TABLE OF CONTENTS
Message from Dean Eltantawy Advertising, Public Relations, and Strategic Communication Social Media and Digital Communication Media Production Multimedia Journalism Sports Media Sport Management Game Design M.A. Communication & Business Leadership “Ask Me About My… Ducks?” Student Spotlights Study Abroad Club Spotlight Upcoming Events
Dr. Nahed Eltantawy Dean, Nido R. Qubein School of Communication
Welcome to the first issue of our school newsletter! We’ve had a busy and exciting start to the 2026–27 academic year, and I’m delighted to share some of the moments that have brought us together. Eight students joined Dr. Amy Rundio and Dr. Doug Hall to help run events at the Naismith Hall of Fame’s annual enshrinement weekend. Our student-run HYPE Agency welcomed new and returning clients, and we greeted incoming freshmen with a chance to meet faculty from all seven majors and explore our student organizations. Two experts from Epic Games also spent a day with our Game Design classes, sharing their expertise and offering students feedback. September also brought a memorable panel featuring Professor Joe Michaels’s firsthand account of directing NBC’s “Today” show coverage on 9/11. Associate Professor Brandon Lenoir and HPU Vision President Jake Vesey moderated the panel, which drew three news stations. At our Internship Symposium, juniors and seniors shared what they learned from their summer internship experiences with the NQSC community and Family Weekend visitors. I’m proud of how our students, faculty, and staff have begun the year. I can’t wait to see what we accomplish together next.
DEPARTMENT HIGHLIGHTS ADVERTISING, PUBLIC RELATIONS, AND STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION HYPE, HPU’s student-run agency, is working with nine on-campus and community clients this semester, giving students hands-on experience with real organizations and communication challenges. Working in teams, HYPE students develop communication strategies, create content, manage projects and produce deliverables such as newsletters, social media campaigns and branding materials. Students take on roles that mirror a professional agency environment, including account leadership, client communication, research, planning, writing, design and project management. They meet directly with clients, identify goals and communication needs, present ideas, respond to feedback and work through real deadlines and expectations. The experience allows students from across NQSC to apply their skills in a collaborative setting while building experience in teamwork, strategy, creativity and professional communication.
SOCIAL MEDIA AND DIGITAL COMMUNICATION The Not4Credit podcast is the brainchild of Dr. Heather Vaughan and Professor John Mims. Together, they launched the show in February 2026, with each episode offering real conversations with real people and a behind-the-scenes look at the employees of High Point University. Season one featured nine episodes while building a growing social media presence and subscriber base. One highlight of season one featured High Point University basketball couple Flynn and Katie Clayman. Vaughan and Mims discussed everything from their historic NCAA Tournament run to their relationship. In case you missed it, check out episode nine, the season one finale. Season two launched Sept. 30 across podcast platforms and also features video episodes, made possible by the School of Communication’s newly renovated podcast studio and upgraded camera setup. Follow Not4Credit on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok to watch or listen to the latest episodes.
DEPARTMENT HIGHLIGHTS MEDIA PRODUCTION Media Production Professor and former “Today” show director, Joe Michaels, gave High Point University students a behind-the-scenes look at directing NBC’s live coverage of the Sept. 11 attacks from New York City. Hosted by Dr. Brandon Lenoir and student showrunner Jake Vesey, and broadcast by HPU’s Video Production Practicum (MPE-2262) class, the event explored the challenges journalists faced as one of the most significant news stories in American history unfolded in real time. During the conversation, Michaels described the confusion inside the control room as reports first emerged from the World Trade Center. Producers and reporters rushed to verify information while millions of Americans watched. He also discussed the difficult decisions broadcasters faced about what footage to air and how to report the tragedy responsibly and accurately. Reflecting on the lasting impact of 9/11, Michaels discussed how the attacks transformed both the nation and the news industry. Michaels’ presentation offered students a rare firsthand perspective on the responsibility, ethics and pressure of documenting history as it happens.
MULTIMEDIA JOURNALISM On Monday, Sept. 21, three Fox Corporation representatives visited HPU. The visit was organized by Andy Brehm, Director of Corporate Relations in the Office of Career and Professional Development. The team observed a student-run broadcast segment in the TV studio. They also met with NQSC leaders Dean Nahed Eltantawy; Professor Rob Powell, Chair of Media Production; and Professor Ken Medlin, Chair of Multimedia Journalism and Sports Media. The group discussed potential partnerships, student internships and future class visits to Fox Corporation newsrooms. Featured with NQSC leaders from left to right are Veronica Baker, Fox Corporation Campus Recruiter; Brianne Bombara, Fox Corporation Director of Talent Acquisition; and Chelsea Torres, Fox Corporation Multimedia Reporter.
DEPARTMENT HIGHLIGHTS SPORTS MEDIA Basketball season is right around the corner, and HPU Sports Media students are preparing to bring fans closer to the action through Panther Pregame! These student-produced shows give students the opportunity to experience sports broadcasting firsthand while covering HPU basketball. From preparing game previews and reporting on the Panthers to working behind the scenes, students develop practical skills in sports journalism, on-camera communication and broadcast production. Panther Pregame has also provided opportunities to cover postseason basketball, including the Big South Conference and NCAA tournaments. Through these experiences, students build their portfolios and gain valuable experience in the fast-paced world of sports media.
SPORT MANAGEMENT Eight NQSC students attended the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Weekend in Springfield, Massachusetts. Throughout the weekend, students worked alongside the Hall of Fame team at events and stations, gaining hands-on experience and a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to bring one of basketball’s biggest weekends to life. Students also met with former Dallas Mavericks CEO and HPU Sport Executive in Residence Cynt Marshall, who helped make the trip possible. Marshall shared insight from her experience in the sports industry while helping connect students to real-world opportunities and handson learning beyond the classroom. The students also had the opportunity to meet members of the 2026 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Class, including Candace Parker, Doc Rivers and Amar’e Stoudemire, along with other influential figures in basketball. The weekend gave students a memorable opportunity to learn, network and experience one of basketball’s most celebrated events firsthand.
DEPARTMENT HIGHLIGHTS GAME DESIGN The Game Development Club held its Fall Game Jam this semester, giving students two weeks to create their own games. At the end of the two weeks, students came together to showcase and play each other’s creations. The event gave students an opportunity to work under pressure, be creative, and learn from their peers. Although the Game Jam was a fast-paced experience, students enjoyed seeing the different games their peers created and celebrating everyone’s hard work. Michelangelo Bostick, one of the participants, summed up the experience by saying, “You don’t have to take all the time in the world to make a game. You can just sit down, have fun, and for the most part, you’ll like what you come out with.” In October, the department will be going to Oak City Indie games in Raleigh. This conference is an opportunity for the students to meet with local independent game developers, see game demos, and attend speaker sessions.
M.A. COMMUNICATION AND BUSINESS LEADERSHIP The Master of Arts in Communication and Business Leadership (CBL) program develops essential skills in communication, leadership, teamwork and critical thinking. Learning extends beyond the classroom through interactive workshops and presentations exclusively available to CBL students. CBL alumna Emma Jones recently completed Cintas First Aid & Safety’s 15-month Management Trainee program, designed to prepare college graduates for operational and leadership roles. Throughout the program, Emma worked across multiple teams, tackled challenging projects and gained valuable industry experience. Reflecting on her journey, Emma shared that “growth rarely happens within your comfort zone,” emphasizing the importance of curiosity, embracing challenges and remaining open to feedback as she transitions into her next role.
CLICK HERE TO APPLY NOW!
ASK ME ABOUT MY... DUCKS? BEHIND EVERY DUCK IS A STORY, AND A SKILLED HAND Beyond his 20+ years in the advertising industry, Dr. Matthew Jenkins brings a lifetime of passions and experiences to NQSC. One of the more unexpected? Duck carving. What began as time spent hunting, fishing, and woodworking with his grandfather eventually grew into a craft Jenkins has continued for decades. From hand-carved decoys to lessons about leadership and giving back, his passion offers a glimpse at the person behind the professor.
A DUCK IS STRONGER THAN A LION?
THE CRAFT BEHIND THE CARVE
PUTTING PASSIONS BEFORE PROFIT
Jenkins’ decoys start with simple pieces of wood, but creating them takes patience and precision. He originally learned with just a hatchet and a knife before eventually adding tools such as a band saw. The body can take shape quickly, but details like the head and beak require careful carving. Jenkins even considers how a working decoy will balance and move in the water, adding weights and designing the keel so it bobs naturally.
Dr. Jenkins donates around four dozen ducks each season to the Waterfowl Museum, where they sell for $20–$30 each. All proceeds support coastal habitat conservation and rehabilitation. “I have chosen to donate all of my sales and proceeds to habitat conservation and rehabilitation,” Jenkins said. “We just need some more money in that.”
STUDENT SPOTLIGHTS LAUREL RICARD CLASS OF 2029
Sophomore
This summer, Laurel returned to the Orleans Firebirds for a second season, gaining hands-on experience in sports media and social media management. She created content for Instagram and TikTok, covered games, and produced player features, sponsor content, and short-form videos. Laurel helped grow the league’s Instagram profile views from about 1,400 to 1.4 million. At HPU, Laurel is the SGA representative for HPU Vision and is involved with All Access, Sideline Shuffle, SportsLink and Kappa Delta. Through these roles, she has gained experience in sports media, social media, and student leadership while strengthening her communication and creativity. These experiences have reinforced her interest in pursuing a career in sports media.
Junior
JAKE GUTTMAN CLASS OF 2028
Jake, majoring in Advertising, Public Relations and Strategic Communication, spent the summer as a Creative Content Intern with JMG Public Relations in New York City, gaining hands-on experience in PR, media relations, and content creation. During the internship, a video he edited was featured on a billboard in Times Square. Back at HPU, Jake moderated a Life Skills & Leadership session featuring customer experience expert Shep Hyken, guiding the conversation and helping connect Hyken’s insights to students in the audience. Jake is also involved with HPU Vision, where he anchored the first All Access news show of the semester and hosts What’s the Point?!, a student-produced comedy show. He is also a member of the Lambda Pi Eta honor society.
STUDENT SPOTLIGHTS ABIGAIL MCRAE CLASS OF 2026
Senior
Abigail McRae is a senior majoring in Advertising, Public Relations and Strategic Communication. She is actively involved in Lambda Pi Eta, serving as the organization’s SGA representative and helping bridge the gap between the SGA Executive Board and the honors society. This past summer, Abigail participated in the SuRI program, conducting research on dark tourism, a topic that connects both her Strategic Communications major and Event Management minor. She will present her research this October at the ISTTE Conference in Breda, Netherlands. As she prepares for her December graduation, she will apply the concepts and experiences she gained through her coursework and involvement with the HYPE Agency in her future career.
MICHAEL CONNELLY
Alumni
CLASS OF 2026
After completing his Technical Game Design Internship at Epic Games, where he worked directly on Fortnite, Michael Connelly was hired full-time as an Associate Technical Game Designer. In his new role, he helps take gameplay features from early design and prototyping through implementation and development while collaborating with designers, engineers, artists, and other developers at Epic’s headquarters in Cary, North Carolina.
He credits High Point University and the School of Communication with helping prepare him for these opportunities. Through faculty mentorship, hands-on projects, and HPU's emphasis on experiential learning, he developed the technical, creative, and professional skills needed to pursue a career in the game industry. His time at HPU also encouraged him to take initiative, build a strong portfolio, pursue personal gamedevelopment projects, and make valuable industry connections through experiences such as attending the Game Developers Conference.
INTERNATIONAL STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION IN ITALY Led by Dr. Brandon Lenoir and Dr. Matt Ritter, 17 students traveled throughout Italy to study how communication is shaped by culture. The group met with professionals in advertising, public relations, health communication, and political communication. They met with experts, including the Vatican’s media and public relations team for a behind-the-scenes look at how a historic institution communicates with modern audiences.
d a o r b A y d u St GANBATTE! ADVENTURING IN JAPAN
For the fourth consecutive year, 31 students traveled with Dr. Stefan Hall to Osaka to study Japanese media and popular culture. Students explored topics including anime, manga, game design, food, and traditional arts while living in Japanese-style apartments and navigating the local train system. Experiences included a tea ceremony, taiko drumming, a Japanese baseball game, and a visit to the Nintendo Museum.
SPORT IN SOCIETY ITALY AND GREECE Dr. Tim Koba and Professor Mary Kay Campbell led students through Italy and Greece while exploring the global nature of the sports industry. The group visited major cultural and sports sites in Rome, Athens, and Olympia, including the Panathenaic Stadium and the birthplace of the ancient Olympic Games. Students also interviewed an Olympic silver medalist, gaining firsthand insight into how sports operate on a global scale. Click here to see the five 2027 NQSC Maymester and Global Experience opportunities!
CLUB SPOTLIGHT HPU Vision is HPU’s student-run media organization and was named Student Organization of the Year for the 2025-26 academic year. The organization was recognized for its content in news and entertainment, for supporting other student organizations through media production, and for helping raise more than $10,000 for a local charity, Communities In Schools of High Point. Watch their content here!
Student-Produced Shows
HPU Vision’s student-produced news show covers campus, community, and other timely stories. Students gain hands-on experience in reporting, anchoring, producing, and behind-the-scenes production.
A student-produced program focused on interviews, conversations, and stories that give students experience in hosting, production, and on-camera communication.
HPU Vision’s student-produced comedy sketch show, created in collaboration with the Screenwriters Association. Students contribute through writing, acting, producing, filming, and editing original comedy content.
A student-produced sports show covering athletics, sports stories, and commentary. Students gain experience in sports reporting, hosting, production, and multimedia storytelling.
HPU Vision also partners with the Student Government Association and other student organizations to help produce and promote campus events. Past collaborations have included groups such as a cappella organizations, Charcoal Pony Improv, and other clubs across campus.
UPCOMING EVENTS TEKPOLY x HPU LAN Party PRSSA ICON (Orlando): Oct. 17-21 National Association of Broadcasters Show (NY): Oct. 20-23 Communications Fellows at Scarowinds: Oct. 24 WBOC-TV Recruiting Visit: Oct. 28 Lambda Pi Eta Induction: Nov. 10 Qubein Media Center Ribbon Cutting: Nov. 17
STAY CONNECTED WITH NQSC See you in the next issue!