VOL. 28, NO. 2 - SPRING 2014
Southern Communicator
A Publication of the School of Journalism and Communication
Upcoming School Year Will Bring a New Dean By Elizabeth Camps
Beginning this up-coming school semester, fall 2014, the School of Journalism and Communication will be changing its school dean from Dr. Greg Rumsey to Dr. Linda Potter Crumley, currently on sabbatical and a professor at Southern for ten years. Rumsey was first called to the position of dean when the former dean, Dr. Volker Henning, accepted a position in academic administration. “I was just finishing my doctorate,” said Rumsey. “They tapped me on the shoulder and said, ‘You’re it!’” During his time in the position, Rumsey came to more fully appreciate the faculty team of the School of Journalism and Communication as well as participate in a number of things such as making academic policy, redesigning parts of the curriculum and learning about how the university itself functions. Before coming to Southern, Crumley taught at a community college in Washington State. She has also worked as a technical writer, office manager, grade-school teacher and full-time mother. “It will be interesting to see how these experiences will blend to support the role of dean,” said Crumley. As she steps into the school dean
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“shoes,” she hopes to get plenty of feedback from students as to what students here perceive as strengths in the SJC, what they would like to see changed, and why. Additionally, she plans to listen to what the school is doing well and see what needs adjusting as plans move forward. “We have a strong faculty and a strong focus on excellence, and I Dr. Greg Rumsey, dean of the School of Journalism and Communication, welcomes am grateful to be lead- Dr. Linda Potter Crumley as the new dean starting fall 2014. Photo by Logan Foll ing these people,” said Crumley. “We Rumsey is very pleased with the also have some of the most interest- new selection for school dean and with ing, innovative, and inspiring students Crumley’s willingness to step into the reon campus, and I hope that they will sponsibility. share their dreams and wishes with me.” “She is an accomplished scholar, talCrumley also intends to make use of the ented classroom professor, and a percepnew schedule merger between Southern, tive people-person,” said Rumsey. “Our Southwestern Adventist University and program will be in good hands under her Union College. leadership.” “As the collaboration becomes a possibility, I would like to connect with Elizabeth Camps is a junior mass comtheir people to see how we can make our munications (writing/editing) major programs stronger together and give students more class options,” said Crumley. “There is always so much to learn!”
Curriculum Redesign for the SJC
Annual Research Conference in New Orleans
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SJC Adds Courses, Revamps Majors By Natasha Mirilov The School of Journalism and Communication will see several changes in its curriculum starting fall 2014. The department voted on merging the current two journalism degrees, B.A. journalism and B.A broadcast journalism, into one degree with two tracks. The reason is that this generation of graduates needs to possess a variety of skills, not just emphasize in writing or producing. “Major conversions are going on in the industry,” said Dean Greg Rumsey. “There is not as much difference between what print journalists do and broadcast journalists do as there used to be; they need to be versatile.” By giving students a grounding in both platforms, the department can teach students to be ready for the cur-
rent media world. With this change, new classes are to be added next year. A new Digital Storytelling class will introduce incoming freshmen to still camera photography and video, as well as audio production. The purpose of the class is to give communication majors basic skills in visual and audio storytelling, not just the written story. “Right now we have a class called Writing for the Media, which everybody takes. It teaches the basics of writing in all different media environments,” said Lynelle Ellis, assistant professor. “This is the companion class to that, only it is on the visual and audio storytelling side.” Ellis will teach the class next winter. After comparing the department’s curriculum with other universities’
communication curricula, the SJC department decided that the public relations degree was lacking an in-depth class that teaches students how to think strategically, analyze the environment, troubleshoot and deal with crises, and use social media. A new Public Relations Strategy and Management class will focus on coaching senior level students in the management skills required to lead them to leadership positions. With these changes, the SJC hopes to provide a more in-depth program for incoming freshmen students, which will help them in their transition from student life to the real world. Natasha Mirilov is a senior journalism (broadcasting) major
PRSSA Hosts Eventful Fieldtrip to Southern Living
fices of Southern Living magazine. While at the Southern Progress, On March 14, eager SJC students the publisher of magazines like and Professor Lorraine Ball traveled Southern Living, students were able to to Birmingham, Ala., to visit the of- hear the experiences of different editors. Minds buzzed as students began noticing how young the staff really were. “All the editors are younger than I expected, which gives me hope!” said Shana Michalek, senior graphic design and public relations major. Students realized they could obtain a career in a magazine such as Southern Living when they are young if they strive to keep learning and are open to many jobs. Most of the day was spent around a conference table, listening to stories and experiences from the staff, and students asking many questions that were relevant to their future hopeful careers. “It gave us a glimpse at what it’s PRSSA members and SJC students learn what it takes to like to work at a magazine,” said work for the Southern Living magazine. Photo contributed Michalek. “And for me personally, it’s
By Ashley Gohl
by Arthur Harper
certainly piqued my interest in working in a magazine and confirmed my desire to pursue this area post graduation.” Once the last editor shared his story, the group was given a tour throughout the large building. Students were shocked to see an atrium in the building that had a small creek, tall trees, and picnic tables. And even more shocked–more like pleased–when they visited the kitchens. A chef was available to talk with the students, making them hungry with the mentions of all the tasty treats the next issue would present. After the tour and a short stop for lunch, the students headed back to campus with the latest issue of Southern Living as a souvenir. Ashley Gohl is a senior mass communication (writing/editing) major
Professors Have Dreams, Just Like Students By Katie Henderson When one thinks of authors, they imagine people of great renown, such as Jane Austen, J. R. R. Tolkien or C.S. Lewis. What they often forget to include are their own professors. No one stops to think that professors do more than just hand out assignments. It is not a secret that professors live another life away from their classrooms. Professors were once students who had dreams of their own. For some, it was publishing a book, and for others it was discovering answers to questions they’d long thought about. Professor Kendra Stanton Lee is one of the ambitious professors who has written a book since coming to work at the School of Journalism and Communication in 2011. Inspired by her married life, she started writing her manuscript in 2007 during grad school when she was pregnant with her daughter.
Stanton Lee grew up in an Irish Catholic family, while her husband grew up among Korean immigrants. She wanted to write their story of how she and her husband grew to know Christ, through one another and for their children. With this inspiration, she started to write. Her hope is that those who’ve married into another culture will be able to navigate more easily the differences with the help of her story. She is currently seeking a publisher, but she feels that her experience of trying to get published has made her a better teacher. “I encourage my students to write every day if their goal is to be a writer,” Stanton Lee advised. “Think what could make you a better writer and what can get you there.” Another ambitious professor, Dr. Andy Nash, is also writing again for publication. He is working on a book on Matthew titled, “Save Us Now: Son of David.” It will be published in 2016. He’s
plans to finish the manuscript this summer. While these two professors have been working on publications, Dr. Linda Crumley has been using her time to research how relationships and the Bible interact. She explained that the Bible could be very cryptic because it has to apply to all cultures. Her research is not yet in the talking stage of development, but she is excited to discover the answers to her research. Being a professor isn’t just about grading papers. Our professors at the SJC aspire to be writers, researchers, photographers and so much more. Once upon a time, they were students with dreams. Dreams that still live on today. Katie Henderson is a senior mass communication (writing/editing) major
Proud SJC Moments On Community Service Day, PRSSA and communication majors assisted the Red Cross by handing out fire safety information packets at The Towers, a downtown residential high-rise. Seen bottom right, SJC May graduates, Paige Burnett, public relations major, and Logan Foll, mass communication (photography) major, received the SJC Scholarly Achievement Award and the Award of Excellence in April. Not pictured, but also receiving the Award of Excellence was Amy Vitrano, December 2013 graduate.
PRSSA and communication majors assist the Red Cross on Community Service Day at The Towers. Photo by Logan Foll
Paige Burnett and Logan Foll receive the SJC Achievement Award and the Award of Excellence at Southern’s Senior Banquet. Photo by Greg Rumsey
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SSCA Conference Hosted in New Orleans By David Rumsey
Five students, including myself, and Professors Linda Crumley and Tara Hargrove ventured to New Orleans, La. Wednesday, April 2. The drive was tiring, and we didn’t arrive until after midnight. It was well worth it, though, as the weekend rewarded us with walks along the Mississippi River and all the beignets we could eat. We weren’t in New Orleans for a vacation, but invited to present our research papers at the 24th annual Theodore Cleveland Jr. Undergraduate Honors Conference, a part of the Southern States Communication Dr. Linda Crumley, David Rumsey, Maurice Fider, Jefferson Clark, Kayla Ewert, Anna Bartlett and Professor Tara Hargrove Association’s 84th annual convention. attend the annual Southern States Communication Association convention to present their research papers. Photo contributed by Anna Bartlett Dr. Crumley and Professor Hargrove each chaired and responded to a ses- lowing afternoon. more about what we studied. sion of research papers as well. Friday, Kayla Ewert, senior non It was a great learning experience Thursday was our day to listen profit management and international for all of us. “After listening to all to presentations, and we were all im- studies major, and Anna Bartlett, senior the research at the conference,” said mass communication major, presented Maurice, “I’ve already thought of six their research comparing friendship in or seven other topics that I want to LGBTQ communities and heterosex- research now.” This is a testament to ual communities. Kayla also presented the value of attending research conher ethnography about Korean foreign ferences. exchange students at private universiWe owe a big thanks to the SJC for ties. Jefferson Clark, president of the making this possible. Communication Club and senior public relations and international studies major, David Rumsey is a senior communicapresented his study on societal perception studies major David Rumsey and Maurice Fider present their research about face-to face communication vs. computer-mediated com- tions of the extension of work benefits to city employees munication. Photo contributed by Anna Bartlett and their families. pressed with what we learned. The Maurice Fider, topics being presented were about PRSSA president almost anything–from obesity in the and senior public south to rhetoric on sport and politics. relations major, There were even sessions about new and I presented media and reality TV. Later in the day our research about we mingled with all the conference at- face-to-face comtendees and even got to meet the au- munication versus thor of one of our textbooks! By the computer-mediatend of the day, we all realized that the ed communication. world of research is ever-expanding All of our presentaand there will always be a place for tions went smoothnew studies, including those done by ly, and many of students. those listening to That evening, the professors our research com- Kayla Ewert and Anna Bartlett receive certificates of merit while at the 24th annual prepped and coached us to perfection. plimented us and Theodore Cleveland Jr. Undergradute Honors Conference. Photo contributed by Anna We were ready to present on the fol- wanted to know Bartlett
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MayGraduates PHOTOS COURTESY OF SOUTHERN MEMORIES AND STEPHEN RUF
Name: Anna Marie Bartlett
Name: Kristyn Paige Burnett
Major: Mass CommWriting/Editing (B.S.)
Major: Public Relations (B.S.)
Hometown: Robersonville, NC
Hometown: Hatfield, PA
Name: Charles Michael Cammack
Name: Linksi C. Cherisol
Major: Mass CommNew Media (B.S.)
Major: Mass CommMedia Production (B.S.)
Hometown: Fort Wayne, IN
Hometown: Ooltewah, TN
Name: Andrea Erhart
Name: Logan McKinley Foll
Minor: Public Relations
Major: Mass CommPhotography (B.S.)
Hometown: Derwood, MD
Hometown: Madison, TN
Name: Ashley Christena Gohl
Name: Ryan Alan Haas
Major: Mass CommWriting/Editing (B.S.)
Major: Mass CommPhotography (B.S.)
Hometown: Silverdale, WA
Hometown: Centerville, OH
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Name: Garrison Hayes
Name: Kara Elise Holland
Name: Arleny Popoteur
Name: David Alan Rumsey
Minor: Photography
Major: Public Relations (B.S.)
Major: Public Relations (B.S.)
Major: Communication Studies (B.A.)
Hometown: Atlanta, GA
Hometown: Hilton Head Island, SC
Hometown: Hialeah, FL
Hometown: Charlotte, NC
Name: Raamiah Hupp
Name: Dustin Robert Johnson
Name: Guevara Samson
Minor: Advertising
Major: Mass CommMedia Production (B.S.)
Major: Public Relations (B.S.) PREL
Hometown: Covington, GA
Hometown: Apison, TN
Hometown: Lake Wales, FL
Name: Nicholas Lindsey Scott Johnson
Name: Suzanne Ocsai
Major: Mass CommMedia Production (B.S.)
Minor: Journalism-News Editorial
Hometown: Collegedale, TN
Hometown: Ooltewah, TN
Name: Smirna Paz
Name: Kari Petrelis
Major: Mass CommMedia Production (B.S.)
Minor: Intercultural Communication
Hometown: Gainesville, FL
Hometown: Frederick, MD
Alumni Updates
Emily Hammond, ‘13, just started working full time as a graphic designer at RockTenn Solutions in Chattanooga, designing merchandising displays, signage, etc. for major companies all over the U.S.A. She is learning a lot and loving her job. Omar Lopez-Thismon, ‘12, is currently working as the communications technician at the University of Miami. He works on everything from recruitment videos and promo videos to website content management and digital photography at various events. Omar will also be getting married in December. He thanks God for everything he has been able to do.
Whitney Mitchell, ‘13, has began working with Indianapolis Public Schools at the beginning of January as a special education assistant. She has been a sub in the classroom and generally an extra body for help. She really loves her job. She also works in a fifth grade classroom, mostly with one autistic boy, which gives her genuine experience with special needs kids as she moves into speech therapy. Whitney has aslo been accepted to the Ball State University graduate school, but now she is waiting to hear if she is accepted to their speech language pathology program.
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Terry Benedict Visits With SJC Honors Society By Ashley Gohl
Terry Benedict visited with students in a convocation on March 26 hosted by SJC’s Lambda Pi Eta Kappa Psi honor society. Benedict is a writer, producer and director of films such as: “The Conscientious Objector,” “Painted Hero,” “The Death of Resonable Doubt” and “The Unnamable.” He is currently working with 3AngelsNepal, which deals with human trafficking. When asked about his history in Hollywood and now working with documentaries, Benedict responded, “I wouln’t be able to do what I’m doing today if I hadn’t done what I’d done.” Benedict is passionate about his recent documentary projects.
Terry Benedict, fillmmaker and story teller, answers questions after convocation. Photo by Dr. Greg Rumsey
Terry Benedict, director and producer, speaks to students attending the Lambda Pi Eta Kappa Psi honor society convocation. Photo by Ashley Gohl
Editor : Ashley Gohl
Faculty Advisor : Greg Rumsey
Lorraine Ball David Barasoain Linda Crumley Lynelle Ellis Tara Hargrove Ryan Harrell Pam Harris John Keyes Kendra Stanton Lee Andy Nash Sam Nkana Stephen Ruf Greg Rumsey, dean James Seward Billy Weeks
Faculty
Vol. 28, No.2
southern.edu/journalism
Spring 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