode for its video series “Missions Today,” showing the different outreach and health programs the ministry was doing there. This semester, he is leading a small film team for Strawberry Festival, a documentary project covering the students’ entire year at Southern. Rittenour said he hopes to pursue video production in television after he graduates. Jessica Anzai is a senior public relations major.
Student Volunteers at Native American Reservation By Elizabeth Camps
months as a volunteer on the Navajo Reservation in the southwest United Chris Janetzko, senior mass commuStates. nication/advertising major, spent two “I had heard several stories about the reservation, and it kept sticking at the back of my mind,” Janetzko said. Janetzko helped revive a magazine titled Southwest Native News that would help keep the public informed on the mission work within the reservation. “They were excited to use my talents,” Janetzko said. The magazine had ceased distribution a few years before, and now they called on Janetzko to revive the publication. He was responsible for writing 10 articles on the different ministries and mission locations. After his arrival, Janetzko was sent on a week-and-a-half adventure where he was able to travel all over Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah. He visited the different mission locations on the reservation to search for stories to write Chris Janetzko on the Navajo Reservation. for the magazine. Through these travels he was able Photo contributed by Chris Janetzko.
to see a large majority of the reservation—an area about the size of West Virginia, explained Janetzko. “The magazine was then distributed to the four Seventh-day Adventist conferences that are a part of the Navajo Nation reservation including Arizona, Nevada-Utah, Rocky Mountain, and Texico,” Janetzko explained. Receiving such coverage (reaching approximately 21,000 homes) was a first for the magazine. Janetzko was also given the opportunity to help out with the VBS program for four weeks. Looking back, he said he is grateful to have had this experience. “It was a fantastic way for me to use my communication skills to raise awareness about the largely neglected Navajo people and what the Seventhday Adventist Church is doing to help.” Elizabeth Camps is a senior mass communication/writing-editing major.
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Students Lead Out in TV Studio Redesign By Julia Bonney
The TV studio, home to a weekly student newscast called SAU News, received a makeover earlier this semester. Georgia Standish, senior broadcast journalism major, came up with the idea after working on setdesign at her summer internship in Loma Linda. Standish collaborated with Kendall Rittenour, senior mass communication major, and set the plan in motion. The first step was deciding what direction to take the new design. “We just looked up other TV stations,” says Rittenour. “I looked at tons of different sets and then decided we’d do the Southern colors.” The vision for the new set incorpo- Georgia Standish (left) and Kendall Rittenour (right) paint the TV studio located in the School rated Southern’s colors as well as other of Journalism and Communication. Photos by Stephen Ruf. design elements prominent on campus. Once given the go-ahead, Standish to finish updating the studio, citing a “We also wanted the iconic coland Rittenour spent their Fridays and new desk and carpet as upgrades they evenings working in the studio. The job would like to have. As for now, they involved more than just buying paint are happy with the change. and covering the walls, Ruf said. “I think it makes it look more “First, they brought paint samples professional, a little more modern,” and test strips into the studio and looked Rittenour said. at them not only under the lights, but “[Before], we could have been also on camera. They [evaluated] which anywhere doing a newscast, but now, color tones looked better on camera.” all you have to do is take one look The current redesign was completed at the set, and you know you’re at Professor Lynelle Ellis, left, teaches Timothy in time for Southern to begin filming Southern,” Ruf said. Brass and Clementson Supriyadi studio make- SAU News and other student producJulia Bonney is a sophomore mass communiup techniques on George Nelson, center, for the tions. Both Standish and Rittenour are cation/writing-editing major. multi-camera producation class. hoping future students will take initiative umns and brick buildings to be represented so the backdrops are pictures of Wright Hall and [Florida Hospital Hall],” Standish said. After coming up with a design, Rittenour created a computer mockup. “Kendall is a Photoshop genius,” said Standish, “So he actually mocked up something and that helped us visualize it and make sure it was what we wanted.” The two then presented the idea to Stephen Ruf, associate professor, and he was able to come up with a budget Natasha Mirilov and Ben Lowery prepare for the latest episode of “SAU News” in the newly designed studio. to help them.
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Southern’s TV Studio Through the Years
2002 2005
2009 2010 2012 2013
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December
Graduates PHOTOS COURTESY OF SOUTHERN MEMORIES
Name: Emily Banks
Name: Elizabeth Camps
Major: Mass CommAdvertising (B.S.)
Major: Mass CommWriting/Editing (B.S.)
Hometown: Richmond, Virginia
Hometown: Silver Spring, Maryland
Name: Courtney Cantrell
Name: Maurice Fider
Major: Communication Studies (B.A.)
Major: Public Relations (B.S.)
Hometown: Columbus, Ohio
Hometown: Snellville, Georgia
Name: Nathan Graham
Name: Melissa Guth
Major: Media Technology (A.S.)
Major: Mass CommAdvertising (B.S.)
Hometown: Ooltewah, Tennessee
Hometown: Silver Spring, Maryland
Name: Keith King
Name: Joshua Maloon
Major: Mass CommAdvertising (B.S.)
Major: Comm Studies Intercultural (B.A.)
Hometown: Calhoun, Georgia
Hometown: Scottsdale, Arizona
Name: Natasha Mirilov
Name: Stephanie Roberts
Major: Journalism Broadcasting (B.A.)
Minor: Intercultural Communication
Hometown: Nicosia, Cyprus
Hometown: Sentani, Papua Indonesia
Name: Glenn Wilkins Major: Mass Comm - New Media (B.S.) Hometown: Apopka, Florida
Alumni Updates
Courtney Herod, ’09, joined the Carolina Conference of Seventh-day Adventists as the associate director of communications on Oct. 22, 2014. Herod had two internships in this office after graduating with his B.S. in mass communication, emphasis in photography. Currently, he is almost done with his MBA in marketing and will be finishing his master’s degree in the spring of 2015. Rob York, ’03, who graduated from Southern with a B.S. in mass communication, has completed a master’s degree in Asian Studies at the University of Hawaii (UHM) at Manoa in Honolulu.
York, 34, who spent four years editing and reporting for The Korea Herald in Seoul, wrote his master’s thesis on the South Korean presidential politics and its impact on regulation of the nation’s familyowned conglomerates. He finished with a 4.0 GPA. York will continue at UHM in the coming fall, beginning work on a Ph.D, in the Department of History. He is chief editor of news and features for NKnews.org, a news site monitoring North Korea.
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PRSSA Attends PR Day at University of Tennessee, Knoxville By Avery McKinney Students in Southern’s PRSSA gained a lot of connections within the state of Tennessee by attending PR Day in Knoxville on Nov. 7. Many of the connections were in the music and sports industries. “A lot of diverse people were there in many different fields, so we weren’t tailored to one specific type of PR,” said Jessica Anzai, senior public relations major. “We were able to see a huge variety of what you can do with PR.” Lorraine Ball, associate professor in the School of Journalism and Communication and PRSSA faculty advisor, said that the event featured three different panels of PR professionals whose jobs ranged from the Nashville music industry to the Knoxville airport to the public school system. “It was very structured, and there was a lot of variety, which was great,” Ball said.
Moriah Arterberry, Erica King, Jessica Anzai, and Arthur Harper stand in a hallway of Neyland Stadium at the University of Tennessee. Photo contributed by Jessica Anzai.
Editor : Avery McKinney
Faculty Advisor : Greg Rumsey
Lorraine Ball David Barasoain Linda Crumley, dean Lynelle Ellis Tara Hargrove Ryan Harrell Pam Harris John Keyes Kendra Stanton Lee Andy Nash Sam Nkana Stephen Ruf Greg Rumsey James Seward Billy Weeks
Faculty
Vol. 29, No.1
southern.edu/journalism
Fall 2014
A publication of the School of Journalism and Communication
Southern Communicator
School of Journalism and Communication Southern Adventist University P.O. Box 370 Collegedale, TN 37315