Communication Kudos: November 2023

Communication Kudos: October 2023

National Spotlight: MSU student group honored with Pacesetter Award

The Mississippi State University Public Relations Student Society of America chapter is receiving national recognition this spring—securing second place in the prestigious PRSSA Pacesetter Award for commitment to excellence in leadership, professional development and community engagement.

MSU wins big at ‘Best of the South’ contest, passes baton for SEJC leadership

MSU Communication Instructor Josh Foreman served as SEJC president for 2024–2025 and organized this year’s conference held on the MSU campus. He also co-coordinated the annual “Best of the South” contest with Samford University’s Clay Carey. Georgia Highlands Instructor Katie Baxter will take over as SEJC president for 2025–2026.

Calling all student creatives: Story State contest open for entry

Mississippi State University’s Story State 2025—an annual contest aimed at sharing Mississippi stories—is open for entries for new and original stories from all students enrolled at any Mississippi institution of higher learning. Entries will be accepted through March 14.

Theatre MSU debuts spring semester with ‘Medea’ and ‘She Kills Monsters’

Mississippi State University’s Theatre MSU opens its spring season with productions of “Medea” and “She Kills Monsters,” showcasing the two most popular genres of theater—tragedy and comedy. “Medea,” running Feb. 26 through March 1, 7:30 p.m., and March 2, 2 p.m., is directed by senior Kylie Alyse Dowd of Clinton in her directorial debut. Dowd, a fine arts major, brings a fresh perspective to a bold reimagining of the Greek tragedy.

CO Connection: Quentin Smith

Mississippi State University Broadcast & Digital Journalism Instructor Victoria Bailey interviews WLBT "On Your Side" Multimedia Journalist Quentin Smith. Smith reflects on his undergraduate experience at Mississippi State University and his early career as a news reporter in Columbus Mississippi. Smith talks about transitioning into teaching Journalism and his current role as a state capital reporter. Smith offers advice for Broadcast and Digital Journalism students ahead of graduation and talks about the importance of storytelling.

Two CMST faculty members win MCA awards

Two Communication faculty members were recognized for teaching and research excellence at the annual Mississippi Communication Association Conference. Gil Carter and Carrie McCormick earned top awards for their papers and presentations, respectively.

Thorn named station manager of MSU’s 91.1 The Junction

A former news and music director of a college radio station in the Blue Ridge Mountains is now at the helm of Mississippi State’s 91.1 The Junction. Becca Thorn began her role as radio station manager Feb. 1 to plan, organize and supervise the station’s day-to-day broadcasting operations.

CO Connection: Laken Laird

Mississippi State University's Broadcast & Digital Journalism Instructor Victoria Bailey interviews Laken Laird, who reflects on her early time as a Mississippi State University student, transitioning into public relations, and her current role as a graduate assistant to the award-winning student-led newscast, Take 30 News. Laken is also an instructor and works on Ph.D.-level courses. Laird is also the Communication Department's Graduate Assistant of the Year for 2024. Laird offers advice to journalism and PR students ahead of graduation. Laken also discusses how communication, accepting all challenges, and storytelling are vital to any profession.

Theatre faculty earn prestigious awards

Leaders in Mississippi State University’s theater program, part of the Department of Communication, are adding to their faculty awards this academic year, showcasing the program’s outstanding achievements in theater arts and dedication to creative excellence.

B&DJ students claim top awards at national media convention

Four Mississippi State University students have been recognized for their outstanding contributions to college media at the College Broadcasters, Inc. National Student Media Convention in Seattle. Competing against top programs from across the country, these MSU communication students showcased excellence in broadcasting and storytelling.

MSU shines at public relations Lantern Award ceremony

Mississippi State University faculty, staff and students brought home top awards at the recent Southern Public Relations Federation Lantern Awards ceremony in Biloxi. The Lantern Awards annually recognize outstanding public relations achievements across Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and the Florida panhandle.

MSU wins Best of Show — twice! — at National College Media Convention; Reflector named co––finalist for coveted award

Mississippi State University won two first-place “Best of Show” awards at the Associated Collegiate Press National College Media Convention held in New Orleans last month, continuing a string a dominance from MSU’s Department of Communication.

CO Connection: Greg Thorn

Mississippi State University Department of Communication Head, Dr. Terry Likes, interviews CO assistant teaching professor, Greg Thorn, who shares information about the season for TheatreMSU which features a wide array of performances such as Charlotte’s Web, Medea – a classic Greek Tragedy, A Piece of My Heart, and She Kills Monster with a theme from Dungeons and Dragons. Thorn discusses his role as lighting designer, accolades he has earned for performances such as Legally Blonde and how plans to pass along this knowledge to students via experiential learning opportunities.