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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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CO Connection: Mary Kathryn Kight

Mississippi State University Broadcast & Digital Journalism Instructor Victoria Bailey interviews Mary Kathryn Kight, who reflects on her early career as a Magnolia State reporter, transitioning into public relations and her current role here at Mississippi State University. Kight is the Senior Communications Manager for the Vice President's Office, Division of Agriculture, Forestry, and Veterinary Medicine. Kight offers advice for journalism and P.R. students ahead of graduation, and she talks about how important communication and storytelling are a vital part of any profession.

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Charlotte's Web

Charlotte's Web, based on E.B. White’s novel, enchanted young audiences through the touching friendship between Charlotte, the spider, and Wilbur, the pig.

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Jacob Uithoven

Mississippi State University student Jacob Uithoven loves acting, singing and performing. When he was cast as the lead, he said he was “super excited.” “I’ve never played a lead role before, so this is a whole new experience for me,” he said. The 22-year-old from Belden, is taking center stage as Wilbur in Theatre MSU’s upcoming production of “Charlotte’s Web,” premiering Friday [Sept. 27].

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MSU remains well represented at Mississippi Book Festival

Mississippi State is well represented at the upcoming 10th annual Mississippi Book Festival in Jackson. This year’s “Literary Lawn Party” features more than 50 panelists and workshops open to the public in Jackson’s historic State Capitol building and grounds. Running from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday [Sept. 14], the Mississippi Book Festival is going big for its 10th anniversary.

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Beloved children’s classic ‘Charlotte’s Web’ opens 2024 Theatre MSU season this month

Mississippi State’s Theatre MSU—the production division of the Department of Communication—is launching its 2024-2025 season with a heartwarming classic, “Charlotte’s Web.” Part of the department’s Theatre for Young Adults program, the play based on E.B. White’s novel will enchant young audiences through the touching friendship between Charlotte, the spider, and Wilbur, the pig.

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CO Connection: Wendy Roussin

Mississippi State University Department of Communication Head, Dr. Terry Likes, interviews CO associate professor, Wendy Roussin, who shares how one can take a picture and turn it into an art form. Roussin discusses her recent work, which was selected for display at an international juried exhibition. In this program, viewers will see a selection of Roussin’s images and gain insight into how these came about and what impressed the jurors.

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CO Connection: Khristie Edmonds

Mississippi State University Department of Communication Head, Dr. Terry Likes, interviews CO alumnae, Khristie Edmonds, who is currently the Division Chair of Humanities and Fine Arts at East Mississippi Community College. Edmonds discusses her experience in television and broadcast meteorology, teaching at MSU full-time, including with the Shackhouls Honors College, her work in student ministry, and now part-time at MSU. Edmonds explains her role in giving back via the Miss Mississippi Scholarship organization and offers advice for students today.

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CO Connection: Katie Corban

Mississippi State University Department of Communication Head, Dr. Terry Likes, interviews CO alumnae, Katie Corban, the MSU Associate Director for Career Services and Programs. Corban discusses the vital role Career Services can play as students seek employment after graduation. Corban studied Public Relations as an undergraduate, holds a Masters’ degree in Counselor Education, and has won several awards for her work on campus including the Zacharias Distinguished Staff Award.

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MSU radio station best in nation for sports talk program

Mississippi State students’ dynamic skills are known as “best in the country” after three broadcasters from WMSV—MSU’s radio station—won first place in the nation for Best Sports Talk Program at the 2024 Intercollegiate Broadcasting System convention in New York City earlier this semester.