Internship Spotlight: Bethany Meadows Interns at The Ohio State Reformatory

Bethany Meadows recently completed an internship with The Ohio State Reformatory as the Public Relations Intern. At her internship, Meadows managed the social media platforms, which included analyzing current data on the social media platforms and creating daily posts and new content for their pages.

Throughout her internship, Meadows says she learned how to overcome trails and tribulations. She also states how taking the class Introduction to Public Relations helped her tremendously with her daily tasks and knowing how to compose certain social media posts.


Meadows is an English Major with a Creative Writing and Public Relations Minor.

 A favorite quote of Meadows that comes from the movie Shawshank Redemption, which was filmed at The Ohio State Reformatory is, "Remember Red, hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies."

AU Team Wins $2,500

Nellie Cronin, a junior majoring in public relations, strategic communication, and health & risk communication, competed on a team of five Ashland University undergraduate students at the 2013 Business Concept Competition held as part of the seventh annual Entrepreneurship Education Consortium’s (EEC) Entrepreneurship Immersion Week (EIW) competition at Hiram College on Aug. 4-9. The AU team claimed first prize for its improved public and commercial restroom product.

EIW is an intensive one-week, academic immersion experience for undergraduates from all disciplines to immerse themselves in the skills needed to help them develop new business concepts and apply these skills in a team-based business concept competition. There were nine participating collegiate teams. The teams conceived and developed a business concept that was presented to a panel of judges from the Northeast Ohio entrepreneurial ecosystem. (http://immersionweek.org/)

Due the competitive nature of the concepts presented, the judges took more than an hour and a half to select the winners before naming the Ashland University team as first place and awarding them with the $2,500 prize.

When asked about her experience, Cronin said, “The Department of Communication Studies really deserves this one! The professors and the department itself has given me so many opportunities such as being an intern for the Rural Emergency Trauma Institute (RETI), being a co-author on a chapter of a book that was published, and so much more. These opportunities have been beneficial in so many ways and taught me so many new things. This led me to be able to do all the work I was able to do during the Entrepreneurship Immerse Week and landing first place! I am so thankful for the department; they have helped me so much and will continue to watch me grow.”

"While I am not shocked, I am very proud of Nellie as she has developed into a quite an innovative and well-spoken student. She has brought great pride to the Department of Communication Studies," says Dr. Theodore Avtgis, professor and department Chair.

The Ashland team was coached by Read F. Wakefield, director of the Burton D. Morgan Center for Entrepreneurial Studies, at Ashland University and treasurer and past-president of the EEC. Dr. Dan Fox, associate professor and chair of the department of Marketing, Hospitality Management and Fashion Merchandising, and past-director of the EEC, assisted the Ashland team on Thursday afternoon and evening.

The Entrepreneurship Educational Consortium Inc. (EEC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation and a unique collaboration of 11 Northeast Ohio colleges and universities whose purpose is to provide practical "experiential" and theoretical education to students in Northeast Ohio to prepare them to become entrepreneurs or intrapreneurs, create new ventures and jobs and build wealth for the region. The EEC was founded to promote both the concept and the reality of Entrepreneurship among college students of all disciplines. Beyond imparting the necessary classroom fundamentals, it encourages student exploration of new business concepts.

Ashland University is one of the seven founding members of the EEC. The EEC won national recognition when it received the 2010 Innovative Pedagogy for Entrepreneurship Education from the United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship.

Lauren Fattlar is Having a Great Summer

What are students from the Department of Communication Studies up to this summer? Read on to find out what Lauren Fattler is up to...

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.”

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.

Dr. Polack’s Presentation Now Available Online!

 

If you weren’t able to attend Dr. Polack’s Presentation on Communication Costs, Communication Kills: Its Role in the Future of Health care, we have the solution for you. The Department of Communication Studies recorded the presentation and Part 1 and Part 2 of Dr. Polack’s speech are now available through YouTube.

Please click the links below to view the presentation at your leisure!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUujqoaXDFA

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BDNBtJagkE

Dr. Polack Presents to Ashland University Students and Staff

The Department of Communication Studies was honored to invite Dr. E. Phillips Polack speak to students and staff about the importance of communication in the Healthcare field. His presentation: “Communication Costs, Communication Kills: Its role in the future of healthcare” was held in the Student Center Auditorium.  Approximately 80 students, faculty and staff learned about the vital importance of communicating in a cohesive and insightful manner when lives are on the line as well as the devastating impact that ineffective communication has on patient safety and quality of care. 

STUDENTS TRAVEL TO PUBLIC RELATIONS EVENT

Five students majoring in Public Relations traveled to Cleveland for a networking event hosted by the Public Relations Society of America.  Ashley VanGilder, Kayla Ray, Chris Manthey, Jill Guseman, and Stephany Elgin spent the day listening to various panels of public relations professionals from both profit and nonprofit organizations, had an opportunity to receive career advice, resume feedback, and enjoyed a networking luncheon.  This is the second year in a row that students from the Department of Communication Studies have attended such an event.   

STUDENT RECOGNIZED AS MOST DISTINGUISHED UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT

Senior Megan Wise was honored with the Most Distinguished Undergraduate Student as the annual conference of the Ohio Communication Association award reception. Wise was recognized not only for her scholastic achievements, but also for her involvement outside of the classroom within the field of communication studies. “This honor and recognition means a great deal to me and I am extremely humbled. I deeply care about my academics, so to be recognized for my commitment to my education is greatly appreciative,” said Wise.

 "I am so very happy for Megan receiving this award.  Her performance within the classroom, as my Editorial Assistant, as the President of both Accent on PR  and Lambda Pi Eta has been nothing short of stellar.  To have her recognized as the best Communication Studies undergraduate student in the state of Ohio should make all of Ashland University proud,”  said Dr. Theodore Avtgis, Professor and Chair of the Department of Communication Studies at Ashland University.

MEGAN WISE TO RECEIVE HIGHEST HONOR!!

Megan Wise, a senior in the Department of Communication Studies is the recipient of the 2012 Ohio Communication Association Distinguished Undergraduate Student Award.  This award is given to stellar students who excel not only in the classroom but at a state and national level as well.  This is the highest student honor offered by the organization.  Theodore Avtgis, Professor and Chair of the Department of Communication Studies said "Megan is not only an unbelievable talent in the classroom, but she is also extremely accomplished within the field of Communication Studies for someone so young.  We are extremely proud of her and see her as most deserving of this honor."  Wise has amassed a record of scholarship and service rivaled by graduate students.  In here time here in the Department of Communication Studies at Ashland University, she has presented research at conferences, developed the teaching materials for a national book on Organizational Communication, is currently the Editorial Assistant for the scholarly journal Communication Research Reports which has international readership.  On campus, Wise is also the President of both of the national academic honorary Lambda Pi Eta, Alpha Alpha Rho chapter of the National Communication Association, and the President of the Accent on PR club which is a public relations club housed within the Department of Communication Studies.  Wise will be honored on October 5th at the Annual Meeting of the Ohio Communication Association to be held in Kent, OH.

YAHOO RANKS PUBLIC RELATIONS AS THE 4TH FASTEST GROWING PROFESSION

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.
"Companies need well-qualified people that understand social media," says Shapiro. "Some companies are hiring in-house positions, while others are hiring outside companies to manage their communications."
Education Options: A bachelor's degree in a communications-related field like public relations or communication is generally required to prepare to pursue a career as a public relations specialist.

Communication Studies Major Named Resident Assistant of the Year!

The Department of Communication Studies is proud to announce that Angelique Cunningham received the award for Resident Assistant of the Year! The Residence Life Department recognized Angelique for her dedicated service to her residents during a banquet earlier this month.

We are also excited to announce that Angelique will be attending Graduate School at the University of Akron coming up in the fall and she also received a graduate assistant position at the University!

We are extremely proud of Angelique and her hard work not only in the classroom, but also in the Ashland University community.

If you see Angelique, send some congratulatory praise her way!

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

The Communication Studies Department is excited to introduce a series of Alumni Spotlights that will be featured here on the blog! With the help from members from our Accent on PR group, Communication Studies alumni were contacted to share their experiences after graduation. Stacey Pettigrew…you’re up first!

Name: Stacey Pettigrew

Class Level: Class of 2010

Current Job Position: Graduate Assistant- Competitive Sports and Camps

Company/Organization: Cleveland State University Campus Recreation Services

What is your favorite part of your job?: I love how every day is different. I have so many different responsibilities with overseeing intramural sports, community leagues, club sports, and youth programming that every day brings a new and exciting challenge.

What does a typical day entail at your place of employment?: Even though every day is different for me, a typical day usually entails communicating with club officers to help with club sport scheduling or purchasing issues, training and supervising intramural officials for individual sports, assisting with youth programming and instruction, and implementing risk management policies and procedures.

How did the Communication Studies Department prepare you to succeed after college in the communication field?: The Communication Studies Department at Ashland University has helped me succeed in many ways with my current position at Cleveland State University. My day to day verbal communication skills are vital to dealing with all types of people from concerned parents, to young children, to unruly intramural participants. I also am responsible for various club sport and intramural advertisements and publications, where I utilize written communication skills learned at Ashland. Plus the hands on experiences of practicum hours with the Collegian and the Sports Information Office allowed me to already have knowledge of the organization and promotion of sporting events and tournaments, which I handle on the intramural, club, and community levels.

ACCENT ON PR ANNOUNCES ELECTION OF NEW OFFICERS

Our public relations club, Accent on PR, announces that the following individuals have been elected as officers for 2012-2013:

Vice President: Christina Miadich
Secretary: Chrissy Thompson
Treasurer: Molly Leonard

President Megan Wise said "I am looking forward to working with you all and I know we will make a great team!" There are currently 13 members in the club and are beginning to plan their public relations events and projects for the upcoming year.



ACCENT ON PR IS REACTIVATED

The Department of Communication Studies is proud to announce the reinstatement of its public relations club known as Accent on P.R.! This is an exciting opportunity for our students interested in P.R. and we are eager to do great things within the Ashland community and around campus!

Accent on P.R. will actively partner with local non-profits as well as other on-campus clubs/causes to assist with public relations needs in an effort to create a better campus and community.  Such efforts can range from event promotion to comprehensive campaigns.  Accent on P.R. is a club that is not only opened to public relations majors but also people throughout the AU community with an interest in Public Relations.  Thanks to Accent on P.R.'s President Megan Wise for her pioneering efforts in creating the necessary documentation, leadership, and advocacy necessary for the club's approval.

If you are interested, please stay tuned for additional information. We will be starting a membership drive soon, so be sure to sign up as Accent on P.R. is a great way to beef up your public relations credentials while also providing wonderful service to the various publics we will be serving.