OUR PEOPLE: Joy Nabors

Those who walk through Mississippi State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine on any given day are likely to hear “Hey, Joy!” echo through the halls as students make their way to class. Starkville native Joy Nabors graduated from MSU with her Bachelor of Science in ag education, leadership, and communication in 2022 and will finish her Master of Arts in communication this month.

Dr. Terri Hernandez part of research group selected for NSF grant

A Mississippi State University research team is using nearly $300,000 from the National Science Foundation to study the intersection of human emotions, information spread and behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic, a project that could inform future health policies.

CO Connection: David Hintz

Mississippi State University Broadcast & Digital Journalism Instructor Victoria Bailey interviews Junior Theatre Major David Hintz. Hintz discusses his experiences as co-director of Pants on Fire, the Theatre Department Children's Show, and serving as stage manager on the production Puffs. Hintz talks about his time in MSU’s comedy improv group, Lab Rats, the inspiration behind his comedic style, and the importance of learning the craft of improv. Hintz talks about what we can expect from the Theatre Department in the Spring and the hard work it takes to get these various shows up and running.

Public relations students represent MSU on Homecoming Court

Mississippi State students have chosen a new group of Bulldog royalty to represent the university in its 2023 Homecoming Court, which will be presented formally during halftime of the MSU vs. University of Kentucky football game Saturday [Nov. 4] at 6:30 p.m.

CO Connection: Marcus Hunter

Mississippi State University Department of Communication Head, Dr. Terry Likes, interviews associate professor of practice, Marcus Hunter. Hunter discusses his career in television news and sports that has spanned nearly 20 years working professionally in Columbus, Memphis, and Jackson. Hunter talks about his transition from the newsroom to the classroom and offers advice for students seeking a media career.

Fisher featured in A&S Faculty Book Talk Series

Dr. Melody Fisher, an associate professor in Public Relations, will be featured at the MSU Faculty Book Talk series Oct. 20 at 3:30 p.m. in the Grisham Room at the Mitchell Memorial Library. The book talk is to highlight academic books written by the MSU faculty. Melody’s book, “The Untold Power: Underrepresented Groups in Public Relations” will be read aloud and have a book signing.

Faculty members, PRISM students win SPRF Awards

Two Communication faculty members won several awards at the Southern Public Relations Federation Conference for their work with the MSU College of Arts & Sciences. Public Relations students also won multiple awards for their work with various organizations.

CO Connection: Victoria Bailey

Mississippi State University Department of Communication Head, Dr. Terry Likes, interviews instructor of Communication, Victoria Bailey. Bailey discusses her career in television news, why she transitioned to higher education, and how she strives to keep up with industry trends and technology. Bailey is working on her doctorate, offers advice for students, and shares a story about a pending program on A&E for which she was recently interviewed.

Communication Kudos: September 2023

Award-winning Theatre MSU celebrates 60 years, opens 2023 season with improv

Mississippi State’s Theatre MSU debuts its 60th season this month with a play steeped in improvisation as part of its Theatre for Young Adults program. With four annual mainstage productions, the 2023-2024 season opens with “Pants on Fire: A totally made up musical for kids,” from Creede Repertory Theatre in Colorado. MSU’s Lab Rats Comedy—an improv student theatre club—also will sponsor the show.

Jones featured in Southern Register

Rex Jones, an assistant professor Broadcast & Digital Journalism, was featured in an article for The Southern Register in Ole Miss that covers his documentary of Steve Holland’s loss after 36 years in the Mississippi legislature.

CO Connection: Chris Misun

Instructor Chris Misun talks with CO Department Head, Dr. Terry Likes, about his career in media, how he moved into teaching, later developing unique course offerings such as Creative Services Production where emphases include client-based work. Misun has maintained strong professional ties via his work with Hail State Productions/SEC Network, where two of his video clips have aired on ESPN SportsCenter’s Top Ten Countdown. Finally, Misun addresses his work as Director of the Magnolia Independent Film Festival.

Department Gains New Academic Advising Coordinator

Casey King recently became the new Communication Academic Advising Coordinator. She will oversee communication orientations, work with major changes to welcome them to our department, and work with faculty members on advising majors, among many other duties.

Department Welcomes Two New B&DJ Faculty Members

The Department of Communication welcomed two new faculty members for fall 2023. Marcus Hunter and Rex Jones both join the Broadcast & Digital Journalism concentration with years of industry experience between them.