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Alumna Becomes Editor of The 19th News May 12, 2021

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Flora (Lee) Peir, Baylor Journalism, Public Relations and New Media class of 2003, recently joined the “19th*,” a newsroom focusing on gender, politics and policy, as its first news editor. In this role, she oversees daily general news and breaking stories as the newsroom expands.

The 19th* aims to empower women, particularly women of color and LGBTQ+ people. It provides information, resources aimed at offering equality to all participants in our democracy. The 19th* is an independent, nonprofit newsroom reporting on gender, politics and policy.

According to its website:

“The 19th Amendment remains unfinished business, a fact we acknowledge in our logo with an asterisk — a visible reminder of those who have been omitted from our democracy. The expansion of the franchise continues today, and The 19th aims to capture this ongoing American story.”

The 19th is a nonprofit newsroom supported by a mix of membership, philanthropy and corporate underwriting. Individuals are able to join as allies, advocates, ambassadors and members to support their mission with a membership.

“Our goal is to empower particularly women, women of color and LGBTQ+ people — with the information, resources and community they need to be equal participants in our democracy,” she said.

An Arlington, Texas, native, Peir is an 18-year veteran of The New York Times, where she worked as a copy editor across its various news departments and more recently helped put together the print newspaper and served as its liaison with the pressroom.

She lives in Queens with her husband and three children.

Link to the 19th* news: https://19thnews.org/2021/04/flora-peir-19th-news-editor/?fbclid=IwAR2QuabdrerZNvWeMctJmV6W58_DQa3gEpaaQyIf9YIcUT6wGuAQRo8z1-8

Doug Ferdon Scholarship Fund May 12, 2021

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In his long career at Baylor University, both as a faculty member and as chair, Dr. Doug Ferdon’s primary focus was on students. He mentored, nurtured, and empowered numerous generations of young journalists and public relations professionals. He stayed in touch. He made connections. He wrote untold letters of reference and recommendation.

Ferdon joined Baylor in 1982, as the Lariat adviser and later became a full-time faculty member, teaching Law & Ethics and History of Journalism. He also served as chair while teaching.

Since his retirement in 2014, Ferdon has continued as an adjunct instructor, although he said when he retired that he was going to “just read books and play golf.” He didn’t.

“When I began college in the 1960s, enrollment was doubling across the U.S. Baby Boomers, including women and minorities, were finding a college education part of their dreams. Teaching for 46 years – full-time and part-time – I saw the costs rise. If a scholarship in my name can help just a little, it would give me great pleasure,” Ferdon said.

Ferdon is that kind of person—kind, forward-thinking and wise. He patiently built the JPRNM village while fostering harmony along the way.

How to Give:

Any donor wanting to support this fund should visit www.baylor.edu/give and in the Search Funds text box, type Dr. Doug Ferdon (or other specified fund) and his endowed scholarship fund for JPRNM will appear as an option to select for the giving form; then they’ll complete the requested donor details and payment information selections for gift processing.

Baylor Alumni Journalism/PR/New Media Annual Meeting a Success May 12, 2021

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The Baylor Alumni Journalism/PR/New Media annual meeting, held April 16, as part of Baylor‘s 2021 Alumni Week, was a success. The event featured an update from the department Chair, Student Media Director Bruce Gietzen and an introduction of faculty and staff.

The event featured presentations by two special alums: Cody Soto and Melissa Wilson.

Cody Soto is a graduate student in the Baylor Department of Journalism, Public Relations & New Media. He is in his fourth year working for Baylor Athletics and first as the director of social media & digital engagement.
He runs the main athletics social media accounts (@BaylorAthletics) by managing the digital communications and marketing efforts of the department to share news and information, promote upcoming events, build the Baylor brand and interact with fans as they engage on social platforms.

Emmy Award-winning Melissa Wilson is an anchor for FOX 26 Morning News weekdays and a medical reporter for FOX 26. Melissa co-anchored FOX 26 News for ten years, as part of the longest running anchor team at FOX 26. A Texas native, Melissa received her Bachelor of Arts in Telecommunications from Baylor University.

She began her career as the evening anchor at KAUZ-TV in Wichita Falls and then went on to anchor at Florida’s News Channel. Houston Woman Magazine named Melissa one of the “Top 50 Most Influential Women in Houston.” American Women in Radio and Television nominated Melissa for “Personality of the Year.” She has been honored with the prestigious “Gracie Award” and Lone Star Emmy Awards. The Fair Care Center of Houston named Melissa a “Living Legend.”

Baylor Grad Derwin Graham Concludes Academy Speaker Series May 12, 2021

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Baylor grad Derwin Graham concludes Academy Speaker Series

The Academy for Leadership Development concluded its Academy Speaker Series for this semester with a session Thursday night led by Baylor graduate Derwin Graham who currently works on the ESPN Films production team for 30 for 30.

Graham, who graduated in 2015 with a B.A. in journalism, public relations, and new media and a film and digital media minor, most recently worked on the docuseries, “The Last Dance,” which won an Emmy.

Graham spoke about what drove him to go to Baylor, citing his father as a major inspiration in his decision.

AEJMC Midwinter Conference May 12, 2021

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By Emily Guajardo

Focused on their area of journalistic and critical thinking expertise, three members of the Baylor Journalism, Public Relations and New Media department presented their research at this year’s virtual Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication Midwinter Conference hosted by the Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication at The University of Oklahoma.

Although normally held in Oklahoma , it was held virtually this year. Participants from the Baylor Department of Journalism, Public Relations & New Media were Drs. Alec Tefertiller, Chair Mia Moody-Ramirez and graduate student Emily Guajardo. The three were selected from hundreds of submissions, ultimately leading them to present their collaborative work and participate in panel presentations.

Working closely with other scholars, Dr. Mia Moody-Ramirez presented two papers within two categories including the Mass Communication and Society Division and the Commission on the Status of Women. Partnering with Dr. Dorothy M. Bland from The University of North Texas, Dr. Gheni N. Platenburg from Auburn University and Dr. Mira Lowe, University of Florida, their paper titled Still She rises: An analysis of memes and misinformation about Kamala Harris moving from U.S. Senator to Vice President touched on subjects pertaining to the media portrayal of Vice President Kamala Harris. Along with this paper, Dr. Mia Moody-Ramirez co-presented an article titled A case study of BBQ Becky- themed memes alongside Dr. Dorothy M. Bland from The University of North Texas and Dr. Hazel Cole from the University of West Georgia

Moody-Ramirez participated in the research panel presentation sponsored by the AEJMC Commission on the Status of Women. Titled, “Women rising in this political movement,” Baylor journalism alumna Dr. Mimi Wiggins Perreault, served as moderator and Dr. Paro Pain served as discussant. Other presenters were George L. Daniels; Dorothy M. Bland, Gheni N. Platenburg; Mira Lowe; Indah Setiawati and Monique L. R. Luisi.

Presenting his research within the Entertainment Studies Interest Group division, Tefertiller explained the effects of entertainment and media in his article titled Am I addicted, or just binging? Towards a functional definition of extended television viewing.

Working closely with fellow scholar, Dr. Lindsey Maxwell from the University of Southern Mississippi, the team worked diligently to express new academic research and scholarship for the field. Along with this presentation, Tefertiller to moderated a panel session titled Publish without perishing: How to get the most out of research collaborations between grad students and faculty. Sponsored by the Southwest Education Council for Journalism and Mass Communication,  Tefertiller asked graduate students and professors to discuss the challenges of working alongside one another, as well as the opportunities that result from such partnerships.

Guajardo was invited to speak alongside her mentor, Moody-Ramirez. The two spoke about the benefits of working on articles for the purpose of publication as well as how to continue professional relationships post-graduate studies. The discussion was moderated by Tefertiller who also served as a panelist.

Other panelists were Lauren A. Auverset, University of Louisiana at Lafayette; Raluca Cozma, Kansas State University; Tracy Everbach, University of North Texas; Ryan Urban, Kansas State University; Lauren Horst, University of Louisiana at Lafayette; and T. Phillip Madison, University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

Guajardo also presented her line of research titled Corporate culture, EOR, Social media and corporate social policies: A content analysis looking into corporations’ modern policies within the Media Management, Economics & Entrepreneurship Division. Her work focused on the nuances behind social media policies in the workplace and how those policies often contradict the workplace environment and culture.

All three presenters received high remarks on their work and plan to continue submitting to other conferences and publications this year.

Baylor Line Foundation’s 56th Annual Hall of Fame Festival May 12, 2021

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Congratulations to the 2021 class of Hall of Fame honorees highlighted at the Baylor Line Foundation’s 56th Annual Hall of Fame Festival. The 2021 honorees included three graduates of the Baylor Department of Journalism, Public Relations & New Media:

Outstanding Young Alumni Award

Shehan Jeyarajah (’16) serves as the college football editor and insider at Dave Campbell’s Texas Football – affectionately referred to as the “Bible of Texas football” – where he has established himself as one of the state’s leading authorities on college football.

Distinguished Alumni Award

Ella Wall Prichard (’63) has served on the Baylor Board of Regents, the Baylor Alumni Association board of directors, and as a member of the advisory boards of Truett Seminary; the Department of Journalism, Public Relations, and New Media; and the College of Arts and Sciences.

Distinguished Alumni Award

Michelle Andrews Smith (‘90, MIJ ‘91) is the chief of staff and the principal spokesperson for the Federal Reserve Board in Washington, DC.

Trends and challenges revealed in new book about women and leadership in public relations January 19, 2021

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Advancement barriers, gaps in leadership and lack of mentors examined

A new book, PR Women with Influence: Breaking Through the Ethical and Leadership Challenges, explores how women in the profession of public relations and communication navigate through attitudinal, structural and social barriers in advancing their leadership roles. The book is led by Juan Meng, associate professor at the University of Georgia Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication and co-authored by Marlene S. Neill, associate professor at Baylor University.

Grounded by empirical research, the book illustrates the ethical and leadership challenges women in PR face. Some key highlights include:

  • Situational barriers to women’s leadership advancement in public relations;
  • The meaning of building influence to women in public relations;
  • The strategies to set out principles that uphold the core values of ethical leadership;
  • Women’s leadership development and participation opportunities in public relations; and
  • The crucial supporting roles of mentoring and sponsorship in leadership advancement.

The book was published by Peter Lang International Academic Publishers and is part of the AEJMC-Peter Lang Scholarsourcing Series. The book is developed from a research project co-sponsored by The Arthur W. Page Center for Integrity in Public Communication and The Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations.

The results are based on responses from two phases of research. Phase I involves 51 in-depth interviews with current female executives in public relations and communication and Phase II reflects information and opinions recruited from a national panel of 512 female public relations and communication professionals.

“Our goal with this book is to examine the joint topics of ethics counseling and leadership challenges that woman in public relations and communication are facing,” Meng said. “We hope to enrich the body of knowledge in women and leadership in public relations while advancing our understanding of identity- and gender-based leadership development skills and ethics counseling strategies.”

Barriers in leadership advancement

Women in PR agree that there is a substantial percentage of women (61.9%) serving as direct supervisors at junior and/or middle management levels to fill in the leadership pipeline. However, the pattern of men outnumbering women in senior communication leadership is persistent by ethnicity, as well as across different types of organizations.

As rated by women in PR, the top three situational barriers that influence women’s leadership advancement are:

  1. Double standards in domestic roles and professional demands (58.6%),
  2. Social attitudes toward female professionals (57.4%), and
  3. Workplace structures (57.2%).

Women of color are specifically disadvantaged by race-based stereotypes.

Women in the study highlighted the top three factors contributing to the underrepresentation in top leadership:

  1. Lack of women as role models in high-level decision-making positions (43.4%);
  2. Lack of work-family balance (36.9%); and
  3. Lack of power of authority or control over important resources (35.2%).
Multiple meanings of being a female leader in public relations

The majority of surveyed professionals in the study define influence as the following ways:

  • Being valued as a trusted advisor (85.7%),
  • Having career advancement opportunities (84.0%),
  • Demonstrating expertise (83.0%), and
  • Having a voice that colleagues and co-workers listen to (82.8%).

Women of color define influence with strong opinions by highlighting the importance of gaining visibility through senior leadership positions.

At the same time, women in PR use multiple strategies to build and enact their influence when providing leadership and ethical counseling. Those widely used strategies include the following:

  • Inviting questions and building a dialogue (74.0%),
  • Referring to the core values of the organization (70.1%),
  • Providing scenarios, discussing potential consequences and providing alternative solutions (69.5%).
Efforts are needed to minimize the gap between leadership development and participation opportunities for women in PR

It is promising that nearly 64% of female professionals agree that their organization has on-the-job training programs to increase competency. Respondents also reported having access to internal and external leadership training and development programs. However, insufficient leadership development resources are particularly noticeable for women in the 31- to 40-year-old bracket.

The gap between leadership development and participation is noticeable. Female professionals reflect that as the line responsibility and the decision-making power increase, their opportunities to participate in leadership initiatives decrease. Four out of ten women don’t think they’ve been given sufficient leadership participative opportunities in organizations’ important initiatives. Quite surprisingly, a substantial percentage of women (41.5%) disagree their organization helps “women like me” participate in one or more professional associations to build networks.

Mentors are important but the numbers are insufficient

Women in PR agree that mentorship does not only provide career advice but also contributes to network building. However, results show that three out of ten female professionals admit they do not have any mentors. In addition, more Black women reported not having a mentor (35.0%), compared with white women (28.6%) and other minority women (28.8%).

“By talking to those successful women executives in PR who were willing to share their personal experiences and provide guidance,” Neill said, “we found one of the most insightful pieces of advice was regarding the role of advocates in career advancement. Senior leaders need to be more willing to identify, mentor and champion young professionals and offer them personal growth opportunities.”

Several factors are sought after when identifying mentors for women in PR including:

  • On-the-job communications and experiences (29.7%),
  • Personal connections and networks (24.2%), and
  • Professional associations (17.8%).

“The depths and the insights from the book can be used to build a roadmap for younger generations and women of color who aspire to move into leadership,” Meng concluded. “Today’s public relations industry is facing enormous pressure to address gender and racial diversity at all levels. We hope our book contributes to addressing disparity, stimulating change, and leveraging the profession to be more diverse, equal and inclusive.”

For more information about this book, please visit https://www.peterlang.com/view/title/70618.

Date: January 19, 2021

Contact:  Juan Meng,  jmeng@uga.edu
Editor:  Sarah Freeman,  freemans@uga.edu

Alumna Pens Prayers for Parents December 14, 2020

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By Sharon Gripp

When Kimberly Willingham Hubbard found herself in the role of a parent a few years ago she remembered how her parents had prayed scriptural promises over her and her sister when they were children. “Knowing God’s promises has given me an unwavering security and confidence in what He says –when navigating life’s obstacles,” Hubbard said.

“Hearing the word of God spoken over me as a child has made a huge impact on my life,” Hubbard said. So much so, that the 2008 JRPNM graduate decided to write a prayer resource book for parents.

“Crowned in Promise 100 Prayers for Your Children” was released on April 21, 2020, with a themed prayer and applicable Scripture verses on each page interwoven into each unique supplication.

The book was written first and foremost for my children, she said. “However, after penning these prayers, I realized that if I desired to have these promises in writing with scripture verses interwoven into the text – how many more parents might long for the same?” she asked herself.

Hubbard’s book was just listed by Bookauthority as one of the “31 Best New Parenting Books to Read in 2021.”

To learn more, visit her website.

Baylor Journalism, Public Relations & New Media Scholarships December 14, 2020

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The Baylor Journalism, Public Relations & New Media department offers more than $200,000 in annual scholarship funds to students. An additional $40,000 is set aside for incoming freshman and transferring journalism majors. The amount offered in scholarships is more than any other department in the College of Arts & Sciences.

Current journalism majors must submit applications with all required material by March 6, 2020. Incoming freshman and transfer students have until March 6, 2020. All applications are available in December.

Other scholarship deadlines are in the spring, but students should apply as soon as possible. To apply, a 2.5 GPA is required. Recipients are announced at the annual spring banquet in April.

For more information, students should contact Dr. Mia Moody-Ramirez, chair of the JPRNM scholarship committee.

Scholarship Application for High School Students

Scholarship Application for Current Students

Available Scholarships include: (Note: you do not have to apply for a specific scholarship).
Al Quinn Scholarship
Baylor Journalism Department Scholarship
Balfour Publishing Yearbook Editor Scholarship
Frank Burkhalter Scholarship
Carmage Walls Scholarship
C.D. Johnson Scholarship
David Cheavens Scholarship
E.S. James Baptist/Standard Scholarship
Fentress Scholarship
Elizabeth and Russell Hallberg Scholarship
Headliners Club Scholarship
J.R. Kilgore Scholarship
David McHam Scholarship
Hope Ridings Miller Scholarship
Harry and Frances Provence Scholarship
Tommy West Journalism Scholarship
Sam Wood Scholarship
Taylor Publishing Scholarship
Wilson Fielder Jr. Scholarship
Willie Foster Scholarship
Adrian Vaughn Scholarship

This website offers information on each scholarship.

Please note the scholarship committee will select an appropriate scholarship for each student.

Scholarships will be announced at the Journalism Awards Banquet in April.

Professor (All Ranks), Clinical, Fred Hartman Visiting Professor December 14, 2020

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The Baylor University Journalism, Public Relations and New Media department seeks a dynamic individual to fill this position beginning Fall 2021.

The full-time faculty member would be asked to teach undergraduate courses in the areas of reporting, editing and writing for magazines, web and other media platforms.

Other expectations include:

Helping the department develop events and workshops.
Organizing and promoting department-sponsored events
Fundraising for the department
Elevating the profile of the department
Fostering alumni engagement

Qualifications
This visiting clinical professor, open rank, position will begin in August 2021 and requires a strong background in reporting, writing, photography, advertising, public relation, or a relevant field and a minimum of three to five years of relevant professional media experience — possibly, a well-known reporter, public relations practitioner or photographer.

Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. To ensure full consideration, completed applications must be submitted by 12/20/2020.

Link: https://apply.interfolio.com/81128

Alumna Discusses Second Book December 12, 2020

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“If you’re feeling lonely, doubtful and hurt—you aren’t alone. But what if you realized you can experience true trust?”

Many women joke about having trust issues—laughing at their struggle because it feels common but secretly feeling there is no hope. Grace Valentine was one of them. In her 20s she realized her trust issues were not humorous because in reality hers were trust issues with Jesus, her community, her family, and herself. And they were destroying her faith. Valentine creatively told herself she was simply being realistic, but the truth was, she was entangled with doubt and lies.

In her second book, Is It Just Me?, she focuses on trust. It’s about learning to trust God in doubts and fears….

“We put walls up, struggle …. We need to hear, ‘Yes, I understand.’ We don’t need to fake it til we make it. We need to trust God and not pretend. There’s always so much uncertainty. Life is always moving and shaping us…. I’m a firm believer … that a bad thing can turn into a good thing if we make it a God thing.”

The book offers readers a new perspective by helping them find answers to five deeply felt questions:

• Am I the only one who is tired, overwhelmed, doubting, and fearful?
• Am I the only one who feels hurt and lonely?
• Am I the only one who still is struggling to find my purpose?
• Am I the only one struggling to trust that God is there?
• Am I the only one confused about how to be an adult?

Valentine graduated from Baylor in May of 2018 with a degree in Journalism, Public Relations and New Media.

Valentine’s journey to becoming a published author began with blogging for various websites as a Baylor freshman, when she launched her own website and blog, which has since been viewed by more than 6 million people from all over the world. Even then, inspired by her own doubts and worries, she was writing to encourage young women not to hold themselves to the world’s expectations. Publishers took note.

“Grace was an outstanding student in two of my courses at Baylor,” Professor and Chair Mia Moody-Ramirez said. “She was a hard worker and so very humble. It wasn’t until her book was about to come out that I found out she was an influencer.”

Valentine is still down to earth. She invites her readers to be her–FRIEND.

Am I Enough? was Baylor JPR&NM alumna’s first book published by HarperCollins Publishing. The book encourages young women to stop comparing themselves to others in this world, pointing to Scriptures such as 1 John 2:15-16. Her personal story and perceptive insights show other young women that not only are they are not alone, they can trust God in the middle of their hurts, doubts, and fears.

Valentine bought a house in Orlando just before COVID-19. She’d worked for a church for two years but transitioned to full-time writing to focus  “Is It Just Me?”

 

Scholarship Drive in the Works for Dr. Doug Ferdon, Former JPR&NM Chair December 11, 2020

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Back in December of 1997, former Baylor College of Arts & Sciences Dean Wallace L. Daniel Jr. had big dreams for Baylor Journalism, and Dr. Doug Ferdon was his man for the mission.

That’s when, after a year-long national search and eight years as a Baylor teacher, Ferdon received a three-year appointment as chair of what is now the Journalism, PR & New Media department.

“I know it was 1982,” said Senior Lecturer Cassy Burleson, “because former chair Loyal Gould asked me if I knew anyone good for the job. Of course, I knew it might be hard to recruit Doug from the golf courses in Panama City, Florida, at the community college where he was teaching, but … he was …

”Absolutely perfect … for Baylor.”

It turned out to be a good match for more than 30 years for the Wisconsin native.

Today, a scholarship drive for $50,000 is in the works for Ferdon, a man of many putts.

“Doug’s a man of few words, unless you get him going on history (pick any subject), his grandfather, facts, suggestions for politicians, mysteries – or his favorite subject, golf. Doug also has the best sense of diplomacy of anyone I know – and that’s important,” Burleson said.

When he joined Baylor in 1982, Ferdon was Lariat adviser for five years while teaching one course. Then he became a full-time faculty member, teaching Law & Ethics and History of Journalism.

In 1995, the department was down to 108 majors. In 1997, Wallace was quoted in a Baylor news release as saying he believed the department “had the potential to achieve national prominence, and under Dr. Ferdon’s leadership, it should reach this goal.”

Ferdon knew it would take a village.

He continued to support existing faculty while recruiting and hiring more people who could build that “nationally prominent” scholastic village. He also added public relations to the curriculum at just the right time and partnered with Baylor’s business school to have the department teach a Writing for Media Markets course for business and other majors, including Film & Digital Media.

Ferdon had increased the faculty from six to 14 when he retired in 2014. Ferdon was on the hiring team for Drs. Clark Baker, Marlene Neil, JPR&NM Chair Mia Moody-Ramirez and Burleson, as well as Robert “Bob” Darden, Maxey Parrish, Sharon Gripp, Kevin Tankersley, and former faculty member, Dr. Amanda Sturgill, now a tenured associate professor at Elon University in North Carolina.

Along the way, Ferdon negotiated some coups to get the majors up from 108 in 1995 to 400 by 2014.

For one, Ferdon convinced Darden, now a full professor, Baylor’s Professor of the Year in 2020, and creator of the Black Gospel Music project now housed at the Smithsonian, to move from the English department to Journalism. Darden attributes much of his career success to Ferdon and said, “I had found him to be a man of high ethical character and a crackerjack administrator, and I knew it would be a wonderful experience.”

Ferdon served as chair until 2005 while also teaching Law & Ethics and Journalism History.

“Doug was one of my inspirations for teaching,” said current Chair Moody-Ramirez. “He asked me to teach my first course, and I was hooked. He provided the support I needed to succeed. He is a gem.”

Since his retirement in 2014, Ferdon has continued as an adjunct instructor, although he said when he retired that he was going to “just read books and play golf.” He didn’t.

Ferdon and Sylvia, also from Wisconsin, will celebrate their 50th anniversary in August. They share a love for golf as well as each other. Sylvia toured on the LPGA circuit, is former head coach of Baylor’s Women’s Golf, and won the Big 12 national title of coach of the year – twice – after beating cancer. The couple now divides time between Waco and their cottage home in Baileys Harbor in Door County, Wisconsin.

Although they have no biological children, they’ve raised a herd of students and golfers over the years.

Still a source of wise counsel in the department, Ferdon said, “When I began college in the 1960s, enrollment was doubling across the U.S. Baby Boomers, including women and minorities, were finding a college education part of their dreams. Teaching for 46 years – full time and part-time – I saw the costs rise. If a scholarship in my name can help just a little, it would give me great pleasure,” Ferdon said.

He’s that kind of guy. Patiently building the village all these years, fostering harmony along the way.

Probably because he knows how to sink the long putt.

To contribute to the Doug Ferdon Endowed Scholarship fund, please click the link below and contribute to the Journalism Excellence Fund and designate the Doug Ferdon Endowed Scholarship as the recipient of your pledge.

Link

 

Alumni Engagement 2020 December 11, 2020

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The Baylor Journalism, Public Relations & New Media Alumni Engagement committee was very busy during the 2019-20 academic year. Committee members planned various activities throughout the year to connect with alumni in meaningful ways. Prior to these efforts, alumni, faculty and staff reported feeling disconnected.

“Other than being in touch with a few alumni on Facebook and LinkedIn, we weren’t connected in a more meaningful way,” said senior lecturer Dr. Cassy Burleson.

Alumna Jenna Dewitt won this hat during a JPR&NM virtual reunion trivia contest.

This feeling ended after the committee met with Christie Harper of  the Baylor Affinity Office. Committee members are: Bob Darden (chair), Bruce Gietzen, Mia Moody-Ramirez, Marlene Neill, Cassy Burleson, Margaret Kramer and Lanisa Tovar.

Harper helped the team generate several ideas for alumni engagement. Ideas included:

In December, the committee began discussing the logistics of hosting alumni reunions. Once the Covid-19 pandemic became evident, the team decided to take the reunions online.

“Making this shift was a stressful adjustment for everyone,” said Chair Mia Moody-Ramirez.  “We wanted to continue our plans, so we looked at other options. It wasn’t ideal, but we made it work.”

In the end, virtual reunions provided a viable option. The department sponsored six events. The reunions were well-received by alumni who participated from all over the United States.

“We collected survey information on salary, hiring practices, tips for students, what we can do better,” said Dr. Marlene Neill. “This is valuable information for the department.  We’re always looking for ways to improve. Our alumni are a good source of information.”

The department is planning to continue sponsoring reunions in the future, Moody-Ramirez said.

“It is our hope to be able to meet in person,” she said. “Only time will tell. But we are thankful to be able to connect.”

Future efforts include a tailgating at homecoming games, selling T-shirts and cultivating an affinity groups in various geographic locations. For more information on alumni affinity groups, please visit https://www.baylor.edu/alumni/connect/index.php?id=969692.

If you would like to get involved with our department, please email us what you are interested in helping with from the list below:

Contact information:

Mia Moody-Ramirez, Department of Journalism, Public Relations and New Media

Christie Harper, Baylor Alumni

Bob Darden, Alumni Engagement Chair

Cassy Burleson, Fundraising Chair

 

 

JPR&NM Professor Bob Darden Shares Talents with Newspapers & Magazines December 11, 2020

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Baylor Journalism, Public Relations & New Media Professor Robert Darden, BSED ’76, continues to share his talents with newspapers and magazines. Darden, who earned the designation of Master Teacher in 2019, published several articles last year, including the ones listed below:

Baylor in Budapest Makes Comeback December 11, 2020

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By Amber Adamson & Maxey Parrish

After having to cancel last year’s trip due to COVID, we are excited to be planning for the Baylor in Budapest Summer 2021 program.

Baylor in Budapest is in its fifth year. Students focus on all aspects of multi-media journalism and public relations to produce an online publication built around travel writing. The marvelous settings of Prague, Budapest and Bratislava provide ample material for inspirational writing and photography.

Students do more than take classes and prepare published material. Each is assigned a staff position that replicates an internship experience. Students live in apartments and have debit cards to provide money for meals. Guest lecturers from local universities bring the Eastern European culture up close. This immersive lifestyle adds to the depth of subjects to explore.

Here’s what a few students who are signed up for this summer’s trip had to say.

I am so excited for Baylor in Budapest because I think it is going to be a life changing experience! With the challenges of COVID, having something like this to look forward to is so encouraging. I know I will learn so much and the experience I will gain will be irreplaceable! 

-Lauren Boyt, junior journalism major 

I can’t wait to study in Budapest this summer and grow as a journalist. I’m especially looking forward to the visit to Radio Free Europe in Prague at the beginning of the trip.

-Meredith Howard, senior journalism major

 Baylor in Budapest is a program that I have been looking forward to since I was in high school. Prof. Parrish is passionate about this trip and has taught me valuable lessons in the journalism world, as well as in life. I am grateful for the opportunity to travel as a Baylor student abroad and strengthen skills for my career in the process.

-Rylie York, junior journalism major

 In just five weeks, students grow personally and gain skills in ways they never could at home.

Here’s what a few students who have been on the trip before had to say.

When you think of studying abroad, it may seem like a super intimidating experience that only few people get to take part in. In reality, studying abroad was one of the greatest experiences of my life, and it left me with a new perspective of the world and lifelong friends. My time in Budapest opened my eyes to another world of culture, history and beauty that I wouldn’t have experienced if I hadn’t taken that step to learn more about the Baylor in Budapest program. I’m forever grateful for Professor Parrish and the time I had.

-Sion Firew, class of 2020

Courses offered in the program are:

JOU 3355 Media Photography I
JOU 3356 Media Photography II
JOU 3389 Magazine and Feature Writing
JOU 3397 Advanced Magazine Editing
JOU 4V95 Special Studies in Journalism

The cost of the trip is around $12,000. This covers tuition, flights and program fees, as well as housing, transportation and a few meals. Students may apply for scholarships for the summer program.

If interested in Baylor in Florence, contact Maxey Parrish or Amber Adamson for more information.

Student Progress and Needs Remain Important December 11, 2020

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By Elizabeth Bates, Undergraduate Program Director

Despite the challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the department’s goals to assist our current students and reach prospective students have remained the same. Specifically, we offered more summer classes than ever before to help our students gain valuable skills and make progress towards graduation on time. We intend to offer approximately the same number of classes this summer.

In addition to offering more summer classes, the College of Arts & Sciences encouraged departments to offer classes in a variety of teaching formats this fall to meet the needs of students. The department answered the call and offered classes in face-to-face, hybrid and online formats.

New Classes 

The department continues to plan for the needs of our students with new classes. For example, an undergraduate and graduate class in data analytics and visualization was approved. It will be offered this summer. And classes focused on social media and broadcast journalism are in planning stages.

JPR&NM Minors

As the need for effective written communication is increasingly recognized as a necessary skill for any career path, more students are seeking minors through our department in public relations, advertising, news/editorial and photography/visual media. Last spring our department met with advisors across the university to let them know about the opportunities that exist for students with a minor in our field.

The College of Arts & Sciences new core curriculum allows for students to have more elective hours to tailor their studies towards their interest and goals. This has also resulted in more students choosing to complete minors.

Student Retention and Recruitment

Student retention was another important element for the department this semester. To address retention, I reached out to students who the College of Arts & Sciences believed might need guidance to make progress towards graduation under current circumstances.

Faculty and staff, including Amber Adamson, Sharon Gripp, Bruce Gietzen, and Kevin Tankersley, and I participated in several Zoom events throughout the fall semester to meet prospective students. More of these events are scheduled for the spring semester.

 

Fall 2020 Baylor Journalism, Public Relations & New Media Newsletter December 11, 2020

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Message from the Department Chair

Without a doubt, this semester has been the most challenging in all my 19 years of teaching  in the Baylor University Department of Journalism, Public Relations & New Media. Kudos to our majors for making it through the term, despite the many obstacles they faced. I extend a sincere thanks to our faculty and staff who worked tirelessly to keep the department going. Although adjusting to the “new normal” wasn’t easy, they made sure students had the resources needed to succeed. Teaching, research and on-campus operations all continued—whether in-person, online or in a hybrid format. Undergraduate  and graduate studies remained important; and our department continued to grow—as indicated in this article by senior lecturer Kevin Tankersley.

This semester was marked by a number of other outstanding highlights. In August, we welcomed two new faculty members: Alec Tefertiller, Ph.D., and Matthew Brammer. Tefertiller has been named a Fellow for the 2020 Baylor Summer Faculty Institute, which allows participants to explore elements of teaching, research and collegiality. Brammer shares highlights of his first semester at Baylor in this article.

Baylor JPR&NM faculty also continued sharing their talents with newspapers and magazines. Professor Robert Darden, BSED ’76, published several articles last year, in addition to working on a book scheduled for publication in 2023. Likewise, senior lecturer Kevin Tankersley had a productive publishing year, with dozens of articles featured in the Wacoan, the Baylor Arts & Sciences Magazine and Baylor Business Review, a publication of the Hankamer School of Business.

Our Alumni Engagement Committee was extremely busy. Committee members planned various activities throughout the year to connect with alumni in meaningful ways MORE. A high point for our department was the re-establishment of the Baylor, Journalism, Public Relations & New Media Advisory Board and the addition of the Friends of the Department Council. Members of both groups are journalists, PR professionals, attorneys, entrepreneurs and educators, who are committed to giving back to the next generation of writers, reporters, and communicators MORE. 

Despite not being able to travel this semester, our faculty had some amazing research accomplishments in 2019-2020. Faculty and graduate students participated in a number of conferences and published books, book chapters and journal articles MORE. In addition, Dr. Marlene Neill was named a 2020 PRSA Fellow. The College of Fellows is the gold standard of public relations professionals. College of Fellows is an active, honorary organization comprised of more than 350 leading practitioners and educators, each of whom has made a significant footprint on the public relations profession MORE.

Our graduate program evolved this semester. We will launch a new online program this spring. The online degree in public relations and advertising will equip graduates with courses in the areas of leadership, social media, data analytics and research to meet the needs of communication professionals who aspire to rise to management roles in advertising and public relations. Courses begin in January of 2020. The deadline to apply is January 9. Apply now: https://www.baylor.edu/journalism/onlinema/

The award-winning Department of Student Media did not skip a beat this fall. “Editor & Publisher” named The Baylor Lariat the best college campus website in the nation. The  award comes on the heels of The Lariat winning the coveted Pacemaker Awards from the Associated College Press for our website and also the 2018-19 Roundup Yearbook titled, “Light the Way.”

Despite the challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the department’s goals to assist current students and reach prospective students have remained the same. Undergraduate Program Director Elizabeth Bates offers more details in this article. Baylor’s JPR&NM undergraduate and graduate students participated in the first One World Symposium in November. The collaborative project featured work from students from four universities: California State University, Fullerton; University of Oregon, Texas Christian University and Baylor University.

After having to cancel last year’s Baylor in Budapest trip due to COVID, we are excited to make plans for the Summer 2021 program. In its fifth year, the program allows students to focus on all aspects of multi-media journalism and public relations to produce an online publication built around travel writing. The picturesque settings of Prague, Budapest and Bratislava provide ample material for inspirational writing and photography MORE.

During these difficult times, we heard from students throughout the semester who needed additional financial help. It was with great pleasure that our department awarded 91 scholarships to students.  Meet some of the recipients. We are privileged to award more than $200,000 a year in financial scholarships to our majors. Last year, we endowed a scholarship in honor of Dr. Sara Stone. This semester, we hope to launch a campaign to raise funds for a scholarship in honor of former Chair Dr. Doug Ferdon MORE.

In this newsletter, we are excited to feature a new column titled, “In Memoriam,” by alumnus David McHam. McHam graduated from Baylor in 1958 and taught in the journalism department from 1961 to 1974. In this issue, we also feature an article by alumnus Jon Platt about the Baylor Line Foundation’s new flagship podcast, “Direct Line.” We are proud of Platt and his accomplishments as a young alum. We are also proud of these two JPR&NM graduates, Grace Valentine and Kimberly Willingham Hubbard, who recently published books.

The Baylor Journalism, Public Relations and New Media newsletter comes out each fall and spring. If you missed the opportunity to be included in this issue, please email us.

As I reflect on the fall semester, I can truly say that we are blessed as a department—despite the obstacles we’ve encountered as a nation. Please stay in touch. We are looking forward to hearing from you all! Have a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year!

Mia Moody-Ramirez, Ph.D.

💚💛🐻 #Baylor #JPRNM

 

 

In this issue:

In Memoriam December 11, 2020

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By David McHam

My father-in-law Dick Wall was a member of the Baylor class of 1930, a journalism major and editor of the Round-Up.  For years he had lunch every week with friends, especially some he had gone to Baylor with.

One day I was there when he came home from the lunch.  This was more than 50 years after he had graduated.  And he said, “The hardest thing about growing old is that you begin to lose all your friends.”

The older I get the more I identify with Mr. Wall.

***

Sherri Taylor spent 30 years on the faculty of the Newhouse School of Journalism at Syracuse University.  She was an expert in photography and design.  That started, she often said, when she took typography with Ed Kelton at Baylor.

She died on October 19 in Syracuse.

Sherri was from Irving and after graduating from Baylor in 1972 she taught for several years at high school in the Dallas area.  She went to Syracuse for graduate school and remained there for the rest of her life.

At Syracuse she taught graphic design and was director of the Empire State School Press Association.  Sherri received many awards including being selected as the Texas Journalism Teacher of the Year.

***

Nancye Phillips, wife of Mike Phillips, died on November 30 in Fort Mitchell, Ky. Nancye graduated from Hanover College and worked as a reporter during her career. She and Mike met while working at The Cincinnati Post. Mike became managing editor of The Kentucky Post and editor of Scripps-Howard newspapers in Hollywood, Fla., and Puget Sound, Wash. Later, until his retirement, he was in charge of all Scripps newspapers.  He was in the Baylor class of 1970.

***

Sometimes a death hits everyone so hard that we never get over it.

Such was the death of Mike Dewlen. He wasn’t a journalism major, but in those days at Baylor everyone knew everyone.

Mike was that kind of guy. He was a football player and active in campus life.  His father, Al Dewlen, who attended Baylor before World War II, was one of Texas’ most significant writers.

Mike went through the Marine Corps officer training program and was commissioned when he graduated in 1967.  He was killed in Vietnam in June of 1968.  I still remember what a shock it was when we heard the news.  Someone actually said to me, “You think it could be a mistake?”

Bob Darden vividly captured the story on line last summer for The Baylor Line Foundation:  Lost Father, Sleeping Son.

LINK

If you ever make it to the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, look for Mike.

If you are like me, you won’t be able to hold back the tears.

***

David McHam graduated from Baylor in 1958 and taught in the journalism department from 1961 to 1974.

 

 

Baylor Student Media Garners Top Awards December 11, 2020

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By Julie Reed

Baylor Student Media earned a number of prestigious awards this semester, including Editor & Publishers’ national EPPY Award, long considered the Pulitzer Prize of college journalism. This award for Best College Campus Website recognized baylorlariat.com for its stellar multimedia coverage over the past year.

The Associated Collegiate Press also awarded an Online Pacemaker to The Lariat’s website, as well as a Yearbook Pacemaker for the Baylor Roundup’s 2019 book, “Light the Way.” The Pacemaker is ACP’s highest honor.

Rounding out the department’s big awards this semester are College Broadcasters Inc. and the Columbia Scholastic Press Association. CBI recognized The Lariat as having the Best Social Media Presence in the nation. The Lariat and Focus magazine are both Crown Award finalists.

In addition to the accolades for Student Media’s individual outlets, students racked up numerous awards this semester, including a second-place award for COVID-19 coverage from the Associated Collegiate Press.

Here’s the link to the awards list from E&P.

Both are prestigious honors. It is great to see our aspiring journalists being recognized for their hard work and embracing our enhanced digital focus!

New Online MA in Advertising & Public Relations December 11, 2020

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By Marlene Neill

After a full semester of preparations with online instructional designers, the new online MA in advertising and public relations is ready for a January 2021 launch.

The first two courses are Theory of Mass Communication and Seminar in Mass Communication, which is focused on digital media. Courses planned for this summer include Data Analytics & Visualization and Ad & PR Leadership.

The online MA is designed to meet the needs of working professionals. It is flexible and affordable. Students can enroll one, two or three courses per semester, depending on their job demands. Students who enroll in six hours per semester can complete their degree in two and half years. The cost is $1,200 per credit hour.

“In our research that we conducted prior to launching this program, we found that similar programs at other universities have reported that their graduates have received an average of a 25 percent salary increase upon completion of the degree, so it is an investment in your career,” said Dr. Mia Moody-Ramirez, professor and department chair.

In preparation for the online MA program, committee members, Marlene Neill, Mia Moody-Ramirez, Maxey Parrish and Bob Darden, researched best practices and industry trends this summer to help construct a program that would be attractive for individuals interested in getting an online master’s degree.

“There is a lot of competition,” Darden said. “We wanted to make sure our program would be cutting edge.”

In addition, faculty met with Baylor’s online instructional designers on a weekly basis to ensure the program meets expectations for quality and consistency across the courses. The program’s committee members will consider adding certificates this summer. Topics might include leadership and image management.

The online MA program is focused on the skills and competencies that are necessary for a career in advertising and public relations management such as leadership, budgeting, market research, strategic planning, crisis communication and data analytics.

According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, public relations managers earn an average salary of $114,800 compared to $60,000 for public relations specialists, an entry-level position. Last year, there were more than 3 million job postings that requested a master’s degree in public relations or a related discipline.

For more information, visit: https://www.baylor.edu/journalism/onlinema/

Friends of the Department Council/Advisory Board Members December 11, 2020

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We are excited to introduce the new Baylor, Journalism, Public Relations & New Media Advisory Board. Members of this esteemed group of journalists, PR professionals, attorneys, entrepreneurs, educators are committed to giving back to the next generation of writers, reporters, and communicators.

Whether it’s reviewing portfolios, hiring interns/alums or offering feedback on industry trends and curriculum, this talented group of professionals are always willing to help.

They have shared their gifts and talents with our students and department on numerous occasions throughout the years. We are truly grateful for their contributions to the success of our program!

Click the links to find out who they are:

Friends of the Department Council

Advisory Board