2019 Academic Newsletter
A MESSAGE FROM THE
DEAN Your appreciation for the work being accomplished in our School of Communication & Digital Content will surely grow as you read through our academic newsletter. Page after page, you will read exciting stories of our alumni, faculty, and students, and their accomplishments. The faculty at our school have demonstrated their passion for excellence by the rewards they have received in the fields of communication & digital content. Some of those rewards and recognitions are included in this newsletter. Reading the stories of our graduates, you will be impressed with the reality that the faculty have reproduced their passion for excellence in the lives and careers of our alumni. The reporting on the engagement of our students with the G5 initiative in Spain is an exciting read as it emphasizes how important service, hands-on learning, and the application of knowledge is to us at Liberty. As part of the G5, our students helped refugee and immigrant women begin their own businesses by building integrated communication solutions and stronger brands. Read on and celebrate the efforts of our alumni, faculty, and students who are enhancing communication for the kingdom of God by serving as Champions for Christ.
Dr. Ron Hawkins Interim Dean
JOIN US in supporting our future champions by donating to Liberty University’s School of Communication & Digital Content. Give at Liberty.edu/SupportSCDC.
Clayton’s Story: HIS Voice C L AY T O N W I N E B A R G E R
After graduating in December 2018 with my Bachelor of Science in Digital Media: Video, I spent my first two weeks after finals working with two churches on production-related jobs. Through much prayer and seeking the Lord, I felt led to join Pinelake Church, a five-location fellowship in Clinton, Madison, Oxford, Reservoir, and Starkville, Miss. In total, Pinelake has about 11,000 weekly attendees as well as a large online audience and therefore has hired me to serve as their Live Video Production Specialist. This position will provide me with the chance to build, lead, and train an entire team of volunteers who operate cameras in our control room. I will also be working alongside other employees who do many of
the audio and videography jobs that I learned during my time at Liberty. This is an exciting time in life, and I didn’t want to begin this great job without coming back to thank the team that helped to shape my skills. In my short time at Liberty, the faculty, as well as the Liberty Flames Sports Network and EP teams, welcomed me and helped me build the skills I needed to become a true leader and Champion for Christ at one of the largest churches in America. The Lord gets all of the credit, but I wanted to remind you that He is using each person at Liberty to raise up the next generation of Christian content creators.
Faculty Profile: Pamela Miller PA M E L A M I L L E R
The transition from working as a Senior Producer/Director to becoming a college professor was really just a matter of focusing my attention on a new audience – the growing number of digital media students entering college. Having produced or directed shows like America’s Junior Miss, the GMA Dove Awards, and the award-winning women’s show “Living the Life,” I was able to bring extensive live studio and live event production experience to the classroom. I began teaching as a Professional-in-Residence adjunct in film and television in 1987 while managing my husband, Doug’s, production company and working freelance as a producer/director. When the Lord opened the door to teach full time in 2010, it was clear He’d been preparing me equally as a working professional and a ‘mom’ for college kids, and the change seemed to have His fingerprints all over it. In the classroom, I could embrace two passions — my love for TV production and the joy of seeing my students accomplish their goals — in production and in life. Who could turn
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down this opportunity to touch young lives and be touched by them in return? I believe the Lord provides opportunities and experiences for every person that far exceeds their expectations. I value the classroom as a place to challenge thinking, skill, and spiritual development at a point when students can choose to embrace the Lord’s leading. I bring my academic and personal journey to the television control room as an encouragement that if a student will take a risk and willingly let the Lord take control, then the results will be more satisfying and fulfilling.
Broadcast Education Association Awards KO R N E L G E R ST N E R
standards from around the world while showcasing Liberty’s award-winning program on an international stage. Our 2018 BEA award recipients include: Best Of Festival Faculty Audio: Chris Underation, Kornel Gerstner, Chris Nelson, & Philip Sitterding, Liberty University, The Encounter: That Precious Spark (Long-Form Production Category) Long-Form Production Category Best of Competition: Kornel Gerstner, Liberty University, The Encounter: The Decision Ep. 27
During the Fall 2018 semester, our School of Communication & Digital Content students and faculty members submitted 11 projects to the Broadcast Education Association (BEA) Awards 2018 competition and received a total of 9 awards: • • • • •
Short-Form Production Category Best of Competition: Kornel Gerstner, Liberty University, Narnia Trailer New Genre & Sound Design Multimedia Sound Design Category Award of Excellence: Daniel Walters, Liberty University, Touch of Evil: Opening Sequence Sound Design Specialty Program Category Award of Excellence: Abigail Voggenreiter, Liberty University, I’m Worth It (And So Are You)
2 Best of Competition 2 Award of Excellence 1 First Place 2 Second Place 2 Best of Festival awards
More than 300 schools from around the world participated, and students submitted over 1,600 entries. Submitting projects to competitions has been a crucial part of the SCDC’s identity. Our students are encouraged to submit pieces to various organizations, such as BEA, National Religious Broadcasters, Associated Press, and College Broadcasters Inc. These competitions encourage students to work hard, showcase their talents, and learn industry
Long Form Video or Film Documentary Category 2nd Place: Chandler Henry, Liberty University, From Nothing: The Story of Joe Pyfer Radio Feature Reporting Category 1st Place: Kaylee Nedrow, Liberty University, All About ASMR, Award of Excellence: Evelyn Hanks, Liberty University, Water Changes Everything Radio Sports Story/Feature/News Category 2nd Place: Chandler Henry, Liberty University, The Dream Dies not the Feeling
DIG I TA L M EDI A PR O G R A M O V ERV I E W CHAD ROGERS
The digital media program exists to equip communication professionals with skills in videography, editing, audio production, on-air performance, digital content writing, and journalism. Our students express these talents and abilities through a Christ-centered perspective that governs everything undertaken in the field. Studying in digital media trains students to use professional skills with great integrity as an expression of high moral and ethical values in storytelling. Our students also possess both theoretical
and historical understanding of media as a foundational method of authentic communication. To accomplish all of this, the program emphasizes practical hands-on training. To augment this firsthand approach, the university has invested in multimillion-dollar television studios, production facilities, a student-focused radio station, an award-winning newspaper, and a student media lab comprised of 4K cameras, professional audio gear, lighting, and support equipment — all available for checkout to students in our program.
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Alumni Profile: Victoria Wood Sports Anchor/Reporter WDBJ-TV VICTORIA WOOD
They say when your passions and gifts collide, you’ve found your sweet spot. Sports broadcasting is my sweet spot, and Liberty University helped me find it. If it wasn’t for the hands-on experience, coupled with the heartfelt guidance I received from my professors, I would not have had the courage to embark on the journey. As a student, the Liberty Flames Sports Network played a huge part in my growth as a broadcaster. Spending weekends behind a camera in a cold hockey arena may not be everyone’s ideal Friday night, but it was mine. Soaking up all I could from every position behind the scenes, I knew I was ready to be in front of the camera.
Aside from the tangible tools, Liberty emphasized a firm foundation in Jesus Christ as the starting point for any career. Acknowledging my abilities as a gift from my Lord and Savior cultivated a purpose in my position and a trust in the waiting. The odd jobs I worked, the inconvenient hours, the sweat and tears — they were all a part of my journey. I always tell up-and-coming journalists to hold tight to the dream, but let go of the path you believe will take you there. God knows exactly where He wants you for His glory, and He’s paving the way, even if you can’t see it. Liberty University was the launching pad for my career, and I would not have it any other way.
Study Abroad D R . K R I S T E N H A R K A N D D R . S T E P H A N I E “ A LY S S A ” P R E S T O N As part of LU Send’s G5 study abroad initiative to Spain, a group of our students spent their Spring Break along the refugee pathway and across the Strait of Gibraltar from Tangier, Morocco to Málaga, Spain. Once in Spain, they partnered with Christar and International Studies Abroad (ISA) for a week of intensive projects aimed at creating stronger communication narratives between Spain and the refugee and immigrant populations. During this weeklong intensive, students shaped business narratives, social media plans, website content, and integrated platforms for clients ranging from refugee and immigrant start-
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ups to entrepreneurs, NGOs, and church plants. Students also served the community by cleaning up one of Málaga’s more recognized beachfronts. One of the more memorable consultations was with refugee and immigrant women who dreamed of beginning their own businesses. Liberty students shared insights to help each woman build a strategic communication program to tell her story well. The impact was immediate, and as word spread, other refugee and immigrant entrepreneurs were asking for time with our team. The remaining days included helping clients build integrated communication solutions, stronger brands, and more relevant narratives for church plants, businesses, and Spain-based organizations. Good ideas were shared, and plans were implemented. But most importantly, lives were changed as students realized that they could make a difference.
J O U R N A LI S M PR O G R A M O V ERV I E W JOHN ROST
The journalism program trains students to tell stories with integrity and responsibility. This program strives to train communication professionals with specific skills in a variety of media applications. In addition to technical ability, journalism focuses on content writing, investigative techniques, community reporting, and responsible opinion writing. Our students express these talents and abilities through a multitude of venues from long-form articles to social media posts, blogs to broadcast, and opinion to beat reporting. There is always a Christ-centered approach that governs fair handling of all sides of a story, even
while tackling the toughest societal issues. Studying journalism prepares students for a worldwide multiplatform market by communicating through the digital newsroom. Students also gain both theoretical and historical understanding of media as a foundational method of authentic communication. To accomplish all of this, the journalism program features a firsthand practical application of knowledge in professional and personal contexts as communicators in award-winning newspapers and other digital and broadcast outlets.
Lights, Camera, Action! JOHN ROST
New state-of-the-art digital video equipment has been added to the first-class production facilities at Liberty University. The $330,000 improvements to Studio A are the next step in expanding the multimillion dollar amenities in Green Hall. Students of the School of Communication & Digital Content (SCDC) are enhancing their hands-on experience with three new Sony professional HD studio cameras, the latest array of studio lights, and a computer controlled Grand MA lighting system. The broadcast quality cameras are supported by high-end Vinten pedestals that give camera operators a full range of
motion and shooting angles. Each camera is also fitted with a high-tech teleprompter, timer, and confidence monitor, giving the on-air talent full professional capabilities. The cutting-edge LED lighting system is cost effective and environmentally friendly. All of this equipment is interfaced with a new mobile production truck, which services several classes for the Department of Digital Media and Journalism as well as Liberty Flames Sports Network productions. The new gear augments the equipment and multipurpose sets used in Studio A since its Fall 2017 opening.
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L A M BD A PI E TA INDUC TS NEW MEMBER S D R . C E C I L K R A M E R A N D A N N E T T E M A D L O C K - G AT I S O N
During Spring 2019, 19 new members were inducted into Lambda Pi Eta (LPE) Academic Honor Society. The new inductees, their families and friends, and our department faculty attended a brunch given in the inductees’ honor. The new members were greeted by Dr. Bruce M. Kirk and Department of Strategic and Personal Communication Chair Dr. Kristen Hark. Dr. Annette Madlock-Gatison gave the keynote address and reminded students that they “are the righteousness of God in Christ” and are a direct “reflection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to the world” and charged them to “Go in excellence.” LPE is the National Communication Association’s official honor society with more than 500 active chapters at four-year colleges and universities nationwide. Members must earn a 3.25 GPA in their communications major.
STUDENT INDUCTEES FOR THE 2018-19 YEAR INCLUDE:
Abigail R. Brewer • Sophia Creekmore • Jordan Cribb • Allen Christopher Ford Jr. • Charles Gnanakan • Jessica Hatton • Kasey Lange • Christy MacGilvary • Deborah M. Mason • Sarah Perkins • Shannon Robinson • Hannah Rotter • Isaac Russell • Summer Sheehan • Zachary Sheppard • Makayla Springsteen • Elizabeth Swaney • Christopher Young • Perry Young
Faculty Spotlight: Q & A with Dr. Annette Madlock-Gatison Q: Why do you think theory and research are fun? A: Personally, I like to investigate and understand how things work and understand why people do what they do. Theory and research get a bad rep in popular culture, but I work to present these investigative tools in a way that students can see themselves using and have a clear understanding of how theory and research impact their everyday lives. This approach resulted in a team of students (pictured right) creating a new theory that is relevant to their generation and current events — Privacy Surrender for Security Theory (PSST). This theory iterates that the media propagates fear by rewriting the narrative of societal security. PSST emphasizes that our decision-making processes are motivated by fear and that the reward of security trumps the cost of surrendering privacy. And what these students uncovered is that Americans will give up their right to privacy for security. Q: Why would you spend time working with students? A: Working with students to explore new theories and think about how research and theory can be applied to everyday
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life is a way to encourage their critical thinking skills. This is an opportunity to stimulate interest in the field of communication while exchanging ideas and promoting and encouraging professional development among our students. I see this as part of my vocational calling as an opportunity for me to share my experience, mentor, and encourage students beyond the classroom.
Team members pictured from left to right: Kasey Lang, Robert Goodwin, and Abigail Brewer
Pictured from left to right: Robert Goodwin, Dr. Annette MadlockGatison, and Kasey Lang
Alumni Spotlight: Sarah Stevens Chief of Staff, U.S. House of Representatives SARAH STEVENS
From a young age, I was fascinated with politics and communications. Now, years later, I am chief of staff in the U.S. House of Representatives, and it all started with my education in the School of Communication & Digital Content at Liberty University. It was there that I learned about the Washington Fellowship program, which helped me secure a paid internship at the Heritage Foundation in the development and communications department the last semester of my senior year. Like all soon to graduate seniors, I began looking for a full-time job. Several interviews later, I was offered the job as press assistant to a U.S. Congressman and never looked back. There was nothing that was beneath me. I took every task, no matter how small, and ran with it. I was just so grateful to have a job and one that I was actually able to use the degree I went to school for. I knew the Lord had given me this wonderful opportunity, and I wanted to make the most of it. I was quickly promoted from press assistant, to press secretary, to communications director, to deputy chief of staff, to chief of staff all within my first three years in the office — becoming the youngest chief of staff on Capitol Hill at only 24 years old.
For me, it is not about the position or title I hold but how I am continually helping to advance conservative principles while staying true to my faith. Working in a congressional office in the communications shop at times can be like drinking from a fire hose. Sometimes it is all I can do to keep up and I am constantly learning on the fly. But I do know that Liberty’s School of Communication & Digital Content prepared me well for the job and the different aspects of the communications world. The foundation, knowledge, and hands-on experience gained from my communications classes are truly what set me up for success. My professors always cultivated an environment of creativity and practical training all the while helping us remain grounded in biblical principles. I graduated from Liberty University in May 2012 with a double major in Communications: Broadcasting and Public Relations. I now live in Washington, D.C., with my husband, Chris, and son, Jackson.
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Advertising Team TED ALLEN AND LIBERTY UNIVERSITY’S NEWS SERVICE
a predominantly West Coast hot dog chain. Liberty named its campaign “Top Dog of Taste,” and its primary objective was to change the perception of the hot dog. The students also created a social media marketing plan that included an Instagram campaign with five different commercials.
This year, Liberty University’s Student Advertising Team placed second in the National Student Advertising Competition (NSAC) at the American Advertising Federation’s annual ADMERICA Conference in Hollywood Beach, Fla. The 14-member team finished second behind Ithaca College and ahead of third-place Syracuse. Liberty was the only first-time team to compete at the national level. This year’s competition was sponsored by Weinerschnitzel!,
Four members of the team presented the campaign and earned the competition’s inaugural Jeanie Ruedy Best Presentation Team Award for excellence displayed in team performance and dynamics. The award came with a cash prize of $2,500. “The whole time we just kept giving it to the Lord, and that’s Who we owe our success to,” added Julianne Rodgers, the team’s research coordinator who graduated with her strategic communication degree in May and will begin her master’s in the same program this fall. “God ordained every person with their personalities and their strengths to be on the team. Every single person’s input into every idea was crucial.”
C O M M U N I C AT I O N O V E R V I E W DR. KIRSTEN HARK
The purpose of the communication program is to develop the skills, knowledge, and conscience of the next generation of communication leaders. Our program provides students the ability to practically apply communication theories and processes, create and deliver effective messaging, practice ethical communication, and solve practical problems. Our students learn how to study the marketplace and relate to audiences, work in public and community relations, craft and deliver effective messages, and create relationships with people, communities, and companies. Studying communication with a Christ-centered focus brings the
discipline to life, with an emphasis on ethical understanding and professional integrity. The purpose of the strategic communication program is to develop communication campaigns to prepare our students for careers in advertising, social media management, integrated marketing communications, or digital promotion and interactive marketing. Our program offers a place for students to learn how to tell a brand’s story and catch audiences’ attention across the wide variety of today’s communication channels.
NRB Awards KO R N E L G E R ST N E R In March 2019, the School of Communication & Digital Content received word that four students received national awards for their work. These were announced at the National Religious Broadcasters convention in Nashville, Tenn.
David Goerner took first place in the Radio Original Short Form Feature category for a piece about Pick’s Disease and its effect on one family. Evelyn Hanks took third in the same category for a story about
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how cultures without regular water supplies change when wells and safe water supplies come. Kaylee Nedrow took second place in the radio PSA/Commercial Promo for a piece promoting the work of Miriam’s House, a local nonprofit. Caleb Carpenter took first place for a specialty open that he created for the Get Up and Go Morning Show on WQLU (90.9) radio. This award was earned in the Radio Promo/ Imaging/Branding category.
S C D C F A C U LT Y Don Alban; B.A., M.A., Ph.D. Amy Bonebright; B.S., M.A. Kornel Gerstner; B.A., M.A., MFA Clark Greer; B.A., M.A., M.Div., Ph.D. Deb Huff; B.A., M.B.A. Bruce Kirk; B.G.S., M.A., Ed.D. Cecil Kramer; B.A., M.Div., D.Min. Annette Madlock-Gatison; B.A., M.A., Ph.D. Carey Martin; B.S., MFA, Ph.D. Pamela Miller; B.S., M.A., MFA Robert Mott; B.A., M.A., Ph.D. Sheri Parmelee; B.A., M.B.A., Ph.D. Richard Previte; B.A., M.A., Ph.D. John Rost; B.A., MFA Stuart Schwartz; B.A., M.A., Ph.D. Carla Sloan; B.S., M.A. Harry Sova; B.A., M.A., Ph.D. Heather Stilwell; B.A., M.S., Ph.D.
CONTRIBU TOR S Dr. Kristen Hark Kornel Gerstner Dr. Bruce Kirk Dr. Cecil Kramer Dr. Annette Madlock-Gatison Pamela Miller Dr. Alyssa Preston Dr. Richard Previte John Rost Sarah Stevens Clayton Winebarger Victoria Wood
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Training Champions for Christ since 1971