Spring 2021
Terrell Hall:
From Blue Prints to State-of-the-Art Communication Facility Page 10
Terrell Hall is home to the Department of Communication, and its two majors – mass communication and rhetoric. In 2020, the building re-opened to students, staff and faculty after the completion of a $13 million rennovation that included the addition of classroom spaces and state-of-the-art media production studios as well as a backdoor entrance and patio located in the building’s basement. Above, members of the Class of 2021 attend a Senior Celebration event April 12 on Terrell’s patio.
Photo by Mikkel Christensen
What’s inside . . . pp. 6-7
Teaching during a pandemic
pp. 10-11
Terrell Hall’s renovations
pp. 12-13
BMP hosts annual film festival
pp. 18-19
Seniors launch LYNX
pp. 20-21
Prof. Mary Jean Land retires
From the Chair
INTERIM DEPARTMENT CHAIR: Scott Dillard LYNX EDITOR: Christina Smith LYNX COPY EDITOR: Ava Leone CONTENT CONTRIBUTORS Emma Dowlen Andrew Hansen Ava Leone James Kostopoulos Timberly Spikes Noah Stuckless Samuel Tucker Department of Communication Georgia College Terrell Hall, Box #32 Milledgeville, GA 31061
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ON THE COVER
Spring 2021
pp. 22-35
Alumni spotlights
pp. 26-27
Milly’s virtual tours
Terrell Hall:
From Blue Prints to State-of-the-Art Communication Facility Page 10
pp. 38-39
WELCOME TO LYNX, OUR ALUMNI MAGAZINE
Graduating seniors
s interim chair of the Department of Communication, I am pleased to welcome you to the premier issue of LYNX. This project is an example of the kinds of hands-on work that we in the department pride ourselves on providing for our students. This is a wonderful opportunity for our students in journalism to use their skills to produce a high-quality publication that you will hopefully find entertaining and informative. I know that many of you know that a few years ago the mass communication major and the rhetoric major came together to form the new Department of Communication. Both majors still exist but are now housed together. This allows for students to come to one place on campus to study all areas of communication studies. It also allows for the two majors to collaborate more closely and easily. One of the first collaborations of the two majors resulted in the creation of a Certificate in Documentary Studies. As the two majors came together, we were also pleased to be moved into Terrell Hall. The building, which started its life as a dormitory, has been fully renovated to accommodate the needs of the diverse department. Inside the building you will find new television and radio studios, labs and classrooms designed for the work that each area of the department carries out. We hope that someday soon (when this pandemic is over, and all is safe) you will come visit us to take a look at our new building. Of course, when you visit, we would love to spend some time with you. Until then, please enjoy this issue of LYNX. Scott Dillard Professor of Rhetoric Interim Chair Department of Communication
Design by Ava Leone 4 LYNX 2021
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATION 5
With COVID-19 pandemic safety protocols, including smaller class sizes and face masks, in place for the 2020-21 academic year, Professor Meridith Styer teaches the fundamentals of small-group communication to her rhetoric students. Photos by Noah Stuckless
THE SHOW MUST GO ON
COVID-19 changes teaching and learning strategies for communication faculty and students By Noah Stuckless
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he first email arrived to the faculty on March 10. It was from Georgia College President Steve Dorman. He wrote: “Dear Campus Community: With Spring Break approaching, many of us will be taking a well-deserved break from campus. We continue to monitor the Coronavirus outbreak very carefully and want everyone to be safe and healthy upon their return to campus.” The beaches. The mountains. The family. GC students and faculty were looking forward to the traditional mid-semester spring break holiday. And then another email came. It was March 12. Dorman wrote: “Dear Colleagues: Pursuant to the USG’s directive earlier today, and effective Monday, March 16, 2020, Georgia College will temporarily suspend instruction for two weeks to allow time for university faculty and staff to finalize their business continuity plans and online instruction modules. State officials will continue to assess the current situation regarding coronavirus (COVID-19) in Georgia. 6 LYNX 2021
Students are being asked to depart campus by the end of the day on Friday, March 13 and to remain away from campus until March 29. At this time, students are not being asked to move out of their residence halls for the remainder of the semester. Georgia College will accommodate students who are unable to leave campus. Please check our website for the latest information as well as the USG’s website. Additional information will be posted as this situation continues to unfold.” And then Dorman sent the email March 13 that changed the trajectory of the remaining school year. He wrote: “Dear Colleagues: We just received guidance from the University System of Georgia that Georgia College, along with other institutions in the system, will move to online instruction for all courses for the remainder of the semester. This situation is very fluid and evolving rapidly. More information will be released with additional details as soon as possible.” For students and faculty of the Department of Communication, those moments of uncertainty during the spring 2020 semester stirred a wide range of emotions. “I felt a lot of fear at the beginning. It’s scary to watch the
news and see all of the deaths around the world, it certainly distracts you from teaching,” said Professor James Schiffman, who teaches mass communication courses. Julie Bolt, a senior rhetoric major, also recalled having mixed feelings about the remaining spring 2020 term. “I wasn’t necessarily scared, I was more worried about what school was going to look like. I knew I was going to miss face-to-face interactions. I had a lot of questions, but looking back now it ended up a lot different than I expected,” Bolt said in early spring 2021. As students transitioned into the online format, many felt panicked as they tried to learn via Zoom or WebEx. For some students, though, it was an opportunity to appreciate their time in Milledgeville and enjoy the slower-paced lifestyle that COVID forced upon the world. “COVID made me slow down and truly spend time with the people around me,” recalled senior mass communication Tucker Davis during the spring 2021 semester. “I got to spend more time at the house and with my family and friends. (COVID-19) has made me appreciate my last year in college.” Along with students, professors also had to quickly adapt to the changing instructional format and tailor their classes to be taught “fully at a distance.” “One of the biggest surprises to me is that I like online teaching,” said Schiffman.“When the announcement (school cancellation) was made I was prepared. I use the school’s online resources heavily, so I felt that I was well equipped to teach classes well.” Uncertainty continued for faculty and students through summer 2020. Would classes be on campus? Would they be online? Would students be allowed to return to dorms and school clubs? As the fall 2020 term approached news revealed that GC would re-open for face-to-face teaching with heavy safety protocols in place to protect faculty, staff and students from the spread of COVID-19. However, for some professors who needed additional safety protocols, there was the opportunity to teach virtually. As campus reopened, faculty and students entered classrooms equipped with limited seating, sanitization stations and plexiglass dividers. Anyone entering a campus building had to wear a face covering. “Campus felt almost dead in a way,” Davis said. “It felt like everyone was gone for the summer, there weren’t people rushing to their classes or playing frisbee on front campus. It was kind of sad.” Despite being on campus for face-face classes, the Department of Communication was still greatly impacted by the changes in teaching and learning caused by COVID-19 because many of the classes rely on face-to-face interaction for hands-on learning. “I don’t think this is what anyone envisioned their senior year looking like,” Bolt said. “It’s been hard not being able to go to my teacher’s office hours and sit with them face-toface to get help on assignments. I am thankful for Zoom but
would much rather have spent the year with my professors in real life.” For Professor Meredith Styer the changes have surprised her. “I’ve been amazed at how everyone is able to roll with the punches,” Styer, who teaches rhetoric classes, said. “I teach with a “high-flex” model, which means I have had to build the flexibility of a world-class gymnast into my teaching. There is no research out there about teaching during a pandemic, so we have had to develop ways to be good, flexible and responsive in the face of this many unknowns.” But despite all the challenges that COVID-19 has presented for academia, the department welcomed a major change in the past year – the transition to Terrell Hall, which was officially reopened in February 2020 after receiving a $13 million makeover. “We are excited to be able to start using the facilities again in the future. We have state-of-the-art labs, tech rooms and facilities that we will be able to start using next semester,” Scott Dillard, interim chair of the Department of Communication, said. Dillard added, “We will continue with some COVID restrictions, but ultimately we are excited to see how Terrel hall’s new renovations will continue to strengthen our program.”
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATION 7
THE PERFECT UNION
RHETORIC AND MASS COMMUNICATION MAJORS BLEND TO CREATE DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATION By James Kostopoulos
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he merger of the rhetoric and mass communication majors is a perfect match for the future of Georgia College’s Department of Communication. Earlier this year, Interim Chair Scott Dillard, professor of rhetoric, eagerly discussed the merger. “Three to four years ago a number of things aligned,” Dillard said. “The English Department’s chair was retiring, (administration) had decided to renovate Terrell Hall and the dean at the time called me into his office. He proposed that we break off from English . . . merge with mass communication and become the Department of Communication and all of us move into this building.” So, after a few years of planning and discussions, GC’s Department of Communication was founded in 2017. The department currently has about 15 faculty and staff and serves about 380 students. Dillard said the union is advantageous on multiple levels, including providing students with the opportunity to broaden their educational scopes. “Oftentimes, in the rhetoric classes, a majority of the students are mass communication majors,” Dillard said. The sentiment was shared by GC’s College of Arts and Sciences Dean Eric Tenbus. “Rhetoric is the core of advertising, marketing and public relations. If students are getting rhetoric worked in, they will be getting a broader education,” said Tenbus during a Zoom interview in early March. Prior to the merge, mass communication was a single-major program within the Department of English, Speech and Journalism. The program became the De8 LYNX 2021
MEET THE DEPARTMENT Jamie Downing Assistant Professor, Advisor to Lambda Pi Eta
Faculty and Staff of the Department of Communication
Jamie Downing earned her Ph.D. in communication studies at the University of Nebraska. She teaches the fundamentals of public speaking and small group communication. Angela Criscoe Assistant Professor, Mass Communication Coordinator, Advisor to BMP Angela Criscoe received her M.F.A. in film and television at Savannah College of Art & Design. She teaches multimedia storytelling, documentary filmmaking, digital media production, electronic editing, senior career development and internships. Evelina Galova-Iossoifov Media Lab Coordinator, Advisor to WGUR
Photo and illustration by James Kostopoulos
partment of Mass Communication in 2006. Rhetoric offered a major in the Department of English, Speech and Journalism before joining forces with the Department of Mass Communication. The blending of the two programs seemed like a good fit for several reasons, Dillard said, including the shared appreciation for helping students become strong verbal and written communicators. “To have really good writers who understand persuasion, who use argument and who use evidence to back up those arguments, it is sort of the fundamentals of writing,” said Tenbus. Professor Jan Hoffman agreed. Hoffman, who teaches rhetoric classes, said, “It was truly a great example of perfect synergy between two disciplines and two different areas of communication that, I think, will serve everyone well, our students in particular.”
Evelina Galova-Iossifov received her B.A. in broadcast orientation from Georgia College. She oversees the department’s equipment lab and leads numerous equipment and software editing workshops. James Schiffman Associate Professor, Advisor to GC360 James Schiffman received his Ph.D. from Georgia State University in communication. He teaches senior career development, introduction to business journalism, shooting for news and comparative international media systems. Mary Jean Land Emeritus Faculty
Bill Burke Lecturer, Advisor to The Colonnade
Mikkel Christensen Assistant Professor
Bill Burke earned his M.A. in journalism and public affairs from American University. He teaches media law and ethics and professional media writing.
Mikkel Christensen received his Ph.D. at the University of Missouri. He teaches mass communication theory and research, advanced strategic writing and crisis communication.
Scott Dillard Interim Department Chair, Professor, Rhetoric Coordinator
Barbara Fleming Administrative Assistant
Scott Dillard received his Ph.D. in speech communication from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale. He teaches performance studies, performance of poetry and voice of the public speaker.
Barbara Fleming earned her B.A. in biology at Chaminade University. She provides role support to the department chair and faculty with administrative tasks and event planning.
Jan Hoffmann Professor
Amanda Respess Senior Lecturer
Janet Hoffmann received her Ph.D. at the University of Washington in speech communication. She teaches public deliberation, public speaking, public achievement, persuasion, parliamentary debate, classical communication theory, small group communication, and interpersonal communication.
Amanda Respess earned her M.A. in integrated marketing communication from Emerson College. She teaches media design, advanced strategic writing, strategic media planning, senior career development and sex in advertising.
Christina Smith Assistant Professor Christina Smith earned her Ph.D. in mass communications at the University of Iowa. She teaches professional media writing, advocacy journalism, feature writing and enterprise journalism.
Rhetoric Mass Communication Administration
Meridith Styer Assistant Professor Meridith Styer received her Ph.D. in rhetoric and political culture at the University of Maryland. She teaches rhetorical theory and methods, public address, feminist rhetoric and argumentation. Benjamin “Chad” Whittle Lecturer Chad Whittle earned his Ph.D. at the University of Southern Mississippi. He teaches media literacy, radio operations and media management. DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATION 9
TERRELL HALL
FROM BLUE PRINTS TO STATE-OF-THE-ART COMMUNICATION FACILITY By Ava Leone
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Photos by Ava Leone
10 LYNX 2021
rom green screens to viewing labs to collaboration spaces, students in the Department of Communication are finally enjoying the luxuries of Terrell Hall’s recent major upgrades. Thanks to a $13.3 million renovation, the department’s nearly 380 mass communication and rhetoric majors are now equipped with cutting-edge technology, including an approximately $800,000 broadcast studio, according to information provided by University Architect & Director of Facilities Planning Micahel Rickenbacker, and are surrounded by the historic building’s restored architecture, including its original wood floors and 18-foot ceilings. Terrell Hall, built in 1908, originally operated as a dormitory for the Georgia State College for Women. As the academic institution expanded, the front-campus building became home to a variety of academic programs, including the foreign languages and mass communication departments. Renovation design of the building officially began in January 2017, and GC President Steve Dorman officially acknowledged the building’s re-opening during a ribbon-cutting ceremony in February 2020. But because of the emergency closure of campus in March 2020 and the COVID-19 safety protocols in place during the fall 2020 and spring 2021 terms, Terrell Hall has had limited use. Due to the vast changes made to the building, Terrell Hall now houses faculty and staff offices, classrooms and the department’s student media groups – GC360, The Colonnade, WGUR and Bobcat Media Productions. If you’re ever in the area, stop by and look around the stunning building. For those of you who recall Terrell Hall’s baby blue walls and green carpet, you won’t be disappointed in the new digs.
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATION 11
AND THE WINNER IS...? Student media organization resumes annual film festival By Timberly Spikes
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obcat Media Productions held its second annual Bobcat Film Festival in April to showcase the works of Georgia’s high school and collegiate filmmakers. This year’s film festival was held entirely via Zoom due to the ongoing pandemic. “The first year we were able to come together and have lunch together and have collaboration and talking and an awards ceremony,” Assistant Professor Angela Criscoe, who teaches mass communication courses at Georgia College and is the advisor to Bobcat Media Productions, said prior to this year’s film festival. “There are so many things that have happened to us physically, emotionally, mentally and so the stories will be somewhat unique from what we have seen in the past.” Organizers said BMP’s annual film festival, which was previously known as the Middle Georgia Film Festival, is more than just submissions and awards – it’s a way for students to connect, network and showcase their skills. “This is a great way to get your work out there,” Megan Newsome, a senior mass communication major and Bobcat Media Production’s president, said earlier this spring. Although the annual festival is open to high school and college students, there are separate award ceremonies for each grade level with four categories up for grabs in both divisions: 1. Best editing 2. Best cinematography 3. Best screenplay 4. Fan favorite In addition to the awards, filmmakers are also able to screen their productions for a live audience. Criscoe said events like the Bobcat Film Festival are also useful because they create an opportunity for high school and college students to learn more about GC’s Department of Communication and the broader Bobcat campus. “This is how we recruit high school students to come to Georgia College,” Criscoe said. “In those conversations
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between high schoolers and college students, there is a lot of learning that can happen.” Only submissions created May 2019 through March 2021 were considered for this year’s festival. Films eligible for awards were judged by a panel, with the exception of fan favorite, which was selected via audience vote. Due to LYNX’s printing schedule, a list of the 29 submissions and award winners were not available for this publication. For more information, including film submissions and award announcements, please visit filmfree.com/ BobcatFimFestival.
Photos show the growing popularity of the Bobcat Film Festival, formerly known as the Middle Georgia Film Festival. The 2021 festival was held online due to the ongoing pandemic, but Professor Angela Criscoe, adviser to Bobcat Media Productions, said she anticipates the festival to return to its standard in-person event in spring 2022.
Photos submitted
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATION 13
GC BREAKS GROUND FOR NEW BUILDING Integrated Science Complex set for fall 2021 opening
– stating his expectation that the building would foster additional support for the school’s science programs. “I am delighted to break ground on our new Integrated fter more than a decade of planning, Georgia College’s Science Complex,” Dorman was quoted saying in a press renew Integrated Science Complex, located at the corner lease provided by the school. “This will greatly expand upon of N. Wilkinson and W. Montgomery streets, is expected to our existing strengths in our science programs at Georgia be hustling and bustling with students, faculty and staff in College and provide our students and faculty members with fall 2021. While the new facility is just one of several recent state-of-the-art facilities focused on science, technology multi-million-dollar infrastructure projects to be completand research.” ed on GC’s campus in recent years, it is the first in years in The process for building a new science building on the which a building has been constructed from the ground up. GC campus dates back to 2011. Professor Ken McGill, preDirt work on the $22.1 million building started in vious head of the Chemistry and Physics Department, is credFebruary 2020 with GC President Steve Dorman ceremoited with the initial idea to construct a new science building niously digging the first scoop of soil. At the time, Dorman across from Herty Hall, which has housed the various science expressed hope for the future of GC’s science departments departments for years, in what was previously a campus parking lot. Professor Indiren Pillay, the current head of the Biology and Environmental Science Department, said he and McGill worked countless hours with university administrators to get the project rolling and completed. “In 2011, after I arrived at GC as department chair, it was fairly obvious that Herty Hall was already at capacity,” Pillay said in an email earlier this spring. “Fortunately, President Dorman was equally aware of our space limitations in Herty soon after he arrived. This allowed us to continue the conversation and develop a proposal for increasing and reporting space more efficiently.” The new Integrated Science Complex will primarily house the chemistry and biology programs, with the physics program remaining in Beeson Hall, which was renovated in 2018. Herty Hall will continue to be used for some science classes and labs for non-major science courses as well remain home to the school’s Natural History Museum. Faculty and administrators said one of the highlights of the new Integrated Science Complex will be the larger, collaborative research spaces for faculty members. The research spaces will be separate from teaching labs for science courses and will allow faculty to conduct fieldwork for their research projects. Professor Chavonda Mills, head of GC’s Chemistry and Physics Department, said she is excited about the potential for integrated Construction details for the complex are posted on the building site. collaboration between science departments Photos and graphic by Samuel Tucker on campus. By Samuel Tucker
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“We’re looking for that innovation and inter-disciplinary collaborations to happen, and we’re hoping that by moving to this new location it will help foster and advance those efforts,” Mills said in a Zoom meeting. Another anticipated aspect of the new building is the glass panel in the building’s entrance area. The glass panel, which is highly visible from outside of the building, will display various scientific works and projects from students and faculty across the different disciplines within the science departments. GC students are also looking forward to the completion of the building. Freshman Carter Lillis said he is especially excited about having a state-of-the-art facility to help with the difficulty of STEM courses. “My experience with being a STEM major has been difficult, as STEM classes are more difficult without handson experience,” Lillis said. “I’m looking forward to getting the newest lab equipment possible to help with learning and research.” DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATION 15
OH, WHAT A SIGHT!
Faces change, but campus traditions remain
Despite the ongoing pandemic, Bobcats have continued to explore and appreciate the beautiful Georgia College campus during the 2020-21 academic year. These photos capture the spirit of the campus, founded in 1889. The institution serves nearly 6,000 ungraduate students, employs hundreds of faculty and staff and offers an ambiance that blends history with the modern era. Photos by Timberly Spikes, Jayli Harris and Nadirah Mayweather
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATION 17
Emma Dowlen, 22, Atlanta Andrew Hansen, 22, Marietta
James Kostopoulos, 22, Tucker Ava Leone, 21, Augusta
Student of Professor Christina Smith’s enterprise journalism senior capstone class are, from left to right, Andrew Hansen, Samuel Tuckker, Ava Leone, James Kostopoulos, Timberly Spikes, Emma Dowlen, and Noah Stuckless. Photos by Ava Leone
IN THE CLASSROOM
SENIORS ROUND OUT CAREER WITH LAUNCH OF MAGAZINE By Samuel Tucker
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he enterprise journalism senior capstone class of spring 2021 hopes you are enjoying the premiere issue of LYNX – the Department of Communication’s Alumni Magazine. During the spring 2021 semester, under the direction and vision of Professor Christina Smith, seven enterprise capstone students reported, wrote, photographed, digitally recorded, designed and paginated content for alumni to learn about the department’s current mass communication and rhetoric programs, students and faculty as well as to walk down memory lane as they peruse images and stories of former favorite locations and classmates. The band of seven enterprise journalism capstone students is the first class to take advantage of Terrell Hall’s state-of-the art classrooms since the facility was re-opened in spring 18 LYNX 2021
2020. And after dedicating 16 weeks of production to the magazine, the students are wiped out but grateful for the opportunity to develop and apply the journalistic skills they’ve acquired over the past several years as mass communication majors at GC. As they rounded out their final few days as Bobcats, they paused for a moment to reflect on their experiences as mass communication students as well as what they look forward to post-graduation and beyond. Here’s what they had to say: What do you wish to pursue in the future with the skills you’ve gained? Emma: I would love to pursue a career in the public relations field. James: I would like to have an exotic tree farm one day and hopefully use my skills to build a platform for the hobby
of mine. Andrew: My goal is to become an NBA beat writer, and what I have learned in my journalism classes has helped me understand what it means to be a journalist. I would have never realized I wanted to pursue this career if it weren’t for my time studying communication. Ava: In the future, I plan to work in the nonprofit field and hope to create sustainable policy change to better serve communities. Right now, I plan to work with a nonprofit through AmeriCorps, and in my mid 20’s I plan to attend grad school! Timberly: My goal is to become a multi-media news producer. I got to work as the producer for GC360, and it fueled my passion for even more. I got to learn firsthand how to write scripts for news.
Timberly Spikes, 26, Milledgeville Samuel Tucker, 22, Marietta
Noah Stuckless, 23, Vidalia Noah: I hope to pursue a career in the educational field. I plan on using the skills I’ve gained in mass communication courses to help better communicate with staff and students. Samuel: This fall, I will be attending Mercer Law School in Macon, Georgia. I hope to become a lawyer.
Describe your best experience in the department of communication. Emma: My favorite experience would have to be serving our PRSSA chapter as the Director of PR. It pushed me out of my comfort zone, allowed me to make connections within the Depart
ment of Communication and gain experience in ways I never thought I would in college. James: It’s given me the ability to meet and interview people who aren’t always recognized for their work. SENIORS continued on page 45 DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATION 19
Prof. Mary Jean Land
FACE OF GC COMMUNICATION RETIRES AFTER 37 YEARS
age of 23 after she obtained her master’s degree in mass communication and public relations from the University rofessor Mary Jean Land strolled the Georgia College of Georgia. When she arrived, she recalled, the mass campus for nearly four decades. Under her leadership, communication department didn’t exist, so she took a position as an English professor. the Department of Communication blossomed in 2017 from a mere thought on paper into the current program Later, Land decided to develop a journalism major. It chock full of hands-on opportunities for aspiring commu- started with three classes, but she was determined to offer nication professionals. students more robust learning options. With extensive In the mid-2000s, Land spearheaded the effort to planning and heavy lifting, Land pushed for the develconvert the mass communication major into the Departopment of three communication concentrations: mass ment of Mass Communication. She would then go on in communication, telecommunication and public relations. 2017 to help merge the mass communication and rhetoIt was in 2008 that Land was appointed to serve as the ric majors into the Department of Communication. chair of the Department of Mass Communication – in After serving 37 years as a faculty member to hundreds of proud Bobcats and alongside dozens of inspiring large part because of her consistent efforts to develop a thriving program and a desire to help create an inclusive colleagues, Land finally hung up her academic robe and officially retired before the start of the 2020-21 academic environment for students and faculty. “The last 10 years I realized I needed to help everyschool year. body. Helping people become successful is just such a “One of the best things about the job is keeping up with all the alumni. I like to see all the students who grad- good feeling,” Land said. Land never settled for mediocracy or complacency. uate; they’ll always be students in my eyes,” Land said Always thinking ahead, just as quickly as she established during a virtual interview in early 2021. the Department of Mass Communication, she immediateFor Land, student prospects were always at the forely began planning for the department’s future by advocatfront of her actions. Even into retirement, she continues ing for the renovation of Terrell Hall. to keep up with the graduates and their families. “Her legacy is in the renovation of Terrell Hall,” Morgan Simpson, a recent mass communication Professor Angela Criscoe, who teaches digital media alumna, remembered Land’s attentiveness inside and production courses, said. “(Land) worked persistently to outside of the classroom to her students. ensure Terrell Hall served the students and faculty in all “Dr. Land was always so helpful. I had her for theory our academic and technology needs.” and research; she made sure we understood the material In 2020, Land saw the completion of the $13 million and carried out the research properly,” Simpson (MSCM, renovations to Terrell Hall, home of the department she 2020) recalled. founded, including state-of-the-art media studios and The longtime communication professor acknowlinnovative classroom spaces. edged much of her success to her dedicated faculty, but Nearly seven months after her retirement, Land also to her family. From a young age, Land was surroundsaid she remains grateful for the opportunity to have ed by driven, hard-working women. Land grew up in an helped students connect with their passions for comall-female household with four sisters and attended an municating. Despite her official 2020 retirement, she all-female undergraduate college. Growing up in that remains connected to the GC community as an emerienvironment, she said, gave her the confidence to earn tus faculty member. her higher-education degrees, which ultimately allowed “I loved Georgia College,” she said. “I loved working her to excell at GC and lead in multiple capacities. here. I loved mass comm. Your opportunities, the possiDuring her undergraduate years, Land studied bilities are just endless with mass communication.” English with a journalism minor. She came to GC at the
Story and photo by Ava Leone
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“
THE LAST 10 YEARS I REALIZED I NEEDED TO HELP EVERYBODY. HELPING PEOPLE BECOME SUCCESSFUL IS JUST SUCH A GOOD FEELING. -MARY JEAN LAND
”
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATION 21
MSCM STAR STUDENT SHINES IN CHATTANOOGA Angela Moryan fulfills lifelong dream of working in broadcast sports
her childhood dream. In 2020, though, practically everything she knew about sports broadcasting changed. While Moryan reached numerous career milestones in ngela Moryan grew up dreaming about being a sportscaster, and she did everything she could to make sure she 2020, she also met several challenges. With the sports world completely turned upside down due to the COVID-19 panbecame one. Since graduating from Georgia College, Moryan (MSCM, demic, Moryan made the decision to expand her reporting skills to cover issues and people outside of sports. 2016) has been living out “2020 was nuts,” Moryan said. With live sports at a standstill, Moryan was on the scene providing coverage of sports briefs, the pandemic updates, Chattanooga’s April 13, 2020, devastating tornado damage, and later in the spring, the city’s social justice protests. “A couple of months after (the city’s catastrophic storm) we had protests, and I covered that,” Moryan said during a Zoom interview held earlier this year. “Most of Chattanooga’s (protests) were peaceful, except, of course, the night I covered (a protest).” That night, Moryan recalled, was the night the city was filled with teargas. “I was on the cover of the newspaper. They have a picture of me holding my camera with everybody running around me and (teargas) looming all around us,” she said as her hands moved expressively during the interview. Despite the challenges of 2020, Moryan remains grateful for opportunities.
By Emma Dowlen
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“I am very blessed to have kept my job and kept the salary that I was making,” Moryan said. Moryan was born into and raised by a military family, which means she has hometowns all across the United States. However, she considers Peachtree City, Georgia, home. It was primarily Moryan’s love of Georgia that kept her in the state as she pursued her lifelong passion of journalism at the collegiate level. “I chose Georgia College because I love the campus,” Moryan said. “It was close to home, and it just felt like the right fit.” She continued, “I always wanted to be a journalist whether that was news or sports. I was always intrigued by journalism. When I was picking colleges, I knew that I wanted to be a sports broadcaster. I was trying to pick a place where I could learn that.” While attending GC, Moryan constantly worked on her reporting and writing skills. “I did a little bit of everything at Georgia College,” Moryan recalled. During her years as a journalism student, Moryan worked as the entertainment and sports editor for The Colonnade, hosted a WGUR weekly radio show, operated as the sports anchor for GC360 and served as the Sports Information Assistant for GC’s Athletic Department. Her continuous work during her four years as a Bobcat paid off. In 2017, Moryan was presented with the Mass Communication Star Student Award, an annual honor voted on by department faculty. She was also the recipient of the 2017 College of Arts and Sciences Medallion, an award given annually to seniors with superior academic achievement along with outstanding accomplishments both on- and off-campus. She concluded her GC career graduating Summa Cum Laude and Valedictorian of the December 2016 class. Upon graduating, Moryan took her reporting skills to WNBF in Myrtle Beach to work as a part-time production assistant – giving her the momentum she needed to get her foot in the door in the broadcast industry. That part-time job eventually helped her land her current role as the weekend sports reporter at News 12 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. For the past three years, Moryan has covered everything from the NFL Super Bowl to two Peach Bowls to more SEC sporting events than she can count. Last year, she earned second-place honors for the Sports Anchor of the Year Award and won an Associated Press Award in the enterprise category for one of her news feature articles. Moryan’s work often reaches audiences beyond Tennessee, with several of her journalistic pieces featured on SportsCenter, MaxPreps, TikTok, ESPN and multiple CBS networks. “I have had my stories syndicated on big stations,” she said. “I captured a piece of video when our team lost, and the winning team was consoling our team that was upset, and it went viral.” When Moryan is not reporting, she focuses her energy
on her second passion: photography. In May 2020, she launched her photography business in which she prides herself on capturing high school seniors and families in some of their happiest moments. “I did pretty well last year for my first year, so that is something I am just getting off the ground,” she said. “I guess you could classify me as a business owner, too.” Moryan also spends a lot of time outdoors biking and hiking – something she used to do frequently while living in Milledgeville. “We have our own version of The Greenway here called The Riverwalk that is miles and miles of trails by the river,” she said. In three years, Moryan has proven to herself and her family that she is capable of accomplishing anything Photos submitted she puts her mind to. As a child, she dreamed of being a reporter on the NFL sidelines. Today, she’s living that dream. MORYAN continued on page 45
Moryan proudly holds the title of most Twitter followers out of everybody at News 12. To see her viral video, any sport update or just keep up with Moryan, scan the QR code below.
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATION 23
PATRICK GAMBLE: RHETORIC MAJOR LEAVES MARK ON GC THROUGH THUNDER CREW By James Kostopoulos
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atrick Gamble was thrilled to join the Georgia College community. He wanted to make an impact. And he did. In 2008, Gamble transferred from Kennesaw State University to GC. Filled with a desire to spread school pride and attract attention to GC’s stellar basketball teams, Gamble quickly started on a mission to influence Bobcat Nation. “I was super excited for all the leadership opportunities GCSU had, and for my first basketball game. I went to my first game and there were not a ton of people there. The attendance was low, and it wasn’t how I expected it to be,” Gamble recalled. “I started talking to (Student Government Association), Tom Miles and a lot of the GC leadership. I started to think about what brings students to larger schools’ basketball games. I wanted to try and replicate that stuff to bring students to basketball, which led to the Thunder Crew.” Gamble’s passion to pump up the blue and green spirit on campus led to the GCSU Thunder Crew initiative, an organization dedicated to ramping up excitement inside and outside of the school’s sports arenas. Gamble graduated from GC with a B.A. in rhetoric and a minor in marketing, and he said he is grateful to the professors and advisors who helped him get his education. “Your college experience can be however you make it. You can take as much as you can or as little as you can. You can go as fast as you can or as slow,” he said in early 2021 through a Zoom interview. Gamble said his experience working to build a stronger 24 LYNX 2021
Photos submitted
tion. The position provided him event marketing and administrative communication experience with a nonprofit – expanding Gamble’s marketing skills. Eventually, Gamble was laid off and change was required. “Every time I got laid off, it was actually a ‘best case scenario,’” he said. After two years at Fidelity and with Pepsi’s Arby’s branch, Gamble, again, was forced to change careers. “I want to be surprised daily by things that I do, and that has always stuck with me because eventually, at the end of the story, it is what I have gotten to do,” he said. Despite the ups and downs, Gamble always strives to work hard – much like he did while he championed GC sports. In 2018, Gamble and his wife moved to Manhattan, New York, where he began working as the Pepsi Media Manager for Bubly and Life Water. Through his current gig, Gamble works with NFL stars like Calvin Ridley and Mike Evans and musical celebrities like Cardi B. Nearly a decade after graduating, Gamble remains grateful to his professors and fellow classmates. His advice for young Bobcats boils down to making goals for oneself. “It is important to think about objectives being from a short-term and a long-term perspective,” Gamble said. “So, short-term, what I want to be accomplishing now in my own personal life and then (longterm) what I want to be accomplishing, to benefit or to change the surroundings that I have.”
SHARPEN YOUR FOCUS fanbase among GC students for their fellow athletes also helped prepare him for a career in marketing. Now, a current brand engagement manager for Pepsi in Manhattan, New York, Gamble said he has had his fair share of career challenges since graduating. After graduating in 2011, Gamble received an internship opportunity at Points of Light, a teen mentoring organiza-
News you can trust.
bobcatmultimedia.com DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATION 25
PUSHING FORWARD PAST LIFE’S CHALLENGES
In addition to raising a family together, Allison and his wife, Lindsey, also co-own, and operate, a wedding event venue business. Allison admits that life was definitely challenging for him after graduating from GC. He moved to North Carolina the same weekend of graduation. He learned that in order to succeed, his work required long hours and traveling. He also had to learn how to balance life and work. Allison said life is not predictable and it’s important to push forward despite the challenges. “It’s okay to fail, especially since our world is through a social media lens. We always see the good, but at the end of the day, we’re all people,” Allison said. “Failure isn’t the end, and people usually have a bad taste in their mouth when they think of failure. Just fail fast and keep moving on.”
Alex Allison balances family and career after Georgia College
By Samuel Tucker
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ife is unpredictable. And Georgia College alumnus Alex Allison knows that all too well. After graduating from GC in 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in rhetoric, Allison (RHET, 2013) swiftly found a job in Charlotte, North Carolina, and began working for Camp Star, a small software company that has since been acquired by Siemens. In the eight years since he graduated from GC, he has been able to learn and develop his professional life as well as start a family and become a father to two children. “If I look back eight years ago from when I was coming out of Georgia College, I don’t think I would’ve dreamed in my wildest imagination that I would be doing what I’m doing today and where I’m at,” Allison said via a Zoom interview earlier this year. Allison was born and raised in Snellville, Georgia, where he graduated from Providence Christian Academy. When it came time to make a decision for school, he said he wanted to make sure he could find a school that would help him graduate in four years with little to no debt. He contemplated a variety of schools but ultimately chose GC after a campus tour. “The reason I really liked Georgia College was because
I went on a campus tour and fell in love with the campus. I loved it. It was beautiful. The day I went, it was gorgeous, not like the dog days of summer or a cold rainy day. The front campus was awesome, and all the people I engaged with were great,” Allison recalled. Looking back on his first few years at GC, Allison remembers starting at GC as an undecided major who wasn’t quite sure what he wanted to pursue for the rest of his life. It wasn’t until he took a rhetoric class in his sophomore year that he finally realized the importance of quality communication skills and how they could translate into a lifelong passion. “I loved the concept of rhetoric, and I loved using speech persuasively. I realized that everybody needs to persuade people,” Allison said. “Everybody has to convince someone of something, and I decided that it was super useful and a natural choice (for my major).” Allison didn’t simply learn life-changing communication skills for a career; his degree path changed his life. “I met my wife in a rhetoric class. It was in a communication and organization class where she sat in front of me. We ended up dating through senior year of college and eventually, we got married. Now we have a little boy and another one on the way,” Allison said.
Allison’s professional headshot for Siemens.
Scan here for a Q&A with Alex Allison.
Alex Allison represents Georgia College (left photo) on a study abroad trip to Israel. Allison is all smiles the day he ran for Mr. Georgia College (right photo).
Photos submitted
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Allison and his wife, Lindsey, posing for an engagement photo. DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATION 27
REWRITING HER SCRIPT
Felicia Cummings credits GC with helping her find her calling By Timberly Spikes
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elicia Cummings was a theatre major when she enrolled at Georgia College. In fact, she wanted to be a playwright. “I came to Georgia College because they had a really good theatre program,” said Cummings (RHET, 2001) via a virtual meeting. “What I wanted to do was be a famous playwright and movie writer.” But her plans evolved when she began taking classes at GC. “I saw that theatre had more to do with performing on stage,” said Cummings. It was during her sophomore year that Cummings decided to explore other majors. “I asked myself what could I do to put my performance skills to good use, as well as my written skills,” recalled Cummings. “That’s when I looked into doing mass comm.” Ultimately, Cummings, a native of Wilkinson County, decided to withdraw from the theatre program and major in English while minoring in mass communication. She recalled feeling that she’d found the right combination to nurse her passion for writing, and she credits her educators for fostering her love for telling other people’s stories. After graduating in 2001 from GC, Cummings returned to Wilkinson County High School and worked as a journalism teacher to help inspire youths to follow their dreams and expand their knowledge of media. “When they heard journalism, they only thought about newspapers. They didn’t think about broadcast news, they didn’t think about public relations,” shared Cummings. “(The class) got so big that they had to make my class a four-level class because kids wanted to come back and learn more about mass communication.” In 2012, Cummings decided it was time for a career change. She moved to Milledgeville to become a general assignment and education reporter for the Union-Recorder newspaper. Eventually, another career calling came for Cummings – public relations. For the past 15 years, Cummings has worked in public relations, a career she’s loved. A career she’s built up through her work with the Milledgeville Police Department, the City of Milledgeville and the Wilkinson County Extension Office. “The most challenging part is multi-tasking, and so many times (events) are not planned,” shared Cummings. “You cannot plan a car accident. You cannot plan a death. These things happen and you have to keep moving.”
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Currently, Cummings is the school and community relations coordinator for the Baldwin County School District, which includes Milledgeville and serves about 5,200 enrolled students. “I always feel like there are not enough hours in the day for me,” she said. “It’s a challenge for most PR reps.” Although her career in public relations has proven to have its ups and downs, Cummings said she is up for the challenges. And her talents don’t go unnoticed. She has received several awards and recognitions over the years for her public relations work. “I would say my biggest milestone was receiving the Jefferson Award for public service,” Cummings said, “but when you work in the public fields, you don’t do it for the accolades.” Cummings won the award in 2017, presented to her by the WXGA broadcast news team. Jefferson Awards, which are now awarded by Multiplying Good, formerly the Jefferson Awards Foundation, are given to individuals who go above and beyond for the communities around them. The awards were founded in 1972 by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Senator Robert Taft Jr. and Sam Beard. To date, nearly 63,000 Jefferson Awards have been given to people like Cummings who are considered “unsung heroes” in their communities. Cummings expressed she is grateful that her contributions to the Middle Georgia area are making a difference. She also attributes GC for preparing her for the world on the other side of the pergola. Her advice to current students, specifically those interested in media-related fields, is to be brave. Although she is unsure what the next chapter holds for her, Cummings never stops dreaming. Until then, Cummings said she is honored to continue serving the Baldwin County community. “At Georgia College I learned what I need to know to prepare me for life,” Cummings said. “Don’t be afraid to take a risk. A lot of my careers have been about taking risks.”
Photos submitted
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATION 29
IMPROVING ONE LIFE AT A TIME Jessica Ward uses rhetoric skills to build rapport with students in front of people. Ward recalled being terrified but did it wo students walked into Jessica Ward’s office at the University of Indianapolis one cold winter day during the anyway. Through that spring semester and thanked her for her impact on their lives. experience, Ward said, she connected with Helping students is what Ward (RHET, 2005) lives for. “To be able to hear that you’ve made an impact on some- former Professor Amy Burt, who convinced one, that is my biggest accomplishment,” Ward said. Ward was born and raised in Fort Valley, Georgia, about her to become a rhetoric major. She learned 30 minutes south of Macon. She attended a private high school in Macon and was an exceptional softball player. Ward she was capable of way said she loved playing softball, but school was not something more than she originally thought. she particularly enjoyed. Eventually, Ward won a partial “I talk to my staff scholarship to Auburn University to play softball, and in her mind, she thought she would take that route. But an innocent all the time about the Pygmalion effect,” visit to Georgia College changed her life. Ward said during a Zoom interview. “Basically, the higher “Some of my friends went for a day visit at Georgia Colthe expectations the higher the output. I wouldn’t be in the lege,” Ward said. “That was an opportunity for me to not be career I’m in today if it hadn’t been for my experience at in school that day, so I went with them. When I went on that Georgia College.” campus visit, I was like, I think I need to go here.” Ward now recalls she disliked high school because she Ward came to GC in 2001 and had no idea what she never felt engaged, and GC flipped that switch for wanted to study. She was initially a special educaher. She became a resident assistant during her tion major but realized she was not cut out for last year at GC for Adams Hall and realized that field. In her first semester as a special she could get paid to hang out with college education major, she shadowed students students. That started her career in higher in the classroom. She recalled a little boy education. Since graduating with her who fell ill and passed away – an experiB.A., Ward earned an M.S. in higher ence that broke her. education administration from Kansas Communication would turn out University in 2008 and a Ph.D. in leadto be Jessica’s calling. She just didn’t ership in higher education from Indiana know it, yet. State in 2019. During her freshman year, Ward Currently, Ward is the senior associjoined Gamma Sigma Sigma and got ate dean of students/Title IX coordinator at involved with Students in Free Enterprise the University of Indianapolis. She credited because the organization needed an outgoGC for her success. ing freshman with the ability speak eloquently By Andrew Hansen
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“I think (GC) actually made me into the person I am today,” Ward said. “One of the best decisions I ever made was to be a rhetoric major.” Ward said her rhetoric experience helps her every day as she works with students. Specifically, she said, interpersonal communication helps her build trust with students and faculty. And public speaking is part of her routine duties. “I never knew I was good at public speaking because I never gave myself the shot,” Ward said. “You just have to face your fears.” Ward is a first-generation college student, so she holds that close to her heart. In addition, she and her wife, whom she met at Kansas University, along with their two dogs, are building their dream home in Indianapolis, Indiana. While she doesn’t know what the future holds for her career, Ward added she has toyed with the idea of someday becoming a vice president of student affairs at a university. Surrounded by awards in her office, Ward remains humble, and GC instilled that humility. She said, “It doesn’t matter how many awards you have; it matters how people remember you.”
Photos submitted
Scan the QR code to listen to Jessica Ward. DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATION 31
SIMONE JAMESON 32 LYNX 2021
Scan here to watch Jameson’s broadcasts.
Photo submitted
TWO CUPS OF JOE AND BREAKING NEWS Simone Jameson succeeds as broadcast journalist By Ava Leone
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ach morning, Simone Jameson repeats the mantra: “It’s going to be a great day. My stories are going to come together.” At 3 p.m., she checks her video footage, writes a script, readies her microphone, goes live on television and thinks back to her mantra from earlier in the day. “It’s a super-fast-paced industry, and you have to be flexible, because if your story’s not coming together, you have to let your team know so they can put you on something else,” Jameson said. “But the most rewarding part of my job is getting to tell the stories of people that otherwise
would be voiceless.” For Jameson (MSCM, 2010), on-site reporting is her favorite way to inform and empower citizens on the latest news in Columbia, South Carolina. She sets the bar high for her colleagues as she works countless hours to pitch and execute video packages for local and breaking news at WACH FOX57. Aside from her empowering mantra, Jameson said two cups of morning coffee give her daily drive, but serving her community is her prime motivator. “Telling the stories that otherwise would not be told if I wasn’t a voice – it’s rewarding,” Jameson said. “Some people who I interview, they’re so grateful. Afterwards,
they’re like, ‘you telling my story, it helped my business’ or ‘you telling my story, it helped bring our families some closure.’ So, I feel like that’s the most rewarding part of my job.” In high school, Jameson’s family and friends noticed her curious, talkative nature and encouraged her to consider studying mass communication. She always loved watching the news, so she took the advice and declared herself as a mass communication major at Georgia College where she quickly fell in love with content creation. “My favorite part of my time at Georgia College was taking part in International Day with some of my international friends and eating and trying different kinds of foods and learning about some of the cultures of the students. It’s a very fun memory,” Jameson said via a Zoom interview in early February. While at GC, Jameson co-hosted a radio show with a friend she met through the organization and created the radio personality, Moni J., through whom she interviewed subjects and exchanged stories about music, news and pop culture with on-air guests. Jameson also dabbled in news and served as a producer for GCTV, now known as GC360. After graduating, Jameson attended Elon University and obtained her M.A. in interactive media. She landed her first job as a marketing content developer but decided public relations wasn’t for her and switched career paths. Breaking into the news
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industry was challenging, and she found herself serving as a substitute teacher and a DJ before she landed in the television industry. Jameson’s mentor, Jaquitta Williams at WSB in Atlanta, recommended she create a broadcast reel highlighting her talent, and her advice paid off. Now, Jameson specializes in breaking impactful news stories with integrity and can often be found conducting MOS, or man-on-the-street, interviews in Columbia. “As a reporter, I’m somebody who digs deeper and somebody who will not give up,” Jameson said. “My favorite quality about myself is my ability to connect with people – to empathize and put myself in their shoes, and above all else, my ‘bulldog’ level of persistence.” Jameson said she hopes to work for a news organization at the national level. Her dream is to become “the next Oprah Winfrey” and host her own talk show to offer insight into tough topics, like crime and racism, through the stories of exceptional people. With enough persistence, and a killer mantra, Jameson knows she can accomplish her greatest goals, and she encourages others to do the same. “Believe in yourself and in your talents. Develop your own style, your own voice. And don’t let anybody tell you that it’s wrong,” Jameson said. “You have to reassure yourself that you will get that job, that interview, and will be successful. And nobody’s going to tell you differently.”
BELIEVE IN YOURSELF AND IN YOUR TALENTS. DEVELOP YOUR OWN STYLE, YOUR OWN VOICE. AND DON’T LET ANYBODY TELL YOU THAT IT’S WRONG. -Simone Jameson
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATION 33
BOBCAT FINDS SUCCESS IN REAL ESTATE
Ben Owens credits GC experiences for achievements By Noah Stuckless
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rom the first day of move-in to the last walk under the pergola, Georgia College is a place of growth, learning and friendship. For many alumni, GC holds a special place in their lives long after receiving their diplomas. Ben Owens is one of those alumni. “My college experience at GC felt like it was one of those you would see in a movie,” said Owens (MSCM, 2011). “Everyone was so close, and I felt like I had classes with all of my best friends.” Owens grew up in Alpharetta, Georgia, where he graduated in 2007 from Chattahoochee High School. “When I was looking through colleges to attend, Georgia College really just stood out more than the others,” said Owens during a phone interview in February. “When I think of what I miss the most, one of the things that comes to mind is the restaurants, especially Kuroshima.” The scenery, comradery and city life that Milledgeville offered drew Owens to GC, but the imprint professors left on him in his classes made him stay. While at GC, Owens said many professors taught and mentored him to be the professional he is today. Among his most adored professors was Ginger Carter Miller, former professor of mass communication. Owens graduated from GC with a double concentration in public relations and advertising. Upon graduating, Owens began an internship with Allied Integrated Marketing in Atlanta, Georgia. He helped the company with marketing and advertising. With time, Owens moved on to work with Home Depot as a public relations manager in its corporate offices in Atlanta – a job he held for 34 LYNX 2021
career pathway. “Communication, in and of itself, is one of the most important things in the world,” Owens said. Owens said he hopes to continue his success in the real estate business going forward, despite the impact of COVID-19 on the economy. As for advice he offers to young people, especially current GC students, Owens’s words are simple: “Enjoy it while it lasts. College flies by, and it’s one of the most fun times of your life. Make the most of it.”
Photo submitted
about two years. Today, Owens is proudly working in real estate, where he is a licensed realtor with Atlanta Fine Homes. “I was always interested in public relations, housing and real estate,” Owens said.
Owens was able to find the best of both worlds with Atlanta Fine Homes as a licensed realtor. The skills he learned – including interpersonal communication, business management and writing – while at GC have been invaluable to his DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATION 35
Andalusia Farm One of Milledgeville’s most notable former residents is Flannery O’Conner. The award-winning author made her home in Milledgeville in the late 1930s. It was in Milledgeville where she put pen to paper and wrote her legendary short stories, including “A Good Man is Hard to Find” and “Good Country People.” O’Conner died Aug. 3, 1964, and her family farm, Andalusia, was donated to O’Conner’s alma mater, Georgia College, in 2017. The residence was converted into a museum and serves as one of Milledgeville’s main attractions – bringing people from all over the country to experience the history behind O’Conner’s life and literary works.
KEEPING MILLY CLOSE: VIRTUAL TOURS OFFER GC ALUMNI IMMEDIATE CONNECTION By Emma Dowlen and Noah Stuckless
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o matter how far alumni might be from Georgia College and its backyard – Milledgeville – former students can remain connected to the place they once called home. During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Milledgeville-Baldwin County Convention & Visitors Bureau launched a virtual tour program to promote and preserve the history of the former state capitol. The resource features virtual tours of some of the city’s most historic sites. Here are brief introductions to three of Milledgeville’s most notable places:
Memory Hill Cemetery Established in 1810, Memory Hill Cemetery provides a historic look into the past for anyone willing to walk its aged paths. Nestled on the southern side of Milledgeville, Memory Hill is a beautiful and historical landmark for the city, as well as the state of Georgia, as it is considered to be the second oldest cemetery in the state. With gravesites that belong to famed author Flannery O’Conner and U.S. Congressman Carl Vinson, many Milledgeville legends find their final resting place on these hallowed grounds. Photos by Emma Dowlen
Old Governor’s Mansion The Old Governor’s Mansion is a Milledgeville and GC staple, playing host to many events like Greek formals, university banquets and community tours. Milledgeville served as the previous capitol of Georgia before the new capitol, Atlanta, was established. The Governor’s Mansion has been around for well over 100 years and is now a museum that provides rich historic insight into Georgia’s past, including several of its governors’ lifestyles. Students can physically tour the historic site for free, while there is a $10 admission fee for community members and other tourists.
To learn more about the virtual tours, scan the QR code on this page with your phone’s camera or visit https://www.visitmilledgeville.org.
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATION 37
2020 2021
A LIFETIME OF MEMORIES Julie Bolt Rhetoric, Spring 2021 “Being a part of the Department of Communication at Georgia College has been the highlight of my college career. Over the years, I have been able to form bonds with professors that not only value my education as a student but care to know me as an individual. It has been so special to have this community rally around me! I can’t imagine having had any other major.”
CELEBRATING
Mass Communication, Fall 2020 Collier, Chris Echaverria, Isabella Farley, Vanessa Stephanie Giuliano, Erin Elizabeth James, Catherine Rose King, Connor Eurgene Starnes, Lilia Lynn Terry, Jaquelyne Denise Rhetoric, Fall 2020 Kennedy, Abigail Grace Tafoya, Ellen Jane Rhetoric, Spring 2021 Bolt, Julie Mignon Davis, Rachel Patricia Mader, Makenah Paide McAllister, Lauren Elizabeth Starks, Alexandria Elicia-Marie Mass Communication, Spring 2021 Ambrose, Mallory Brynn Andrews, Michael Anthony Barr, Catherine Grace Bratescu, Isobel Rhian Childers, Grayson Keila Collins, Shanbriel O’Daysha Cox, Lainie Amelia Davis, Tucker James Davison, Brinton Alexander Dismuke, Katherine Merritt Dowlen, Emma Kelly 38 LYNX 2021
THE CLASSES OF 2020-2021 Erickson, Cassidy Joy Fletcher, Dylan Gagnon, Gaige Brenden Gardner, Adrienne Tierria Geise, Sarah Catherine Girault, Ana Paula Mejorada Glaze, Austin Dale Greene, Noah Anthony Halliday, Nick Hansen, Andrew Peter Harris, Jayli Mikaila-Marie Hearn, Caroline Michelle Hollstein, Parker Burton Jacobs, Sarah Grace Johnson, Evelyn Jane Kauffman, Christopher W. King, Michaella Bailey Kostopolous, James Andreas Kuhen, Nicole Joy Lako, Emma Mae Layne, Molly Marie Lee, William Herndon Leone, Ava Nicole Lord, Caroline Theresa Lucas, Karlie Reece Maddox, Kristen Nicole Martin, Haley Ruby Mathews, Brittany Markim Mastrototaro, Daniel William McGiboney, Lila Kathryn Miles, Madison Neeley, Katelyn Marie Newsome, Megan Josephine
Panosian, Cara Lea Park, Amelia Frances Parry, Emma Grace Paul, Luke Vernon Pelosi, Joseph Murray Pierce, Daniel Russell Pitts, Carter Ryan Poskevich, Emma Kaitlyn Richardson, Taylor Marie Sbat, Evan Michael Schell, Lila Faye Schipper, Kirsten Anne Scott, Kirsten Danielle Scroggs, Garrett Lee Shackleford, Meghan McKenzie Shealy, Mary Martin Shooter, Kaley Isabel Simon, Kiernan Sueanne Spikes, Timberly Calandra Stallings, Sarah Elise Stapleton, Erin Cassidy Stroud, Christian Conner Stroup, Ford Samuel Stuckless, Noah Thomas Sulek, Clara Hope Swann, Jessica Lynn Thompson, Rachel E. Tucker, Samuel Edward Vivas, Daniella Alexandra Wampler, Elizabeth Ann Wildes, Hannah Rae Wooton, Ashley Carol Yones, Gladly Angela Yurchukonis, Lauren Alexandra
Evan Sbat Mass Communication, Spring 2021 “The Department of Communication at Georgia College and State University has done some amazing things for me. It has given me the opportunity to try out several different career pathways in journalism, PR/marketing and digital media production. Being a part of this department has opened so many doors for me and given me a chance to express my creative side – that’s why I love being a mass communication major!”
Emma Lako Mass Communication, Spring 2021 “The Department of Communication has done so many good things for me. The faculty, students and mentors have molded me into a leader that is confident in my abilities. I look forward to moving into the next chapter of my life with the lessons I have learned at Georgia College.”
5 FASCINATING FACTS ABOUT THE CLASS OF 2021 1. They have never lived in a world without Harry Potter. 2. They are as old as “Who Want’s to be a Millionaire?,” “Family Guy,” and “Spongebob Squarepants.” 3. When they were born printing out Mapquest was a way of life. 4. They have never had to deal with the horror of over-texting charges. 5. Back then, New England sports teams were in the midst of a serious championship drought. Source: BU Today DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATION 39
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ALUMNI NEWS
ditor’s note: Our alumni have accomplished great personal and professional milestones over the years. These next few pages highlight some of those updates. If you have news/photos you’d like to share with the department to be included in an upcoming issue of LYNX, please scan the QR code below to fill out a short survey.
through ‘Panoram Tours,’ where they orchestrate wine & culture tours to Argentina.
Katelyn Hebert Elliott (MSCM, 2011) works as an account manager for Crabb Radermacher.
Danielle Paperno (MSCM, 2009) works as a warranty administrator and social media manager at Hendrick Automotive Group. Her main focus is to build the store’s brand. In addition, she writes articles for the company-wide newsletter.
Benjamin Elliott (MSCM, 2011) works as a multimedia developer at Emory Saint Joseph’s Hospital.
Christopher Adamczyk (RHET, 2009) works as an assistant professor of speech and rhetoric at State University of New York at Farmingdale. Sara Sellers (MSCM, 2009) works as a senior specialist for U.S. Network Communications at Habitat for Humanity International. She recieved her Master of Public Administration from Georgia State University in 2018 and celebrated 11 years at Habitat for Humanity International in September 2020.
2010s 2000s
Brittni Adams (MSCM, 2010) completed a graduate studies program in nonprofit management and social enterpreMacrae Brennan-Fuller (RHET, 2006) works as a manager neurship and started her own business, Whitby Handbags. of marketing and communicatons at Alliant Health Solutions. Currently she works as a creative projects manager for Passion City Church/Passion Publishing/Passion Conferences Demetrius L. Nelson (RHET, 2006) is a seventh grade where she helps plan events for 200,000+ college students. math teacher for Gwinnett County Public Schools. Jena Simonds Dunham (MSCM, 2007) is the vice presidnet of brand marketing for EarthLink. Sarah Buckley (MSCM, 2007) recently joined Georgia Humanities as an assistant director of development. She is the first fundraising staff member in the organization’s 50-year history. Jason Long (MSCM, 2008) is a customer success manager at LockaliQ. Angelina Cebrian (MSCM, 2008) left a Fortune 500 company to work with her husband, Mariano, on his business Panoram. Their company focuses on sharing the unique culture of Argentina through wine, food and travel. This is done through three company divisions: ‘Panoram Imports,’ where they import boutique wine from Argentina; through ‘Panoram Asados,’ where they provide a premium catered Argentine Asado Experience in your home or event venue (they’ve been featured on Cooking Channel’s “Man Fire Food,” and in various publications); and finally 40 40 LYNX LYNX 2021 2021
ALUMNI NEWS
Corinne Burstein (MSCM, 2010) works as a ninja (guest service) leader for Sixthman. Sixthman creates music and special interest festivals at sea and on land.
Sophie Robertson (MSCM, 2012) works as a digital communications manager at Serta Simmons Bedding. Callen Womack Moore (MSCM, 2012) works as a public relations officer for Walton County School District. In fall of 2020, Callen was named to the National School Public Relations Association’s fifth class of 35 Under 35. Simone Williams (MSCM, 2012) works as a media and public relations leader for Better Business Bureau.
Scorsese feature film, on loaction in Oklahoma, based on the book “Killers of the Flower Moon.”
Haley Eby Lowe (MSCM, 2012) is the director of sales agents for Stark Carpet Corporation.
Michael Cornwall (MSCM, 2014) got engaged January of 2020 to Julia, a Bobcat alumna. They are planning a June 2021wedding in Greece.
Aubrie Sofala (MSCM, 2012) started a new role with Emory University in the Department Advancement and Alumni Engagement. Aubrie serves on the content and creative strategy team as the associate director of digital content. Graham Williams (RHET, 2013) works as a director of new location expansion for Madewell Concrete. Graham is thankful for Georgia College and the Department of Communication. Vanessa Whited (MSCM, 2013) is an account manager with KWI Communications. Vanessa leads a team of writers, content managers and consultants on a Chick-fil-A account where, in which the team helps with the strategy and development of internal and external communications. Nicholas Jacob Widener (MSCM, 2013) has worked for his high school alma mater, Woodward Academy, for almost six years as the director of film studies. In addition, Nicholas coaches cross country and track, and his first photography book will be published next month.
Anne Beatrice (MSCM, 2014) recently joined a social impact startup helping over 1,000 of women to access digital work across Africa, Asia and South America to be able to finance education and entrepreneurship. Kayla Delcoure (MSCM, 2014) works as an human resources coordinator at Ware2Go. Benedict Esposito (MSCM, 2015) is a media specialist at The Archdiocese of Atlanta. Tara Spirou (MSCM, 2015) works as a digital content specialist at the Latin School of Chicago.
Socialize With Us
Harrison Kone (RHET, 2013) published his first military thriller novel, “Saber Down.” Kirsten Cornay (MSCM, 2014) wrapped up filming “Top Gun Maverick” in 2019, and is now working on a Martin DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATION 41
ALUMNI NEWS
Nick Burgess (MSCM, 2014) works as assistant vice president and manages social media marketing for Truist Financial Corp.
Haley Brannan (RHET, 2016) is an art teacher for grades 6-8 at Henderson Middle School. In addition, Haley directed the One Act Play for two years.
Haley Bogan (MSCM, 2014) works as a content marketing manager at Alpha Comm Enterprise.
Abigail Murphy (MSCM, 2016) owns her own social media marketing business.
Bethan Mingle (MSCM, 2014) works as a content marketing manager at RZIM. Bethan fell in love with the career path which involves storytelling, writing and copy editing.
Angela Moryan (MSCM, 2016) works as a sports anchor/ reporter for WDEF News 12 (CBS Chattanooga).
Michael Gillett (MSCM, 2015) works as a video specialist at Georgia College. Michael and his wife Leah are expecting their first child in August of 2021. Clint Burkett (RHET, 2015) is the associate pastor at Bridge Church. He and his wife are expecting their first child. Kara Demkowski (RHET, 2015) works as a speech-language pathologist at McKenna Farms Therapy Services. She is getting married this fall. Mark Moughamian (MSCM, 2015) works as an editor/producer and voice over coordinator for Motivated Marketing. Jobie Peeples Shields (MSCM, 2015) works as a public affairs coordinator at Georgia Military College. She recently had a baby. Grace Forbes (MSCM, 2015) works as a senior manager and media technologist for 360i. Grace was recently promoted to a managerial role.
Layne Newman Philips (MSCM, 2016) completed her first year as a public information officer with the City of Statesboro. Chloe Crosby (MSCM, 2016) is the owner of GloBody by Chloe and works in freelance marketing for local businesses. Derek Roberts (MSCM, 2016) is a 10th-grade English teacher. In addition, Derek was recently accepted into KSU’s MAT English program. Chandler Price (MSCM, 2016) has been with Visit Macon as a marketing manager for almost five years. He and his fiancé are planning for an October wedding. Emily Ward (MSCM, 2016) works as a general sales manager for Entercom. Amanda P Norris (MSCM, 2016) works as a budding arts administator. Niki Norby (MSCM, 2016) is a media specialist at Berkeley Lake Elementary School. Niki is working at the elementary school she went to as a child. Rebecca Winn (MSCM, 2016) is a communications specialist at Cox Automotive. Bailey Beckham (MSCM, 2017) is an associate brand manager for Astral Brands/COSMEDIX. Tyler Tracy (RHET, 2017) is an account sales manager for Form-On. Tyler is very excited about being an adult. Michelle Dubin (MSCM, 2017) recently was promoted to social media manager at Tombow USA. Kady Johnston (MSCM, 2018) has worked for Envision Communications for the last two years and was recently
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promoted. Kady primarily works with clients in the hematology and oncology space, which means she mainly works with companies looking to roll out or promote new cancer fighting drugs for diseases like HCC.
Keri Davis West (MSCM, 2018) works as a talent sourcing specialist for Farmers Insurance. Carolyn McDuffie (MSCM, 2018) works as a public information officer at Habersham County. Ryan Sokolowski (MSCM, 2016) works as a marketing specialist for One Ring Networks. Sean Montgomery (MSCM, 2018) works as a public relations and social media specialist at the University of Georgia. Sean currently writes for NASCAR.com and recently signed a Motorsport photograpghy contract with Spacesuit Media. Hallie Swift (MSCM, 2018) is a self-employed social media manager. Caroline Olesen (RHET, 2018) works as a public relations and communications manager for Outfit International A/S.
Clara Toburen Rooks (MSCM, 2019) is a marketing communications manager at Explore Gwinnett (Gwinnett Convention and Visitors Bureau). Chase Lindsey (RHET, 2019) works as a credit manager at Farmers Home Furniture.
Brendan Borders (MSCM, 2019) works as a photojournalist at ABC 33/40 WBMA. Brendan is still building his profolio and reel while loving every moment of it. Meredith Lawrence (RHET, 2019) works at a small healthcare company as the director of marketing and business development. Sarah Bergin (RHET, 2019) works as an outreach and social media coordininator for AmeriCorps VISTA at KSU Campus Awareness, Resource & Empowerment Services. Sarah is in the midst of her law school application. She is going to be a lawyer in 2024! Steven Walters (MSCM, 2019) works as a communications specialist for UPS. In addition, Steven volunteered on the communications teams for the Chick-fil-a Peach Bowl and the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum’s for their induction ceremony.
lose yourself in the clutter.
Emaleigh Fleeman (MSCM, 2019) works as a college adviser at UGA, Georgia College Advising Corps, Americorps Service Member, Social Circle High School. DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATION 43
ALUMNI NEWS 2020s
Amy Lynn McDonald (MSCM, 2020) is a communications coordinator for National Day of Prayer Task Force. Megan Diefenbach (MSCM/RHET, 2020) works as an event marketing specialist at Techtronic Industries (TTi). Amanda Smoltz (MSCM, 2020) is getting her Masters of Christian Leadership and working for Buckhead church. Amanda runs the church’s social media and helps with the creative side of the ministry. Sydney Sims (MSCM, 2020) is a marketing content specialist at Adcock Furniture & Design. In addition, Sydney has grown her personal TikTok to a following of 28,000 and over 1 million likes. Ruby Zimmerman (RHET, 2020) works as a staff
assistant to Congressman David Scott for the U.S. House of Representatives. Morgan Simpson (MSCM, 2020) recently accepted her first job as a staff writer for Venice Gondolier Sun in Florida. Monica Klinkmueller (MSCM, 2020) works as a marketing coordinator for Blue Cypress Consulting. Abby Kennedy (RHET, 2020) works as a content specialist for Lianne Cornell Marketing. Taylor Blackwell (MSCM/RHET, 2020) works as community relations and game day operations manager for Ignite Sports. Lacey Cummings (MSCM, 2020) works as a tourism, marketing and special events coordinator for Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce.
SENIORS continued from page 19 Andrew: I have loved my undergrad experience with the Department of Communication. I have had some great experiences with classes and professors that will help me as I move along into the next chapter of my life.
be on the scene and gathering information on the spot.
Ava: I met some of my best friends through GC student media and gained valuable professional and personal connections that I wouldn’t trade for the world. I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to get hands-on experience outside the classroom with people I love! One of my favorite memories is working on GC360 packages with my good pal, Anagha Ramakrishnan. Aside from the hours of work we dedicated to the station, we always found moments of joy or were quick to joke around when issues popped up with our script or video footage. Last semester, Anagha and I reported live for the elections. We spent hours practicing our reporter voices in the mirror only to be interrupted by laughter. I firmly believe people are what matter most in the world, and I am so thankful to have met so many wonderful people, like Anagha, in the Department of Communication.
Emma: Get involved as much as you can. There are so many incredible opportunities GC offers. Those years go by faster than you think, so take advantage of every second!
Timberly: Working with GC360! I got to work with an amazing team, meet some awesome people and gain real-world experience. It has also helped with my leadership skills. Noah: The relationships I have built with my professors. Samuel: My best experience in the Department of Communication had to be covering breaking news. Whether it was a shooting off-campus or COVID-19, it was really exciting to
What is one piece of advice you would give your freshman self?
James: You can’t eat too many Toll House cookies and go watch “The Wire.” Andrew: Take advantage of your time at GC because it’s over in the blink of an eye. Ava: Nothing good ever comes easy. Creating consistent and planned working time reaps more benefits than working hard all the time. Timberly: Learn to take time for yourself. Your mental health means more than a temporary grade. Noah: It will all work out in the end. Just have fun! Samuel: Find your Alec DuBois in your first year. Of course, he is the friend you will meet your last semester here only to wish you had met him on the first day of class. Go out and talk to people, you’re a reporter.
MORYAN continued from page 23
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Moryan understands the work ethic required to become a sportscaster. Her advice for young journalists is to do everything and get involved early. “When I say do everything, I made the mistake of thinking in the confines of Georgia College, but there are so many opportunities in Milledgeville that you do not realize. That is the one thing I regret not doing in college so that I already had that experience on my resume,” she said. And while Moryan loves covering sports and news in Chattanooga, her ambitions, like so many other broadcasters, never sleep. As she prepared for the 2021 spring sports season, Moryan paused and happily shared her new dreams. Moryan said, “My goal for my next spot is to get somewhere with a pro team, whether that be an NFL team, an MLB team, an NHL team, that’s what my goal is. It would be awesome if it were all three of those.”
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATION 45
HIRING? LOOKING FOR IMMEDIATE APPLICANTS? EMAIL JOB DETAILS TO THE DEPARTMENT OF COMUNICATION: barbara.fleming@gcsu.edu 46 LYNX 2021
MARY JEAN LAND LEGACY FUND The scholarship honors the founder of Georgia College's Department of Communication
Details forthcoming fall 2021. For more information, contact angela.criscoe@gcsu.edu.
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATION 47