A Student Introduction to MMJ & COMS by The Special

A STUDENT INTRODUCTION TO

MMJ & COMS MASS MEDIA & JOURNALISM AND COMMUNICATION STUDIES

Texas A&M University - Commerce | Page 1

TABLE OF CONTENTS MAJORS.............3 JUST THE NUMBERS.........4 MEET DR. HAYES................6 MMJ................7-8 STUDENTS AT WORK................9 MMJ FACULTY....10-11 COMS...............12 COMS FACULTY ...........................13 STUDENT INVOLVEMENT .....................14-15 ALUMNI....16-21 CURRICULUM... .......................... 22 STUDENT WORK & PORTFOLIOS..... ...........................22

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WELCOME TO MMJ & COMS PROGRAMS OF STUDY AND CONCENTRATION AREAS

DEPT PROFESSORS AND CONTACT INFORMATION

Mass Media & Journalism B.A./B.S.

MMJ & COMS

Digital Media Production Public Relations/Affairs Multimedia Journalism Television/Film Radio Advertising Journalism Online Communication Studies B.A./B.S. Public Speaking Nonverbal Communication Business Communication Interpersonal Communication

Fred Stewart fred.stewart@tamuc.edu Dr. Tony DeMars tony.demars@tamuc.edu Adrian Neely adrian.neely@tamuc.edu Dr. John Mark Dempsey jm.dempsey@tamuc.edu Dr. Stephen Furlich stephen.furlich@tamuc.edu Dr. John Ballotti john.ballotti@tamuc.edu

COLLEGE OF HUMANITIES, SOCIAL SCIENCES & ARTS ACADEMIC ADVISERS MMJ

COMS

Amanda Heflin amanda.heflin@tamuc.edu Office: AG/ET 222Q

Kristina Nichols kristina.nichols@tamuc.edu Office: AG/ET 222P Texas A&M University - Commerce | Page 3

“

I chose journalism because it’s a way I get to express myself and be creative. Writing is so beautiful and you get to tell a story that people need to hear. You also get to be a voice for other the people who need to be heard. I love that journalism has made me more outgoing by forcing me to talk to strangers for interviews.

”

JUST THE NUMBERS Enrollment..................................................................................Approximately 12,100 Average Tuition at TAMUC............................................Approximately $21,650/YR National University Ranking (US News)...................................................#293-#381 Student to Faculty Ratio.........................................................................................19:1 Average Salary for Digital Media Journalist.................................................$50,000 Average Salary for Print Journalist/PR Specialists................................$40/60,000 Average Salary for Communications Studies Majors..........................$40/70,000 Internships completed before graduation.........................................................1-2 ***Note***.............Salaries vary by location, job type and years of experience Page 4 | Mass Media & Journalism and Communication Studies

Sierra Abbott Journalism Major, 2017 Texas A&M University - Commerce | Page 5

DR. HUNTER HAYES Department Head of Literature and Languages and Associate Professor of English Dr. Hayes has been the head of the Department of Literature and Languages since 2012. He has been a professor at Texas A&M University-Commerce since 2004 and teaching at the collegiate level since 2002. Hayes has advised students working on their dissertation, master’s thesis and honors thesis. He has been published, presented at professional conferences and provided various additional services to the university and to several publications. “Training in Mass Media & Journalism and in Communication Studies are not only important academically for students seeking

careers in those fields but also to help students to become informed and engaged citizens,” Hayes said. “Both programs provide students with the tools necessary to communicate effectively in public platforms, whether through broadcasting, digital/online communication or interpersonal communications, and these programs should also help students to evaluate the quality and accuracy of information that affects their daily lives.” “For students seeking to become media professionals, they should receive training in the hands-on or practical skills as well as the philosophical and ethical underpinnings of mass media so that they can best discern how to

ABOUT THE

MMJ PROGRAM relate accurate information and the most-effective means of doing so in today’s media environments,” Hayes said.

“

The Department of Literature and Languages is a raining in Mass Media & multidisciplinary department with programs in English, linguistics, foreign languages and philosophy. It affords Journalism and in Communication opportunities to the student for academic enrichment Studies are not only important through diverse offerings and an international faculty. Courses in the Department of Literature and Languages academically for students seeking careers improve the reading, writing, and analytical skills of students, offer insight into the use and structure of language, in those fields but also to help students to develop an understanding and appreciation of literature, become informed and engaged citizens. and explore film as an art from. The programs offered for non-teaching majors are designed to prepare students to enter graduate study; or as -Dr. Hunter Hayes basic preparation for professions such as law, publishing, ministry, broadcasting, government, advertising, free-lance writing, creative writing, and business. think and read critically and analytically, and to understand The programs prepare students to write effectively, to cultural and social differences.

The Mass Media & Journalism program prepares students for employment in news writing and reporting in print, broadcast and online media. Other up-and-coming journalism opportunities include media production and management at broadcast stations, networks, independent production houses, school media centers and corporate or industrial media operations; public relations, film making, advertising, communication design, social media and online media. The MMJ major consists of a 24-hour core curriculum, then students select one 21-hour sequence plus one nine-hour elective specialty option. In the core, students normally do a three-hour internship, but may also choose to take three one-hour practicum courses for hands-on experience within the program. Student media opportunities include working with the student newspaper The East Texan, KKOM and KETR Radio, KETV television and other related online media operations. The program maintains a careful balance between in-class academic work and practical hands-on skills as well as broadcast experience. All students begin practical activities immediately and most will have a wide variety of media experiences before graduation.

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Texas A&M University - Commerce | Page 7

CHOSE BETWEEN DIFFERENT

TAKE A LOOK AT WHAT WE DO

MMJ TRACKS Mass Media & Journalism

Digital Media Production

Students interested in print journalism can choose from the Advertising or Public Relations sequences. The program also offers tracks in digital production and multimedia.

This topic sequence focuses on the technical skills and creative principles required for film style shooting and post production using Final Cut Studio®.

Advertising

Topics include audio, video recording technology, composition, lighting, continuity, and editing. Experience planning, shooting and editing entertainment and/or information-based video projects will be provided through hands-on exercises, projects and assignments. Courses include audio and video production, announcing, news, broadcasting, sales and promotion, technology, and station management.

This topic sequence area will examine concepts of communication, social interaction, entertainment, commerce, and community in a digital world. Application of strategic elements in print publications such as newspapers, magazines, newsletters, and online will also be pursued alongside the fundamentals of layout and design in electronic publishing.

Public Relations

Students who complete this sequence are often employed in production and management at broadcast stations, networks, cable-TV companies, independent production houses, school media centers, and corporate or industrial television operations.

Students in the public relations sequence at A&M Commerce complete skills courses in news writing, design and layout, editing ethics, law and media history, then specialize with junior and senior-level courses in public relations principles, writing fundamentals for public relations, case studies in the field, public relations campaigns, advertising and marketing. In the campaigns class, students undertake a project for a client off or on campus. Speakers from businesses, corporations, non-profits, and media firms visit classes to interact with students and explore the many Students interested in a multimedia career can choose to take courses in the Multimedia Journalism sequence. This specialty fields within the profession of public relations. sequence of courses offers students a range of classroom Public Relations majors and minors are encouraged to topics and experience in digital and print media.

Multimedia Journalism

work for the print and online editions of The East Texan, the student newspaper, to gain writing experience. Or, students may also gain experience working for on-campus organizations or offices such as Student Government and Marketing Communications.

The multimedia sequence is beneficial to students in the changing world of journalism. The topics covered range from editing and design, magazine production, reporting, filmstyle shooting & editing, and broadcast & digital journalism.

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ABOUT THE PHOTOS • From top to bottom, left to right •Student’s first place TIPA awards & other journalism awards line the walls of the East Texan Newsroom. •The Corpus Christi Harbor Bridge lights up the night sky. Corpus Christi was the 2019 site of the TIPA conference. TIPA will return to Corpus Christi in 2020. •Daniel Sanchez, a current Multimedia Journalist, holds an internship as assistant adviser for the Northeast Texas Community College student newspaper. •Todd Kleiboer, a former editor of the East Texan, holds up one of his TIPA awards. •A printed stack of The East Texan; students operate the reporting, layout & design and its distribution. •MMJ students Cameron Justice and Jocyln Ventura work on class projects. •Several banners are on display in the Journalism building. This building also houses the TIPA Hall of Fame which recognizes distinguished individuals from TIPA institutions.

FRED STEWART

red Stewart is the faculty adviser for student publications “The East Texan” and “The Special.” He is an experienced journalist, editor, public information officer and professor. Stewart has also served as the executive director for Texas Intercollegiate Press Association for 20 years. Stewart strives to provide students with practical knowledge and experience that will prepare them and increase their opportunities for internships and jobs. “The program gives students

DR. TONY DEMARS

r. DeMars has been a professor at Texas A&M University-Commerce since 2008 and has been teaching at the collegiate level since 1984. DeMars has experience in television and radio and has been published many times. Dr. DeMars is the 20192020 president of the Broadcast Education Association. “Students working in the media can no longer be specialists in just one area. The industry expects students to have multi-media skills and experience,” DeMars said. “As a foundation, a good liberal arts education is beneficial to someone who goes into a media career. Additionally, the variety of courses in Mass Media & Journalism gives every student the necessary skills to be competitive in their job search,” he said.

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DR. JOHN MARK DEMPSEY information and instruction relevant to the journalism profession, then allows the students to put their instructions, skills and training to practical use by being involved with campus student media including the newspaper, magazine, radio, television, publication design and online,” Stewart said. “By the time a student graduates from our program they should have the knowledge and practical training to help them get a job in their chosen profession,” he said. Stewart has taught journalism classes for the MMJ program at TAMUC since 1993.

r. Dempsey graduated from then-East Texas State University in 1977 and returned to Texas A&M University-Commerce as a professor in 2004. Dempsey has been teaching at the collegiate level since 1998. He is a news announcer/producer for Texas State Network/KRLD; producer/host of “Blacklands Café,” a daily public affairs program for KETR, Public Broadcasting Radio station located on campus; and participates with Commerce High

School football radio broadcasts for KETR. Dempsey has written four books, including “Always Connected: The Power of Broadcasting and Social Media.” Dempsey has also authored numerous papers and created an oral history, “Greenville Majors minorleague baseball, 1946-1957,” with Joe Phillips (Dallas) and Dan Perkins (Greenville), February 10, 2012. He teaches a variety of MMJ courses and his work has earned him a variety of honors and awards.

ADRIAN NEELY

r. Adrian Neely has over 19 years of experience in television studio production, as well as experience as a production professional working in various facets of production. Some of Neely’s experience includes working as a production assistant, a set decorator and second assistant director. Neely has also worked as a grip, an electrician, and assistant cameraman. He emphasizes a commitment to utilizing

technology to tell stories and convey messages. Neely has extensive experience teaching students in media production and has excellent oral and written communication skills. Neely said being an active media student is essential to individual success. “The program benefits students who want to learn how different facets of the industry work, but only if they are active participants,” Neely said. of their chosen field, a network of the people they “Our goal is for students portfolio, and job prospects. have worked with for four to leave with knowledge Students also leave with a years,” Neely said. Texas A&M University - Commerce | Page 11

DR. JOHN BALLOTTI Program Director for Communication Studies Dr. Ballotti has been a professor at Texas A&M UniversityCommerce since 2002 and teaching at the collegiate level since 1988. Ballotti has experience in television and radio and has also been published and presented at professional conferences. Dr. John Ballotti currently serves as the Program Director for Communication Studies.

LEARN ABOUT

COMM STUDIES The Communication Studies program is designed to better understand human communication. General areas of study in Communication Studies include Public Speaking, Nonverbal Communication, Business Communication, and Interpersonal Communication. The Communication Studies program prepares graduates for careers and positions such as human resources, sales, communication consultants, teaching, event planning, politics and corporate training. Other areas that many Communication Studies majors pursue include positions in law and law offices, management, public relations, professional speaking and presenting, business, and theological speaking to mention a few. Communication Studies also helps prepare students for graduate school.

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DR. STEPHEN FURLICH

r. Furlich has been teaching communication studies at Texas A&M University-Commerce since 2012 and at the collegiate level since 1998. Dr. Furlich has been the initial professor for numerous courses. He has published work, presented at professional conferences and has been involved with a variety of professional activities-including advising students on their honors thesis. “The Communication Studies Program has two primary goals. Each students should be highly informed in every communication they find themselves in, such as understanding others verbally and nonverbally in professional and personal situations,” Furlich said. “Secondly, each COMS student should be a highly effective communicator both verbally and nonverbally in every situation they find themselves in, such as professional and personal contexts in order to accomplish their specific goals.” Furlich said these two goals for communication studies majors prepares students for careers in training and development, law, real estate residential and commercial

sales, healthcare sales, human resources, strategic communication and consulting. Among other careers such as teaching, event planning, politics, corporate training, professional presenting, business, graduate school, and theological speaking to mention a few. Texas A&M University - Commerce | Page 13

STUDENT GROUPS & ORGANIZATIONS THE EAST TEXAN

WAYS FOR YOU TO

GET INVOLVED Mane Media is a student organization that allows students to create and explore different forms of media on the Texas A&M University-Commerce campus. Students involved in Mane Media create their own content and can benefit from the various student run groups and organizations that practice film making, tv news studio production, and radio broadcasting. In recent years Mane Media has seen some restructure to better reflect student needs and interests. In the Fall 2019 semester the organization elected its first set of officers including President Morgan Mouton and Vice President Joel Brasier. The KKOM radio station, and KETV TV Studio are two major radio and TV broadcast organizations that are completely student run and are being reestablished. KETV has been named one of the best student television broadcast news shows in Texas. Students involved in mass media & journalism degrees also have the opportunity to work in the professional field through KETR-FM, the university’s award-winning 100,000-watt public radio station. At KETR, students work side-by-side with five fulltime broadcast professionals who supervise their work. KETR is also in affiliation with National Public Radio. Through Mane Media students also have the opportunity to attend conferences and be part of the networking experience through the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association and the National Association of Broadcasters. See page 15 for more ways to get involved in student media.

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The East Texan is the student-news organization for Texas A&M University–Commerce. For over 100 years The East Texan has offered students a hands-on experience of working for a news organization. This organization is responsible for covering campus news, feature stories, university sports, entertainment and opinion articles. Students involved with the campus newspaper function as reporters, photographers, staff editors and design editors. The East Texan also has its own website and offers staff members the opportunity to produce video material and experience with online publications.

THE SPECIAL The Special is a web based magazine produced by students. This publication features written and photography work. Students involved in The Special gain design and publishing skills.

KKOM The KKOM Radio Station is the university’s student-run radio station. This organization consists of broadcast majors and students interested in the radio industry. Students operate the station’s music delivery, weather and other campus news through cable and web based formats.

DEBATE TEAM The Debate team is a developing and unofficial student organization at TAMUC. This group of students is primarily made up of Communication Studies students and gathers to discuss and debate on different topics.

TIPA Founded in 1908, the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association is the oldest state collegiate press association in the United States. Each year, Texas colleges and universities bring students involved in their student publications to the TIPA convention. Members that attend the convention have the chance to compete in numerous contests and on-site competitions within mass media fields. Students also get the chance to attend various workshops hosted by mass media professionals, become a state officer for the association, and win scholarships for up to $1,000. Texas A&M University-Commerce is the current headquarters for TIPA. For more information on TIPA visit texasipa.org. “TIPA is a great chance for student journalists to improve their skills and make important connections for the future.” - Brianna Patt, TIPA 2019-2020 Parliamentarian “TIPA is a great place to make connections and learn about journalism from actual professionals. It lets students know what will be expected of them when they graduate.” - Jeniffer Bussey, The East Texan Co-Editor

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SEE WHAT THEY’RE UP TO

ALUMNI PROFILES ANDREW BURNES Andrew Burnes graduated from TAMUC in the summer of 2016 with a bachelors degree in Journalism- News and Editorial and a minor in Sociology. Burnes has since moved around a few different places, gaining experience that has lead to his current position as managing editor of The Kaufman Herald, the community newspaper of Kaufman, Texas. From the start, Burnes has known journalism was the right path for him as he understands the importance of the field in this country.

CHECK OUT WHAT THEY SAID

Texan, KETR, whatever interests you, go over there and get involved. Chances are, they’ll be happy you’re there and do everything they can to integrate you into the various operations. You learn most by reading, and second-most by doing, so those are the two areas of focus I think are most important.

Also, don’t forget to talk to people. I’m an introvert myself, but when talking to others, particularly those I don’t know, I’ve become comfortable with myself and presenting a cool exterior even when I may be nervous inside. Any time you’re conversing with someone, whether it’s an old friend, a new • What would you say was the best, most influential acquaintance, a professor, or someone you’re interviewing, aspect of the TAMUC journalism program for you? view it as a learning experience. My time as Editor of The East Texan was by far the most important part of my time in college. I learned most of what I know now from on-the-job, practical experience and experimentation, and I’m very grateful for my time at The East Texan for giving me the chance to explore that. • What advice would you give to incoming freshmen and current students deciding where they want to go with their careers or just starting to enter the multimedia world? I would advise them to learn as much as you can about as many different aspects of the field as you can. Learn appropriate software like InDesign and Photoshop. Learn how to become a literate photographer and visual storyteller. And, of course, most importantly, learn how to become a great writer. The best way to do this is by reading excellent writing from other people. I learned much of what I know about being a great storyteller from reading Rolling Stone Magazine and even listening to podcasts. Even reading niche writing like film and album reviews or sports writing can teach you how to become a better all-around writer and storyteller. I would also advise incoming students to get as involved as possible as early as possible with the various outlets available at Texas A&M University-Commerce. Whether that’s the RTV program’s Mane Media News, The East Page 16 | Mass Media & Journalism and Communication Studies

JAMES BRIGHT

The truth is, you never know where your career will lead, James Bright has a long history of journalism in his life. A but I allowed myself to be open to multiple possibilities and man that can say he has fallen in love with journalism, Bright grew my talent set, none of which would have been possible has been editor of nearly every publication he has been without the education I received from TAMUC. with both through his collegiate years at Eastfield College and at TAMUC and even after graduation. After receiving • What advice would you give to incoming freshman and his Bachelors in Journalism from TAMUC in 2008, he has current students deciding where they want to go with since worked his way up from editor to General Manager their careers or just starting to enter the multimedia and later Regional Promoter of two separate newspapers. world? Bright is currently the General Manager of the Texarkana Gazette a 14,000, daily print newspaper with over 500,000 Leave yourself open to any possibility. Work for The East Texan, KETR and RTV. There are no defined lines in the site page views a month. media industry anymore. We are all print, digital and • What would you say was the best, most influential broadcast journalists. And you’ll also enjoy yourself. aspect of the TAMUC journalism program for you? The friends I made while working on student media have It was two-fold for me. I had a faculty that I trusted to advise been with me for more than a decade. My experience in that and guide me through not only my scholastic work, but the space has defined the beginning of my professional life while practical application of my education. Just as important also creating a foundation for many of my friendships. Class was my time working for The East Texan. Our adviser, Fred is important, but don’t just go to class and go home. Invest Stewart, always told us he wanted us to make our mistakes in TAMUC and the rich opportunities offered by student there, so we didn’t make them in a professional setting. media groups. I’ve always said I’ll hire someone with a 3.0 That kind of latitude helped build confidence without fear GPA who has practical work to show over someone with of retribution. I can say without hyperbole that the time I a 4.0 and no experience. The multimedia avenues offered spent at The East Texan was equally beneficial to the time I by TAMUC will enrich your life both professionally and personally. spent in the classroom. Texas A&M University - Commerce | Page 17

CALEB SLINKARD Originally from Greenville, Texas, Caleb Slinkard knew from his early years that he wanted to be an editor so when he came to TAMUC in 2008 he quickly began working with the East Texan student newspaper. Slinkard was on staff by his sophomore year and began working full-time as a reporter for the Greenville Herald-Banner as a junior. Through his collegiate years, Slinkard was also involved with Texas Intercollegiate Press Association, gaining skills he would later take into his current position as managing editor of the El Dorado News-Times

CORDELL FRANKLIN Cordell Franklin, who originally came to TAMUC to play college football, graduated in 2012 as a Radio-television major and is currently a cinematographer and brand craftsman in the Dallas area. He is working as both a film director and producer, holding over 20 IMDB credits, and has worked with many well known names. When asked why he chose RTV as a major, Franklin responded “If I wasn't able to play football, play sports, I could at least talk about it”

• What would you say was the best, most influential aspect of the TAMUC journalism program for you?

What would you say was the best, most influential aspect of the TAMUC journalism program for you?

The A&M-Commerce journalism program gave me all the opportunities I wanted. I was able to write for the newspaper as a freshman, learn design, take on a leadership role at the East Texan as a sophomore, co-host a sports radio show on KETR, and participate in a TV show on KETV. It connected me with a lot of people on campus and in the community who were instrumental in assisting me in my early career.

The best thing about the journalism program here, it taught me personally, taught me how to be prompt and on time about life. Pretty much, moral values on life, how to get things completed, how to get things moving forward, to be able to finish something.

• What advice would you give to incoming freshmen and current students deciding where they want to go with their careers or just starting to enter the multimedia world?

Take advantage of all the opportunities presented to you. You’re not going to be just handed anything in this world, but there is always a need for talented, hard-working and positive people in college and in the professional ranks.

Find your interest, find your interest on what you really want to do. Most times people always talk about “ I just want to make money, make money” Its 2020, you can make money off anythingit depends on how you market it, how you image it, how you make it look. If you have an idea of what you actually have an interest in, what you want to do then take that and move forward. Find an interest, find something that actually peaks that, find something you can look at and say this is actually kind of cool and if you can say that then take that, make that your art, your craft. Be a craftsman of your own art and the people will come. Page 18 | Mass Media & Journalism and Communication Studies

Experience is crucial, and it’s something you can get at A&M-Commerce if you’re willing to take on the challenge. While print newspapers are definitely going through a somewhat painful evolution, there will always be a market for people who have the ability to communicate efficiently and effectively.

SEE WHAT THEY’RE UP TO

ALUMNI PROFILES PHILIP SLAUGHTER Philip Slaughter, photographer and online media broadcasting, graduated in 2011 from TAMUC with a degree in Radiotelevision. Because of his early exposure by his father to film and production, right out of high school Slaughter already had an idea of what his path in life would be like. Right out of college he was interning with local doctors to do photo and video broadcasting in a marketing capacity mainly online. Slaughter now works full time in this position and spends the rest of his time freelancing for smaller companies and his local community. • What would you say was the best, most influential aspect of the TAMUC journalism program for you? When I came here, I already knew a lot of the ins and outs of the technology, how to use a camera and how to edit and how to shoot, but when I came here the biggest thing I learned was the fundamentals of how to tell a story and the ethics behind telling a story. Something Dr. DeMars always said was “Content is key.” If you don’t have the content, it’s just going to be pretty pictures and no one will remember that. But if you have the content or the story to tell that’s what people really want and that’s what they want to pay attention to- that’s something I learned here, something I’ll use for the rest of my life. • What advice would you give to incoming freshmen and current students deciding where they want to go with their careers or just starting to enter the multimedia world? I didn’t necessarily know what I wanted to do in the long run, but what I did do is pay attention in all of the classes and try to gain as much knowledge as I could on the core fundamentals and such so that I could in whatever aspect, or whatever job I did, I would at least have that base layer of how something is supposed to be done. So, I could build from there. Having those different fundamentals like how sound works, how to tell a story, how to record and edit- you can take all of those skills further on. I would suggest, anyone that’s in the program or going into the program learn the fundamentals and then build on it with whatever your passion is. Texas A&M University - Commerce | Page 19

SEE WHAT THEY’RE UP TO

BLAST FROM THE PAST

SEE WHAT THEY’RE UP TO

ALUMNI PROFILES

DANTE A ANG

been possible if we were at a larger school where there were far more candidates, maybe because its a smaller school its Originally from Manila, Philippines, Dante Ang graduated been made easier to show up and show interest. I am here from TAMUC in 1990 with a Bachelor of Science in because I have made lifetime friends, some I haven't seen Journalism with a minor in Marketing. Because of his in 30 years. early exposure to publishing by his own family, Ang knew from the very beginning he would go into journalism. His • What advice would you give to incoming freshmen and freshman year at Commerce, Ang jumped right into the current students deciding where they want to go with East Texan Newspaper as a writer and would eventually their careers or just starting to enter the multimedia become editor. After graduation, Ang wrote for the Tulsa world? Tribune in Oklahoma covering politics and after a few years moved back home where he is currently the editor of the Broaden your horizon. I knew when I came here I was going to study journalism, and become a journalist, but looking Manila Times. back then some parts of my career would have been better if • What would you say was the best, most influential maybe I would have taken marketing seriously. People who go into this field, they have a certain facility for writing, aspect of the TAMUC journalism program for you? or for communicating, the thing is now what do you Back then it was a very different campus, it was much communicate, there is a certain incentive to specialize in a smaller so I think the fact that it was a smaller environment certain area, arts, sciences, political. It's important to know gave people like me, freshman, younger students, just the minimal standards of journalism, but after learning how opportunities to participate. I don't think it would have to tell a story- what story do you tell, that’s the question?

EVA MORALES

wanted to bring to light the corruption, inform people, and be transparent on stories. However, due to her families Evangelina, Eva, Morales graduated from Texas A&M- economic situation in Mexico, this career was not considered Commerce in 2018 as a journalist, after graduating she a prestigious or financially stable track to pursue. moved to Oklahoma City where she serves as a reporter for Telemundo Noticiero Oklahoma, the only Spanish newscast Overall with a strong perseverance she followed her dreams and became a news reporter. When she was a student at in the state of Oklahoma. the university, she saw the necessities of first generation She has been working there for more than a year. Morales students who do not have an idea how to survive. She has the passion to inform and serve the community despite was one of them, a student who carried a backpack full of the angle of the story. At eight years old she knew she dreams, but very insecure at the same time. • What would you say was the best, most influential aspect of the TAMUC journalism program for you? One of the most influential aspects of TAMUC journalism program for me was the TIPA (Texas Intercollegiate Press Association) conference since I had the opportunity to compete, learn, share, and grow as a professional. This is where I received a scholarship to continue with my education. The following year I competed again at the radio and television contest and won overall second place.

• What advice would you give to incoming freshmen and current students deciding where they want to go with their careers or just starting to enter the multimedia world? Focus on your career, always do your best no matter what and please use your time wisely. By taking advantage of all the opportunities, organizations, conferences or events that the university offers. Even when you believe in yourself, it’s recommended to have a mentor; it can be someone outside the university or a professor. In my case, it was Fred Stewart, a journalism professor who believed in me, and gave me the tools in order to become the best journalist I could be. Page 20 | Mass Media & Journalism and Communication Studies

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FIND US ONLINE GAIN EXPERIENCE

INTERNSHIPS & PORTFOLIOS HELPFUL LINKS Students in the MMJ program can gain valuable experience through field internships or through practicum courses. Internships can count as credit towards degree requirements and give students a perspective of today’s journalism jobs and careers. Through the MMJ program students are also encouraged to build a portfolio of quality work. Some instructors implement portfolios into the classwork. To learn more about internships, practicum courses or building a portfolio contact any of the MMJ or COMS professors.

SEE OUR STUDENTS’ WORK &

TESTIMONIALS

LEARN MORE ABOUT TAMUC

MMJ 497

SPECIAL PROJECTS PUBLICATION

COMMUNICATION STUDIES COMS CURRICULUM MASS MEDIA & JOURNALISM AND MMJ CURRICULUM LEARN ABOUT TIPA LEARN ABOUT NAB

LAYOUT & DESIGN Daniel Sanchez CONTENT & WRITING Kylah Roach Morgan Mouton Bailea Elam Cristhian Herrera Cameron Justice John Parsons COPY EDITING John Parsons

IMAGES & PHOTOGRAPHY Joseph Miller John Parsons Cameron Justice ONLINE & VIDEO CONTENT Cristhian Herrera Carson Byrnes Arrion Ellis ADVISER Fred Stewart

THE EAST TEXAN ONLINE

View a surplus of videos that demonstrate student work in the MMJ program at TAMUC.

KETR

This YouTube channel also contains linked accounts to the East Texan and Mane Media channels that showcase their work as well.

JOURNALISM JOBS

Click on the link below.

EMPLOYMENT STATISTICS

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This publication is a special topics class project for the East Texan News Bureau. The East Texan News Bureau is part of the MMJ 497 Special Topics course. Content is solely the responsibility of the student editors and writers.

Texas A&M University - Commerce | Page 23

TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY - COMMERCE

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