Contact: Maridith Geuder
Communicators from media, government, public relations, and marketing will share insights with students during the second annual Communication Days at Mississippi State University.
The Thursday and Friday [Feb. 10 and 11] public event in McComas Hall theater is sponsored by the communication department to provide MSU students and other interested persons with the opportunity to interact with professionals in the field. This year's theme: "The Emerging Role of Communication Professionals in the 21st Century."
"Communication is a dynamic field, with so many changes occurring in technology and content that it is difficult to keep current," said department head Marian Huttenstine. "Our speakers provide valuable insights gained from their own experiences."
Thursday program sessions and speakers include:
--8-9 a.m. "Diversity of Communication Careers," with Miriam Balzli, BancorpSouth; Joan Friedman, Starkville Convention and Visitors Council; Kendall McCarter, Lifeline Blood Services; Lisa Sandroni, Methodist Senior Services; and Lisa Wiley, BellSouth.
--9:30-10:30 a.m. "Spreading the Word: Broadcasting in 2000 and Beyond," with Robin Burchfield, American Family Radio; Stephen Davis, Mossy Oak; and Jon Turner, WCBI-TV.
--11 a.m.-noon. "The Diversity of Communication Careers," with Marisa Campbell, Mississippi Credit Union System; Kathy Shaw, Quest Marketing; Cindy W. Warner, Literacy Council of Central Alabama; and Brian Young, MCI-WorldCom.
--1-2 p.m. "It's Not Just Politics as Usual," with Anne C. Buffington, formerly of Sen. Thad Cochran's staff; William "Brother" Rogers, John C. Stennis Center for Public Service; and Bill Crawford, state Board of Trustees, Institutions of Higher Learning.
--2:30-3:30 p.m. "The Diversity of Communication Careers," with Ned Browning, MSU agricultural communications department; Hugh Latimer, formerly with Deposit Guaranty National Bank; Heather W. Reeves, Godwin Group; Wendy Stowe, WJTV-TV; and Colby Swan, SunCom.
--4-5 p.m. "I Really Could Get a Job: New Graduates Speak Out," with Rachel Busler, MSU Extension Service; Stacey Green, Mississippi Bar Association, Brooks B. Lacey, Wood College; Mandy Oliphant, Maris, West & Baker; and Amy Zeringue, Peavey Electronics.
Friday program sessions and times include:
--8-9 a.m. "Professional Organizations: Students' Link to the Real World," with Robbie Coblentz, Broadcast Media Associates; Alison Eidson, Oktibbeha County Hospital; Danny Gardner, MSU agricultural communications; Lisa Denley-McNeese, Calhoun County Journal; and Russ Wilson, Cumulus Broadcasting.
--9:30-10:30 a.m. "The Changing Face of Print Journalism," with Chuck Abadie, Hattiesburg American; W.C. "Dub" Shoemaker, formerly of the Kosciusko Star-Herald; and Steve Steward, Clarksdale Press-Register.
--11 a.m.-noon. "So You Want to Go to Graduate School: Advice from Coordinators and Graduates," with Cliff Fortenberry, Mississippi College; Daphne Shannon, Covey Communications; and Gene Wiggins, University of Southern Mississippi.