Faculty Spotlight
Aundrea Self
Starkville native Aundrea Self has worked in broadcasting her entire career. Shortly after receiving a bachelor's degree in English and Mass Communication from Stillman College, Self began working in radio. She then moved to television, working as a producer, reporter and eventually an anchor. After 26 years of working at WCBI TV Columbus, Self accepted a job at Mississippi State in 2025. She continues to spread her love for broadcasting by teaching Introduction to Mass Media as well as holding the title of Director of Outreach and Engagement for the College of Business.
Self says some of her favorite memories within the communication department are in her Introduction to Mass Media class. She enjoys telling her students about the time she spent working as a DJ. Self tasks her students with guessing her hype song. Self says, “I will usually play my hype song for them and they are always shocked because it's, “Back That Thang Up.” They always think it is so funny and we jam out for a little bit.”
When asked what her favorite part of working in the communication field is, Self responded with, “The storytelling aspect. I think whether you are a broadcaster, PR person, or work with social media or digital content, it’s all about telling stories. It’s just telling them across different platforms.”
What is your best advice for communication students?
Do an internship, no matter if it’s broadcast, if it’s print, if it’s PR, do an internship. I think it gives you a good inside view of what it takes to do that job on a daily basis. The other thing I would say is to find a mentor in your field, somebody that can guide you along the way to give you advice. As well as make good connections, everybody knows everybody, so make those connections.
If you could only watch one movie for the rest of your life what would it be?
Coming to America. 110 percent, that movie just makes me laugh.
What is your favorite place you have traveled to?
I would have to say my honeymoon in which we went to the Bahamas. We had the best time and the weather was beautiful the whole time we were there.