Victoria Bailey is a native of Sylacauga, Ala., and has been a part of MSU’s Department of Communication for a little over a year. Bailey received a BS in broadcast journalism and an MS in strategic communication at Troy University. At MSU, Bailey teaches Backpack Video Journalism, Broadcast Capstone and News Writing for the Electronic Media.

Colby Swann received his Bachelor of Arts in communication with a concentration in public relations in 1997 from Mississippi State University. In 2019, Swann earned his master’s in business administration through Mississippi State’s online program. Swann grew up in Hartselle, Ala. After receiving his degree at MSU, he moved to Hendersonville, Tenn., where he now works as the Chief Operating Officer of Old Time Pottery.

Destine Lalas received her Bachelor of Arts in communication with a concentration in public relations in 2015 from Mississippi State University. Lalas grew up in Gulfport, Miss. After receiving her degree, she returned to Gulfport to start her job as the digital marketing specialist at the Mississippi Aquarium. Daily responsibilities for Lalas include managing all owned media of Mississippi Aquarium, including the website, social media, email outreach and analytics.

Easton Colvin received his Bachelor of Arts in communication with concentrations in public relations and print and digital journalism in 2017 from Mississippi State University.
Colvin grew up in Siloam Springs, Ark., and now works as the public relations coordinator at Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism in Gulf Shores, Ala.

Alena Read Sowell is a senior from Spring Hill, Tenn., majoring in communication. Sowell’s communication concentration is communication and media studies. She is involved in Theatre MSU, Delta Gamma Sorority, serves as a tutor for the Academic Center of Excellence and is a student worker for College of Arts and Sciences Dean’s Office. In the future, Sowell would like to become a public information officer.

Elizabeth Keen, a junior from Vicksburg, Miss., is majoring in communication with a concentration in broadcast and digital journalism. Keen is involved in the Shackhouls Honors College and The Reflector. In the future, Keen plans to work as a sports broadcaster or a journalist.  

Aaliyan Mohammed is a senior communication major from Memphis majoring in communication with a concentration in print and digital journalism. Mohammed is involved in the ultimate frisbee club and The Reflector. In the future, Mohammed’s dream job is to cover the MLB.

Zoie Henson is a senior communication and philosophy major from Philadelphia, Miss., with concentrations in public relations and religion. Henson is involved in College of Arts and Science Ambassadors, Delight Ministries where she serves as the communication chair, and in PRISM. In the future, she plans to receive a dual master’s degree in both communication and philosophy. Henson would ultimately like to work as a communication director and women’s minister in a church. 

Jade Keaton is a senior communication major from Tupelo majoring in communication with a concentration in theatre. Keaton is involved in Theatre MSU serving as stage manager, assistant stage manager or assistant director. Keaton also serves as the business manager of Alpha Psi Omega and is a member of the Blackfriars Drama Society and The Scene. After graduation, Keaton plans to obtain an MFA in stage management with the hopes of becoming a professional stage manager in a theatre environment. 

John Nicholson, a Memphis native, joined the MSU Department of Communication in the fall of 2008. During his time so far here at MSU, he has taught Communication Theory at the introductory and graduate level. He has also taught Nonverbal, Interpersonal and Small Group Communication. Dr. Nicholson received a bachelor’s degree in communication in 1992 at the University of Memphis. In 1993, he returned and received a master’s degree in communication. From there, he received a Ph.D. in communication from the University of Iowa in 1998.