Spotlights

Background Image Alternative Text: Headshot of Rubaiya Zannat, Instructor in Communication & Media Studies

Rubaiya Zannat

Faculty

If you've ever taken a class with Rubaiya Zannat, you've probably heard her say that communication is everywhere. Whether it's family conversations, workplace interactions, social media trends, or even the occasional group chat misunderstanding, she believes every interaction has something to teach us.
Background Image Alternative Text: Mathew Rindge, an online communication student standing on the MSU campus during his first visit

Mathew Rindge

Student

When Mathew Rindge begins his day, the world is still quiet. Some mornings he is up at 3:30 a.m. for the gym, and other mornings at 4:30 a.m. to study before heading to work. It is a routine built from discipline and gratitude, shaped by the life he has rebuilt over the past five years. From his home in Biloxi, Rindge is pursuing a degree in Communication with a concentration in Communication & Media Studies through Mississippi State University’s online program, a choice that reflects both his love for storytelling and his desire to help others find hope in their own journeys.
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Jessica Mayts McCallum

Alumni

For Jessica Mayts McCallum, the path from Mississippi State’s Department of Communication to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum wasn’t one she had planned from day one, but looking back, every step prepared her for where she is now. Originally from Tampa, Florida, McCallum graduated from Mississippi State in 2020 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and an emphasis in Public Relations.

Background Image Alternative Text: Lady Cox smiles at the camera

Lady Cox

Alumni

Lady Rhodes Cox was hesitant to attend MSU since Starkville was her hometown. However, the welcoming spirit of the MSU community quickly outweighed the fact that campus was right in her own backyard. “After visiting other campuses, I realized Mississippi State was so much more welcoming than other places,” said Cox. “It really was home.”
Background Image Alternative Text: Joshua Cagle, a communication student, smiles at the camera outside McComas Hall

Joshua Cagle

Student

Joshua Cagle, a senior Communication major concentrating in Communication & Media Studies from Huntsville, Alabama, came to MSU to study Mechanical Engineering, but he quickly realized he did not want to sit at a desk for the rest of his life. 
Background Image Alternative Text: Heather Gholson, an instructor in communication, smiles at the camera.

Heather Gholson

Faculty

Heather Gholson, originally from Burkburnett, Texas, received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing at Texas A&M University and her Master of Science in Strategic Communication at Arkansas State University. After graduating from Texas A&M, Gholson worked in marketing roles focused on sales and advertising before spending six years as a communications director in the nonprofit sector.

Background Image Alternative Text: River Neri sits on a stone wall wearing jeans and a State jersey with pinstripes and smiles at the camera

River Neri

Student

River Grace Neri, a Macclenny, Florida native, is a junior Communication major with a concentration in public relations. Going into her senior year of high school Neri was looking at smaller, out of state schools because she wanted a sense of community and to experience something new. Neri says as soon as she stepped on MSU's campus she felt like everyone truly cared about her and wanted her to be here. 
Background Image Alternative Text: Amy Knight, a communication instructor, smiles in a photo on MSU campus

Amy Knight

Faculty

Amy Knight, an instructor in Communication & Media Studies, is originally from Southside, Alabama. She started her career at MSU after receiving her Bachelor of Science in Speech Communication from William Carey University and her Master of Science in Speech Communication from the University of Southern Mississippi.
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John Welsey Cochran

Student

Brandon native, John Welsey Cochran, is a senior Communication major with a concentration in Broadcast & Digital Journalism. Upon starting college, Cochran knew he wanted to pursue a career in sports broadcasting. He chose communication because he felt it would give him the best skill set and knowledge to reach his goals. 
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Cheryl Chambers

Faculty

Cheryl Chambers, an instructor in Communication & Media Studies, received her bachelor's degree in Communication with a concentration in Communication Studies. She went on to receive her master's degree in Communication Studies at the University of Alabama. Chambers returned to Mississippi State to teach in CMT and is completing her 18th year as an instructor. 
Background Image Alternative Text: Headshot of Melanie Harris

Melanie Harris

Faculty

Melanie Morrow Harris, originally from Russellville, Alabama, received her bachelor's degree in special education and master's degree in secondary education-theatre at Mississippi State. Harris’s first job after college was working as the assistant to a brewmaster. She worked her way through college as a pharmacy technician, so she knew sterile technique and how to follow a formula.
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Kailey Redding

Alumni

After an unexpected change in major, MSU Communication alumna Kailey Redding found her passion for the art of communication. Redding graduated from MSU with a degree in Communication and a concentration in Journalism. Initially pursuing a career in art, Redding earned an associate’s degree in graphic design technology and another associate’s degree in fine art from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College.