Student Spotlight
Zoie Henson

by: Caroline Dewberry, PR student intern

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. 

Henson was nominated by her professor Anna Blount, who said “Zoie went above and beyond expectations in our PR Production class in fall 2021. Her work ethic is second to none, and she consistently produces high-quality materials and brings both professionalism and passion to all she does. She is truly one of the best students in this department.”

Why communication?
I've known that I wanted to major in communication since my sophomore year of high school! I've always been creative and loved writing, and I've always wanted to work for a nonprofit or church in some way. When I found out there was a major that would help me do all those things, I knew it was where I was supposed to be!

Best memory in the Department?
It's hard for me to pick just one memory. Meetings with Kelli Anthony and Reagan Young during my internship last year were always so much fun. They were full of laughs and brainstorming sessions. Any of my classes during PR Production were a highlight as well, because we were ALWAYS cutting up! The Christmas party for faculty, staff and student workers was so sweet as well. I could keep going! Some of my favorite moments at MSU have taken place in the Department of Communication.

Advice for incoming communication students?
Talk to your professors! Learning about my professors and talking to them about life and their careers has given me so many pearls of wisdom. They're rooting for you and have some of the coolest stories. Start a conversation!

Best advice you’ve received from a professor?
Once, on a particularly hard day, Mrs. Blount reminded me that I need to take time to do things I love. In the midst of school and internships and organizations, it's important to take time to rest and recharge. I needed (and still need) that reminder, and I'm thankful that my professors are always willing to be honest with me. 

Favorite class?
Hands down, public relations production! I looked forward to going to that class daily, and I always enjoyed working on the assignments. It helped me to find my love for Adobe Creative Suites. Plus, Mrs. Blount and my classmates made that class so much fun. I would take that class again in a heartbeat and encourage anyone interested in design to enroll!

If you were singing karaoke, what song would you pick to sing?
Depends on the crowd, haha! If I'm going for one of my favorite songs, I'd probably sing something like Supercut by Lorde. If I'm going for something that everyone knows and will sing along to, I'd probably go for Telephone by Lady Gaga. If I'm going for something to scream, it's got to be Heart of Glass (Miley Cyrus' version).

If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I'm a huge fan of any form of rice, so anything with rice is a huge winner. Probably vegetable fried rice with teriyaki sauce and yum yum sauce. For dessert, I'd head on over to Bops for a Peanut Butter Delight, no whipped cream or cherry!

What’s the most interesting thing that you’ve read, watched or listened to lately?
For one of my classes, I had to watch the movie Shattered Glass, which was the story of a famous journalist. I didn't expect to enjoy it, but it was so interesting! I'm not a movie person by any means, but I was glued to the screen. I also recently finished the book Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Peter Scazzero, and it was really thought-provoking, all about the intersection of faith and our emotions.

If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with that extra time?
Anything crafty. I'm a big creative girl and love to make things by hand. If sleep wasn't in the picture, I'd definitely have picked up a few more creative hobbies. Hopefully, I'd cook more too. I've been cooking more in the past year, and I'm growing to really love it.