Faculty and Students Present Research at Conference

Several of the D.O.C.S. faculty and students presented research at the 104 annual meeting of the Eastern Communication Association annual convention held in Pittsburgh, PA. Senior Megan Wise of North Canton, OH, presented her work Detecting Deceptive Communication through Computer Mediated Technology: Applying Interpersonal Deception Theory to Texting Behavior.
“Presenting at the Eastern Communication Association Conference was an incredible experience for me both as a student and a professional,” Wise said. “I had the opportunity to present my research on a regional platform and I was also able to network with individuals in the communications field. I had a great time presenting my research on deceptive communication via text messaging and I enjoyed engaging in conversation with professionals who provided me with ideas to further my research.”

Senior Christina Miadich of Garfield Heights, OH, presented her work titled The Theory of Interpersonal Communication Motives: A Review of Literature. “Being able to present at the Eastern Communication Conference was a remarkable opportunity and great way to end my senior year,” Miadich said. “I am fortunate that the Department of Communication Studies at Ashland University is motivating students to complete their own research and encouraging them to present their research at conferences because it is a wonderful chance to grow as a student.”

Drs. Dariela Rodriguez and Theodore Avtgis also presented research at the conference.  Dr. Rodriguez participated in a round table discussion titled The Organizational Confluence of Health Care and Communication. Dr. Avtgis presented the following papers: 1. Communicating from the field of crisis: First responder communication; 2. Assessing the accuracy of trauma patient prioritization: Assessing the efficiency of the M.I.S.E.R. categorization and communication channel in crisis communication; 3. The longitudinal efficacy of communication instruction in a surgical residency program: Preliminary data; 4. Round table participant: The organizational confluence of health care and communication

Ashland University Receives PRSSA Chapter

The Department of Communication Studies at Ashland University has received word that it has been granted a student chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), the largest professional public relations organization in the world.

The student charter, known as the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), serves as an endorsement of the strong curriculum in public relations and strategic communication, according to Dr. Theodore A. Avtgis, Professor and Chair of the Department of Communication Studies at Ashland University.

Avtgis noted that this recognition requires close examination of the curriculum, faculty accomplishments and student achievements.
“This is a great accomplishment for Ashland University and the Department of Communication Studies,” Avtgis said. “This recognition serves as an affirmation that our programs, faculty and students are all working and creating quality curricula that will give our students the necessary skills to succeed in the public relations and strategic communication fields. Having this recognition on your resume significantly increases your credibility as it signals to potential employers that you are well prepared.”

Nell Cronin, president of the Ashland University chapter of PRSSA, states, “PRSSA offers so many opportunities for us college students. PRSSA offers internships, competitions, chapter opportunities, scholarships, leadership awards and even the chance for publications. It is a way to broaden our horizons and get our feet wet before graduation.”
PRSSA is made up of more than 11,000 students and advisers organized into 300 plus chapters in the United States. The organization extends to more than 21,000 public relations and communications professionals worldwide.

PRSSA was founded in November of 1967 at the PRSA Assembly in Philadelphia and its mission is “to serve our members by enhancing their knowledge of public relations and providing access to professional development opportunities; and to serve the public relations profession by helping to develop highly qualified, well-prepared professionals.”

Ashland University senior Christina Miadich, a member of PRSSA, states, “Being a senior, I am grateful for having the opportunity to be a part of such a prestigious organization. I am excited for the opportunities that can come my way since I have joined PRSSA. I believe having this membership on my resume helped me get accepted into some of the top public relations graduate programs in the country.”

Professor Rodriguez Receives Certification in Risk Management

Dr. Dariela Rodriguez recently received a certification in Risk Communication from the Harvard University School of Public Health.  Dr. Rodriguez attended the 4-day training taught by instructors from Harvard University, George Washington University, Kings College in London, and Newgate Communication, LLC.  Participants in the training included members of the Pentagon Joint Chiefs of Staff Risk Department, Shell Oil, Exxon Mobile, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the International Monetary Fund.  Dr. Rodriguez reported that she has made some invaluable connections that will assist our students greatly in the future.  This certification will also be of great value as the Department of Communication Studies gets ready to launch its new major in Health and Risk Communication.

Students to Present Research at Regional Conference

Two students have had their work competitively selected for presentation at the annual meeting of the Eastern Communication Association (ECA).  ECA is the oldest communication association in the country and is holding its annual meeting on April 24th - April 28th in Pittsburgh, PA.  Senior Christina Miadich had her paper titled "Theory of Interpersonal Communication Motives: A Review of Literature" and senior Megan Wise had her paper title "Detecting Deceptive Communication through Computer Mediated Technology: Applying Interpersonal Deception Theory to Texting Behavior accepted for a platform presentation.  Professor and Chair of the Department of Communication Studies, Theodore A. Avtgis said "the competition was fierce this year so to have two of our students selected to present research along side some of the brightest minds in the field is quite an honor.  I am very proud of both Christina and Megan and look forward to witnessing their presentations at the conference in April."

PUBLIC RELATIONS IS ON THE LIST OF MOST EMPLOYABLE MAJORS

A list of most employable majors recently released by Yahoo has Public Relations as the 4th most employable majors in the country!

Career # 4 - Public Relations Specialist

If you enjoy reaching out to others and communication is one of your stronger skills, consider pursuing an in-demand career in public relations.
Working with clients - that could range from businesses, nonprofits associations, universities, or hospitals - public relations specialists can help their clients build and maintain positive relationships with the public, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Responsibilities might include writing press releases, speaking to media contacts, and planning PR programs.
Hot Factors: Employment for public relations specialists is projected to grow 23 percent from 2010 to 2020, says the Department of Labor. Growth could be driven by the need for organizations to maintain their public image in this Internet age and with the growth of social media, adds the Department.

DOCS IS ON THE MOVE!!

The Department of Communication Studies is proud to announce that over the past 2 years, the number of students majoring in either Strategic Communication, Public Relations, or Sport Communication has increased 62%.  This growth is directly attributed to our engaging our students in research that prepares them for both the job market and graduate school and continuing to offer new and dynamic course work.  As we prepare to introduce our new major of Health and Risk Communication in the Fall of 2013 and revamped curriculum in Sport Communication, this trend is sure to continue. Consider joining us and being part of something truly special.

Professor Publishes Article on Texting and Driving

Theodore A. Avtgis published the article "WR U TXTING B4 U CRASHED." Avtgis and a team of physicians from the West Virginia School of Medicine assessed the proclivity of teenagers to utilize computer mediated communication while driving and their perceptions of the practice regarding risk to self and others.  This article was published in the West Virginia Medical Journal.