School of Communications

ENGAGED LEARNING TAKES FLIGHT

Celebrating 10 years of excellence in the Interactive Media master’s program ANNUAL REPORT 2018-19 Letter from the Dean

dear alumni and friends, I am excited to present the School of Communications annual report for the 2018-19 academic year. This first annual report during my time as dean showcases many of the events and achievements that demon- strate we are living our mission to prepare students to be exemplary communicators in an increasingly diverse, interactive and global age. Thanks to the outstanding work of my faculty and staff colleagues and the strong support of President Connie Ledoux Book, Provost Steven House and founding Communications Dean Paul Parsons, the School of Communications continues to excel while growing. We continue to focus on providing dynamic undergraduate and gradu- ate programs where students learn to appreciate the roles, responsibili- ties and social impact of media around the world. We value freedom SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATIONS of expression and the importance of serving the public good. We are committed to helping students become better writers, speakers, The School of Communications consists of more creators and thinkers. We want them to learn and innovatively harness TABLE OF CONTENTS than 80 faculty and staff members who are the technologies that are transforming the way we communicate. We engaged-learning educators, striving to deliver PR Week Awards 1 promote the primacy of accuracy, integrity, professional standards and a student-centered academic experience. New Leadership 2 ethical principles. iMedia Celebrates Milestone 3 We prepare students for careers and lives of purpose through excellent Baseball Analytics 4 classes, outstanding student media, professional internships, School of Communications earns top honor Imagining the Internet 5 entrepreneurial experiences and other forms of engaged learning. The Year in Review 6 We recognize that communication is central to our lives and our world, in PRWeek Awards competition Distinguished Alumni 11 and we are committed to upholding the responsibility that comes with that. Where’s the Class of 2019? 12 Thank you for your support. We will work hard to continue earning it. Advisory Board 13 Powered by the teachers, scholars and Judges also noted that students have Sincerely, mentors pictured above, the School of completed internships at “heavy-hitter Communications was named Educa- PR agencies and organizations,” high- On the cover: tion Program of the Year by PRWeek. lighted the accomplishments of the Lecturer Brandon Booker leads a drone training The honor, part of the annual PRWeek award-winning student-run agency Live session with Interactive Media students Cuquis Awards, which are considered one of Oak Communications, and championed Robledo and Ellington Hayes in the Historic rochelle l. ford, ph.d., apr the communications industry’s highest the school’s “close industry connections” Neighborhood. The iMedia program celebrated its dean accolades, was announced at a ceremony that lead to professionals frequently visit- 10th anniversary during the 2018-19 school year. March 21 in New York City. ing campus and speaking with students. In their assessment of Elon, the PR- Additionally, Anissa Cooper ’19 Week judges commended the school’s was named honorable mention – or President Associate Deans This report will be published yearly for alumni, “hybrid faculty members,” who possess runner-up – for PRWeek’s Outstanding Connie Ledoux Book, Ph.D. Don Grady, Ph.D. friends and partners of the Elon University both terminal degrees and significant Student of the Year award during the Kenn Gaither, Ph.D. School of Communications. professional experience. The judges ceremony. The strategic communications Provost and Executive Vice President Published in September 2019 (2018-19) echoed the sentiments of the Accrediting major was one of five finalists for the Editor Send inquiries to: Steven House, Ph.D. Tommy Kopetskie School of Communications Council on Education in Journalism and national award. Cooper attended the Provost and Vice President Elon University Mass Communications, saying the school ceremony with Dean Rochelle Ford, eloncomm for Academic Affairs (2019-20) Designer 2850 Campus Box adapts “nimbly to the demands of a digi- Associate Dean Kenn Gaither and Anissa Cooper ’19 Elon, NC 27244 Aswani Volety, Ph.D. Billie Wagner 336.278.5658 tal, multimedia world of communication.” Associate Professor John Doorley. Dean Copy Editor [email protected] Rochelle Ford, Ph.D., APR Alexa Boschini ’10 www.elon.edu/communications ANNUAL REPORT | 2018-19 1 Mitch Pittman ’09 FOCUSED ON THE FUTURE IN WITH THE accompanies iMedia students to Cuba

Before a decade-long career in television news, where he collected more than a few awards, and the recent launch of his own production company, Elon alumnus Mitch Pittman ’09 was an undergrad gleaning the basics of photojour- NEW nalism from Senior Lecturer Randy Piland. Faculty and leadership adopt Ten years later, Pittman joined Piland in January to assist and mentor seven Interactive a new departmental structure Media students conducting their Interactive Project for the Public Good work in Matanzas, With the School of Communications’ new restructuring, implemented June 1, Senior Lecturer Randy Piland Cuba. In a region known for its poets and cul- has been named chair of the Department of Communication Design. ture, the group turned their cameras on artist Jesus Alberto Mederos, who hosts art therapy sessions for youths with behavioral issues, Interactive Media celebrates To further strengthen student-centered learning, the School this fall, as faculty begin a curriculum review to create more children with cancer or other chronic illness- decade of excellence of Communications has adopted and implemented a new enhancements based on industry needs. es, and seniors with Alzheimer’s disease and departmental structure. Beginning in fall 2019, the school will Costello expects the restructuring should be a welcome dementia. The student group’s objective was to With the presentation of Simone “We have discovered over the last have six undergraduate programs, each with a faculty leader. change for both instructors and students. “With more than bring global attention to Mederos’ charitable Young’s diploma on May 22 in Whitley decade that this program filled a niche The programs and their respective leaders are: 1,000 student majors and 60 faculty, the previous communi- efforts and the larger Matanzas community. Auditorium, the M.A. in Interactive that wasn’t available at other universi- cations department had reached critical mass, where adminis- Media program put the finishing ties,” he said. “We’ve created a program Cinema and Television Arts – Vic Costello “It was a dream story to tell,” said Pittman, tratively, it could no longer be effectively managed as a single touches on its first decade of preparing that prepares students to fill a multi- Communication Design – Randy Piland academic unit with one department chair,” Costello said. “The who has earned several regional Emmy Awards. “Mederos has painted murals all over the city, multimedia professionals to succeed in tude of jobs, not just in communica- new administrative structure strengthens our ability to strategi- Journalism – Anthony Hatcher and he’s a local celebrity there. Now he is using a digital age. tions, but across all types of profession- Media Analytics – Brian Walsh cally plan for the future while specifically addressing the needs his clout to help others.” This spring, Young was one of 28 al fields.” of our faculty and students within their professional discipline iMedia graduates, a group educated According to Copeland, one of Sport Management – Tony Weaver or chosen major.” Elon alumnus Mitch Pittman ’09 (left) accompanied to think strategically across platforms, iMedia’s greatest strengths is its Strategic Communications – Bill Anderson Jr. On the surface, Lellis doesn’t expect that students will notice iMedia students during their fly-in project in Cuba, create data-driven media content, and condensed schedule. The August-to- much of a change when they return in the fall. “As a School of where he struck up a conversation with a local resident. explore new avenues in interactive and May degree program allows the faculty Additionally, Associate Professor Julie Lellis has assumed the Communications, we still value, and will strive to maintain, the digital media delivery. These students and curriculum to remain nimble and role of communications core and minor director, overseeing benefits of a holistic and interdisciplinary program where we discovered new technical skills and adjust to always evolving industries. the school’s opening and closing core courses, communications embrace the academic and professional intersections that unite career paths in UI/UX design, VR, “We have created a program that electives and the communications minor. Professor Naeemah us across all majors,” she said. gaming and digital storytelling. has been right for the times ­– and a Clark has been named the school’s assessment coordinator, The new structure’s real benefit to students will be the In total, 318 students have graduat- little bit ahead of what others were ensuring academic quality in accordance with program accredi- increased access to department and program leaders, whose ed from the 10-month program since doing,” Copeland said. “And because tation guidelines. expertise aligns closely with their professional career interests its inception. we are a 10-month program, we have According to Communications Dean Rochelle Ford, the and pursuits. The creation of smaller academic units provides Over the past decade, iMedia has been able to change and adapt every restructuring was necessary to maintain the strong engaged new opportunities for group meetings of faculty and students helped address a void in the higher year, to look at where industries are learning and close mentoring relationships that make an Elon by major (or interest group) along with more regular communi- education landscape, explained David going and what is needed. This ensures education unrivaled. The curriculum will remain unchanged cation about events, activities and opportunities. Copeland, Elon’s A.J. Fletcher Professor we are sending our students into the and director of the graduate program. professional world ready to succeed.”

MEET THE NEW LEADERSHIP

Bill Anderson Jr. Naeemah Clark Vic Costello Anthony Hatcher Julie Lellis Randy Piland Brian Walsh Tony Weaver Chair, Strategic Communications Coordinator, Assessment Chair, Cinema and Television Arts Chair, Journalism Director, Communications Core and Minor Chair, Communication Design Director, Media Analytics Chair, Sport Management The Imagining the Internet 20 YEARS Center celebrates a milestone in fall 2019, welcomes new DIAMOND IN THE MAKING members to leadership team

In fall 2019, the Imagining the Internet Center will complete its 20th year of DATA work illuminating the evolution of digital communications networks at the dawn of the 21st century. On April 7, 2020, Wikipedia founder and Internet Hall of Fame member Jimmy Wales will speak at Elon and be awarded the Students immerse third Areté Medallion, presented by the center to highly distinguished humanist innovators, change agents and thought leaders for their themselves in contributions impacting the global future. baseball analytics HERE’S A LOOK BACK AT THE PAST YEAR FOR THE CENTER: The Elon University baseball team user-friendly interface that allowed Expanding leadership team Janna Anderson Kathleen Stansberry Alex Luchsinger made history this spring, advancing the coaches to pull up detailed The center’s leadership team grew this spring with Assistant Professor Kathleen Stansberry’s to its first-ever appearance in the data at the touch of a button. appointment as director of research projects and partnerships and Assistant Professor Colonial Athletic Association title Kennedy called the students’ Alex Luchsinger taking on the role of director of documentary multimedia projects and part- game. This milestone was achieved work “tremendous,” adding that his nerships. Professor Janna Anderson continues to serve as the center’s executive director. thanks in large part to the team’s coaching staff gained an “incredible talented roster, which included amount of information” from their “Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Humans” first-round draft pick George Kirby findings. A 123-page report by Anderson, Luchsinger and Advisory Board member Lee Rainie of and three other players selected in The group’s work helped Sarazin Pew Research Center featured the opinions of nearly 1,000 experts on the future of the 2019 MLB Draft. become Virginia Tech baseball humanity in the age of AI. It was released Dec. 13. Rainie unveiled the report and shared But just beyond the dugout was program’s new director of player Nicholas Rossini ’19 (left) and Kyle Sarazin ’19 made a significant highlights from it live on stage at the People-Centered Internet conference in San Jose, another group of students putting development. The sport manage- contribution to the Elon baseball team without ever getting penciled in the lineup. California, which was livestreamed to a global audience. The report gained global media the Phoenix in position for success ment and statistics double major attention via several major outlets, including The Verge. Research in the report was — at least statistically speaking. was hired to assist with coaching selected by the Pew Research Center as one of its “18 striking findings from 2018.” Entering the season, Coach Mike and development strategies, while Kennedy’s program was provided a utilizing new analytics software Team documents Global IGF-France Elon’s Imagining the Internet team at UNESCO headquarters in Flightscope player tracking system and equipment. Paris. Pictured (from left) are Assistant Professor David Bockino, A 10-person documentary journalism team from the Imagining the Internet Center by scouting service ScoutCast, but “The opportunity to work with Sophia Ortiz ’21, Sam Casamento ’ 21, Jack Norcross ’21, Alexandra interviewed more than 150 Internet experts from 55 nation-states at the U.N.-facilitated Roat ’20, Anton Delgado ’20, Cammie Behnke ’19, Grace Morris ’20, the team needed to provide the the baseball team at Elon excited Global Internet Governance Forum at UNESCO headquarters in Paris in November. The Jared Mayerson ’20 and Assistant Professor Alex Luchsinger. staffing to run the equipment and me because it was an opportunity team’s work resulted in 600 video clips on the center’s website and YouTube channel. break down the data. Enter five for my team to act as a catalyst in baseball-minded Elon students. bridging the gap between coach- “The Future of Trust” During each game and some ing and analytics,” Sarazin said. Anderson and Rainie each made a 30-minute opening keynote presentation Feb. 20 on practices, Nicholas Rossini ’19, “I must emphasize that this was a “The Future of Trust” for 100 top industry, government and university researchers who Kyle Sarazin ’19, Mark Scola ’20, team effort and that it is a great ex- are part of the U.S. National Academies of Sciences’ Government-University-Industry Daniel Schiff ’21 and Daniel Tucker ’21 ample of students taking a passion Research Roundtable. The event was held at the historic Washington, D.C., National ran the system and collected data. from a club and getting to make a Academies building. Anderson kicked off the program, and she and Rainie provided the Pitch speed, spin rate, spin angle, real difference with it on campus.” opening scene-setter for the daylong conference on “Authenticity, Integrity, and Security release point, pitch location and “Analytics is a fast-growing part in a Digital World.” trajectory were among the items of our industry,” said Mark Cryan, measured. The students then assistant professor of sport man- Sport management and business majors regularly compete in the News coverage of IGF-USA analyzed the data, preparing visu- agement, who connected the stu- Society for American Baseball Research (SABR) case competition held each March in Phoenix. This spring’s contingent, led by Colin Donohue, director of School of Communications student engagement and alumni alizations, tables and charts at the dents with the baseball program. Assistant Professor Mark Cryan (far left), included students affairs, and Anderson co-led the recruitment and preparation of 20 Elon students who coaches’ request and looking for “Our students have really taken Kyle Sarazin ’19, Mark Scola ’20, Daniel Schiff ’21, Daniel conducted complete multimedia documentary coverage of all events of the 2019 Internet insights that might be valuable. advantage of the opportunities we Tucker ’21 and Nicholas Rossini ’19. Governance Forum-USA at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Elon students Anton Delgado ’20 and Sophia Ortiz ’21 The students also designed a have on campus and elsewhere.” Washington, D.C., in July. Donohue and Bryan Baker, director of technology, operations conduct an interview at the U.N.-facilitated Global Internet and multimedia projects, led the team’s near-real-time coverage. The photos, video Governance Forum in Paris in November. and print-news accounts were promoted by IGF-USA’s site and are part of its official report to the United Nations’ Global IGF Secretariat. 4 SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATIONS ANNUAL REPORT | 2018-19 5 THE YEAR IN REVIEW

AUGUST

Emmanuel Morgan ’19 participated in the 2018 Carnegie-Knight News21 program, a 10-week multimedia reporting project that examined intolerance, racism and hate First Amendment Free Food Festival Communications Fellows on a tour of TNT studios crimes in America. As a News21 Fellow, Morgan traveled extensively with stops in New York City and San Francisco. The cohort’s SEPTEMBER OCTOBER A team that included strategic communica- Pulitzer Center’s Campus Consortium of the Carolina Hurricanes and PNC Arena coverage, titled “Hate in America,” subse- tions major Alejandro Ramos ’19 captured partners, Elon hosts grantees twice a year. prior to a Nov. 12 home game. The visit Lecturer Kelly Furnas was named a National The school led an on-campus celebration of quently won the Student Edward R. first place in the Elon Champion Analytics included a meeting with Christine Williams ’14, Scholastic Press Association Pioneer Award Murrow Award for Excellence in Digital national News Engagement Day on Oct. 2, Challenge, addressing sales opportunities Elon News Network won both a national a producer of CanesVision, the team’s in-arena Reporting and the Robert F. Kennedy recipient, acknowledging his passion for and with initiatives that encouraged students and with HanesBrands executives. Newspaper Pacemaker and Four-Year TV entertainment service. Journalism Award. contributions to scholastic journalism. community members to read, watch, like, Station Pinnacle Award at the Associated tweet and share the news. This included stu- Nearly 40 students completed the Sport Collegiate Press/College Media Association “Drag Queen Storytime,” a short documentary More than 100 people were willing to make a dents Nina Fleck ’20 and Maeve Ashbrook ’22 Management Department’s 400-hour intern- National College Media Convention in film made byEmma Kopkowski ’20 and deal during the First Amendment Free Food serving as town criers, shouting headlines at ship requirement during summer 2018, Louisville, Kentucky. Tyler Litwin ’20, was screened at the 2018 Festival in September, signing away their College Coffee. gaining real-world experience with organi- North Carolina Gay + Lesbian Film Festival in First Amendment rights for a free lunch. The zations across the sport industry. The depart- A team consisting of four Elon sport man- Durham. lunch-hour program aimed to help students “Young Filmmakers of Ethiopia,” a one-hour ment offered a glimpse into how its students agement majors attended the 2018 Sport understand the implications of freedom of documentary produced by Associate Professor spent their summer months at the 2018 Marketing Association Conference in Dallas, competing in the three-day event’s Stephanie Hays ’18 and Alex Toma ’20 speech, press, religion, petition and assembly. Vic Costello, was awarded Best of Show in Sport Management Internship Forum. combined to earn four awards, including Pictured above: Alexandra Roat ‘20 tries to the Broadcast Education Association’s Faculty undergraduate case study competition. two first-place finishes, in the 2018 Michigan interview Dean Ford while Kenneth Brown ‘19 Documentary Competition Associate Professors Derek Lackaff, Phillip State University Design Contest for College blocks the news reporter. Elon News Network received six awards at Motley and Amanda Sturgill presented Students. Hays works as the lead designer Professor Harlen Makemson’s research the Radio Television Digital News Association papers at the 2018 International Society for at the Sacramento Business Journal. paper, “From Gibson Girl to Gibson Goddess: of the Carolinas awards luncheon, sweeping the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning The World War I Illustrations of Charles Dana conference in Bergen, Norway. The October first and second place in the Best Student TV Associate Professor Vanessa Bravo received Gibson in Life Magazine,” received honors at event attracts international scholars and News Producing category. the 3rd Top Faculty Paper Award from the the American Journalism Historians Associa- During their Atlanta media tour, 29 Communi- Political Communication Interest Group at educators to share recent work and to tion convention in Salt Lake City. cations Fellows visited with communications The team of strategic communications majors the 2018 AEJMC conference in Washington, discuss how to advance the future of professionals and Elon alumni. They received Stefanie Milovic ’19 and Janay Tyson ’19 D.C. With her co-author, Bravo analyzed how higher education. From Oct. 12 through Nov. 27 Regal theaters a behind-the-scenes look at the operations placed first in the 2018 Amica Elon Sales U.S. President Donald Trump and Mexican In conjunction with Elon Athletics, Elon across the country screened “Movie Life,” of several prominent organizations, including President Enrique Peña Nieto communicat- Sports Vision (previously named Maroon Challenge, a competition designed for Elon a 35-second commercial made by an Elon CNN, TNT, Jackson Spalding and the Atlanta ed during the first 100 days of Trump’s term Sports) and its students streamed the Sept. 30 students to develop their professional selling Falcons. NOVEMBER regarding the community of Mexican immi- home football game against New Hampshire, team that was one of five finalists in the skills. grants living in the United States. the first athletic event remotely broadcast 2018 Coca-Cola and Regal Films program. Elon News Network aired a two-hour live from Schar Center’s new control room. Investigative journalist and documentarian show covering the 2018 midterm elections. Associate Professor Nicole Triche was selected While participating in the U.S.-U.K. Fulbright Accompanied by Dean Ford, a group of six Emily Kassie, a Pulitzer Center on Crisis and participated in the Television Academy Commission exchange program, Mercy Ette, Dean Ford presided over her first School of students traveled to Chapel Hill, North Reporting grantee, presented an Oct. 24 A group of nearly two dozen students, Foundation’s 2018 Faculty Seminar Program, senior lecturer at the University of Huddersfield, Communications Advisory Board meeting on Carolina, to attend a “Women in Media” community lecture, discussing her crisis consisting of sport management majors a five-day program for college educators that taught in the School of Communications and Sept. 28, welcoming 17 board members and forum presented by WTVD’s Minority reporting on social injustices and violent and Elon Sports Vision students, received a provided an up-close look at the television conducted research during the fall semester. guests to campus. Advisory Committee. conflict in the U.S. and abroad. As one of the behind-the-scenes look at the operations and content development industries.

News Engagement Day 2018 Coca-Cola and Regal Films program Sport Management Internship Forum Elon News Network coverage of midterm election Behind-the-scenes look at the operations of the Carolina Hurricanes 35 organizations, including ABC11, panel with professionals working in the Elon’s campus. Driven by the application of DECEMBER G&S Business Communications television and advertising industries, as design thinking, teams created products, The school hosted its end-of-year awards cele- Dean Ford was one of six and McKinney, on Feb. 12 to meet well as higher education. services and campaigns to address the bration on April 18, recognizing five outstand- “inspiring leaders of communica- with students seeking internships, problem. The winning team featured media ing seniors and presenting 14 scholarships. tions” inducted into the PRWeek employment opportunities and Members of the Women’s Elon in Enter- analytics major Anna Cosentino ’19 and Hall of Fame at a Dec. 3 ceremony career advice. tainment Empire, or WEEE, hosted their first Max Pivonka ’19, who won $1,000 for Best at the Grand Hyatt New York. Ford on-campus informational meeting and social Innovation. The duo designed “Gsoogle,” a used her 13-minute speech to The Pendulum, the newspaper gathering on March 14, attracting approxi- delivery packaging, recycle and reuse center champion the importance of of the Elon News Network; Phi mately 25 students interested in the entertain- for Elon’s student mail room. diversity and inclusion, share Psi Cli yearbook; and Colonnades ment industry. The initiative is supported by her experiences during her own Literary and Art Journal all won alumnae living and working in Los Angeles. personal and professional devel- Best of Show awards on Feb. 23 APRIL opment, and thank the mentors, from the North Carolina College Former NBA Commissioner David Stern’s Dean Ford inducted into the PRWeek Hall of Fame A passionate pitch about a defiant love story coaches and sponsors she’s had Media Association. scored Riley Bradford ’21 and Sophia Ortiz ’21, keynote address provided the kickoff for the along the way. cinema and television arts majors, first place in April 23 Sport Management Symposium In partnership with the PR Council, the 2019 RiverRun International Film Festival’s featuring two panel discussions about the the School of Communications Documentary Pitch Fest, a student competi- legalization and regulation of sports betting hosted its PR Agency Careers JANUARY tion judged by industry experts. and its potential business impact across Diversity and Inclusion During Assistant Professor David North Carolina and elsewhere. Panel Discussion on Feb. 25. Katie Halter, coordinating producer of Elon Bockino’s Through the Lens of The wisdom session and ensuing Sports Vision, returned to her native Minnesota ESPN class, 13 students enjoyed networking reception featured Watching the original – and often award- to help produce three of the CBS Sports Net- MAY a comprehensive media tour in strategic communications and winning – content produced by Elon students work’s basketball-centric shows during January, visiting ESPN, Fox Sports, human resources executives from Associate Professor Cara Lucia began and faculty got a lot easier around spring the Final Four. SNY, MLB.com and the New York W20 Group, Ketchum, Weber break. The school launched its own channel her tenure as president of the National Intra- Yankees, as well as sports outlets Shandwick, Taylor Global, available on Roku devices, with categories Arianne Payne ’20 and Maggie Cornejo ’21 mural-Recreational Sports Association, widely and athletic venues in Buenos FleishmanHillard, Finsbury highlighting student works, student media and were among the 39 undergraduate students considered the leading resource for profession- Aires. and EP+Co. organizations, and testimonials. The school is nationwide to receive highly selective scholar- al and student development, education and set to expand to other streaming platforms. research in collegiate recreational sports. As part of their Winter Term “fly-in” ships provided by The LAGRANT Foundation, a experience, Interactive Media Students meet popular ESPN reporter Adam Schefter. nonprofit organization that promotes diversity During the 2019 Elon Innovation Challenge, Professor Janna Anderson was presented students divided into four groups in the fields of advertising, graphic design, 115 students representing a variety of majors with the Daniels-Danieley Award for Excellence to visit Colombia, Cuba, Dominica marketing and public relations. The school has in Teaching at the annual Faculty/Staff Awards and Ecuador, collecting content addressed how to reduce, repurpose and/or had six LAGRANT Scholars over the last three for a monthlong project for the manage the amount of packaging waste on years – including a two-time winner. Luncheon on May 15. Seventeen students and two facul- public good. Upon their return ty members represented Live Oak stateside, the students built Communications at the Triangle robust online presences for their AdFed’s 2019 American Advertising respective nonprofit organizations, Awards Gala, enjoying a close look agencies and communities. at the advertising industry. Kerry North Carolina Open Government Brooks Fuller addresses a Sheehan-Delany ’19 earned a luncheon audience at the silver award in the competition’s Coalition welcomes new director 2019 Sunshine Day. Elements of Advertising, Original Photography category. Brooks Fuller was named the director of the North Carolina Open Government Coalition (NCOGC) and Sunshine Center as well as an First Amendment issues. assistant professor in Elon’s School of Communications this spring. His research interests MARCH PR Agency Careers Diversity and Inclusion Panel Discussion include topics related to Associate Professor Amanda As the NCOGC director, Fuller works with the coalition’s board to unprotected speech, po- Twenty-two students in the Sturgill served as a co-editor on organize the state’s annual Sunshine Day, a program the coalition litical extremism, national Communications Fellows a book set titled “Religion Online: sponsors to bring together journalists, media companies, attorneys security and media ethics. program participated in a two- How Digital Technology Is Chang- and the public to celebrate openness and transparency in North Prior to that, Fuller earned week trip in January to Florida, ing the Way We Worship and Pray.” Carolina government. Fuller also advises citizens about open gov- his law degree from the touring 17 communications Published by Praeger, the two- ernment issues, produces workshops and educational opportunities University of South Carolina companies, meeting with industry volume set covers larger issues in around the state, handles communication for the coalition, and identi- School of Law and practiced professionals and gaining insights religious and religious-like practic- fies ways to inform North Carolina residents of the value and processes law in North Carolina for into their future careers. es with everything from Hinduism more than seven years. to Little Monsterism. of open government in the state.

FEBRUARY The American Advertising Federa- In the spring semester, Fuller taught two sessions of Media Law and “The old adage is that open government is good government,” Fuller The 2019 Communications tion, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and Ethics, a required course for all Elon communications majors. said. “The North Carolina Open Government Coalition stands ready to Internship Showcase & the school sponsored a March 14 serve North Carolinians by ensuring that they understand the level of ePortfolio Review attracted Diversity in Reality Television A 2017 doctoral graduate of The University of North Carolina at Chapel accountability owed to them under North Carolina law. I’m honored The 2018-19 Outstanding Senior Awards recipients: Hannah Podhorzer, Hill School of Media and Journalism, Fuller began teaching at Louisiana to serve as the coalition’s director and excited to continue its already Maya Eaglin, Brooke Muller, Anna Cosentino and Lillian Engel State University in fall 2017, leading classes in media law, ethics and strong work.” with Dean Ford 8 SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATIONS ANNUAL REPORT | 2018-19 9 Promotions and tenure Distinguished Alumni In March, the Elon University Board of Trustees announced the promotion Angie Lovelace Walton ’10 and Tony Weaver Jr. ’16 were among of Naeemah Clark and Anthony Hatcher to professor. Additionally, the five Elon graduates recognized with 2018 Distinguished Alumni board granted tenure to Associate Professor Bill Anderson Jr. Awards during Elon’s Homecoming festivities. A product manager at USA Today Sports Images, Walton was the recipient of the Distinguished Young Alumna of the Year. She served as photo editor and digital media manager for the USA Today/Arizona Republic journalism team that received the Members of the School of Communications leadership team participated in a media and immersion tour in New York City in June. 2018 Pulitzer Prize for Explanatory Report- ing. The award was presented by Professor ​Four communications majors were named Associate Professor Nicole Triche’s documen- “Waiting in the Midfield,” a documentary by Janna Anderson. national winners in three categories of the tary “All Skate, Everybody Skate” played at the Assistant Professor Sana Haq, aired in late Naeemah Clark Anthony Hatcher Bill Anderson Jr. Weaver, owner and founder of Weird Enough Society of Professional Journalists Mark of North Carolina Museum of History as part of May on UNC-TV, a public television network Productions, received the Distinguished Excellence Awards competition. Alex Hager ’19 the Longleaf Film Festival. serving North Carolina. Young Alumnus of the Year. Through his and Emmanuel Morgan ’19 (General News multimedia company, he has created Reporting), Jessica Rapfogel ’19 (Sports New full-time faculty & staff award-winning short films and comic series, Photography) and Anton Delgado ’20 JUNE Brooks Fuller while also bringing media literacy education (Breaking News Photography) were recognized. Members of the School of Communications Director, North Carolina to thousands of students through its Get leadership team, including the school’s new Open Government Coalition Media L.I.T. program. The award was present- Senior journalism majors Maya Eaglin, Associate Professor Vanessa Bravo was department chairs and program directors, par- Assistant Professor ed by Professor Naeemah Clark. Meagan Gitelman, Emmanuel Morgan and selected as one of nine participants in the ticipated in a June 10-11 media and immersion of Journalism Carter Rayburn placed sixth in the 2018-19 2019-20 Institute for Diverse Leadership tour in New York City. In addition to hosting Hearst Journalism Awards Team Multimedia program of AEJMC and ASJMC, two an alumni reception at Weber Shandwick, the Katie Halter – News competition. The quartet produced a Coordinating Producer, Outstanding Alumnus Award preeminent associations in the field of group visited with executives at BET, Starz, story about the prevalence of human Elon Sports Vision mass communication. Tom Mullen ’00, vice president of mar- trafficking in Alamance County, which is Bloomberg, Estée Lauder, The New York keting catalogs and podcasts for Atlantic often unseen and overlooked. Times and CAA. Michele Lashley Records, was presented with the Outstand- Assistant Professor of ing Alumnus Award at a Nov. 2 luncheon, Strategic Communications recognizing his post-graduation pursuits centered around his passion for music. Ross Wade Mullen oversees the marketing for the cat- Senior Associate Director, alog of Atlantic Records’ currently signed artists, including popular Kass captures top prize at BEA conference Career Services musicians such as Ed Sheeran, Bruno Mars, Death Cab for Cutie and A contingent of faculty, staff and alumni attended the 2019 Broadcast Education Associa- Missy Elliott. Recently, he added the label’s podcasts endeavors tion (BEA) annual convention and Festival of Media Arts. The April event was highlighted to his list of responsibilities. by Assistant Professor Doug Kass earning the top prize in the festival’s Faculty Film & Video Competition – Commercial or PSA Category. Top 10 Under 10 recipients Kass was recognized for his public service announcement promoting School awards the United Nations AIDS outreach program that aired internationally Faculty and staff members were honored during the School of during the 2018 World Cup telecasts. The professor teamed with Communications annual awards program on April 18. Elon colleagues Mitch Herndon ’17, assistant director of multimedia Assistant Professor projects, and Clay Stevenson, senior lecturer in music, as well as Young Do Kim received Interactive Media graduate Trey Caldwell G’18, to develop three the Excellence in PSAs as part of a UNAIDS campaign. Teaching Award

Associate Professor Dan Haygood received In April, several School of Communications A few highlights from the BEA conference: the Excellence in graduates were recognized with 2019 Top Scholarship Award Dean Ford co-presented the BEA Leadership Associate Professor Dan Haygood presented Assistant Professor Alex Luchsinger presented 10 Under 10 Alumni Awards, spotlighting the young alums’ professional success and Summit, titled “Fault Lines in Communica- his paper “‘The Frank Leahy Show’: The Story his paper titled “The Allure of ISIS: Media Effects Assistant Professor influence in their communities. The recipi- tions: Preparing Faculty and Students to of How Notre Dame’s Football Coach Became on Empathy, Attitudes, and Behavioral Intention” Max Negin received the Better Communicate in a Multicultural, the Model for Today’s Media-Savvy Coaches during the conference’s Research Division, Debut Excellence in ents included Emily Favret ’09, director of Diverse World,” and moderated “The Power of Big-Time College Football” during the Paper Competition. It was awarded first place. Leadership Award global communications for Nike; Josh of TV: Unscripted Storytelling” panel with conference’s Research Division, Open Paper Norris ’11, NFL writer and podcaster for reality TV innovators Jonathan Murray Competition. The paper won first place. Communications Manager NBC Sports and Rotoworld; Jasmine and David Collins. Tommy Kopetskie received Gregory ’12, associate attorney for Payne & Associates, PLLC; the Outstanding Staff and Zora Stephenson ’15, anchor and reporter for Fox31, Member Award KDVR -TV, Denver.

10 SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATIONS ANNUAL REPORT | 2018-19 11 BY THE Where’s the Class of 2019? Now this is LIT! Marielle Abrahamson Kristina Grigos Meg Malone Evan Sassaman executive/production assistant, premium sales associate, graduate student, assistant account Technology, Humans & Taste New York Jets NCSU’s Institute for executive, Edelman NUMBERS Advanced Analytics Alexis Atkins Margaret Gunson Andrew Scarlata Portfolio pieces pop under new paid media specialist, 2U business associate, Wayfair Alex Mancuso player development, Class of 2019 digital streaming technician, Washington Nationals ceiling-mounted lighting system Jenna Barone Alex Hager Atlanta Media Pros Alexa Schmitt Here’s a sampling of 130 recent Elon professional accelerated career reporter, Aspen Public Radio entry post-graduate sales Amanda Martinez communications intern, Jasmine Hager graduates who were surveyed by the program, Steelcase digital platform intern, Weber Shandwick public information officer, Wyndham Destinations When Dwight C. Schar Hall was completed, Ben Hannam School of Communications and the Maria Barreto Richmond County Schools Jordan Shaw intern, Disney College recalled the school’s leadership asking what equipment Student Professional Development publicity intern, HarperCollins Meaghan McCann Thomas Hale Program, The Walt the communication design majors needed. The associate Center about their post-graduation Publishers graduate student, production assistant, Disney Co. professor of communication design requested an plans. Gabrielle Beamon Madison Square Goldsmiths,University social fellow, Fenton Garden Networks of London Madeline Shiffer infinity table to photograph student work with equipment associate producer borrowed from the Gear Room. The goal was to produce Full-time Hannah Benson Alexandra Hamer Stefanie Milovic at OPUS Films staffing consultant, digital marketing associate, associate adjuster, more impressive portfolio pieces. But there was a hitch. Sienna Standfield Employment Beacon Hill Staffing Group Forefront Communications Future Leaders Program, “The plan worked, but students had to lug 100 pounds 84 Amica Mutual Insurance social media intern, Margaret Boisvert Margaret Hayes G&S Business of lighting equipment downstairs from McEwen to Schar, of their portfolio,” Hannam said. “It’s encouraging to Post-graduate business development account coordinator, Emmanuel Morgan Communications so it wasn’t very efficient,” Hannam said. “Students weren’t representative, Oracle NetSuite North 6th Agency sports intern, Atlanta see the School of Communications, Dean Ford and Reed Stiller Fellowship/Internship Journal-Constitution using the infinity table because it was time -consuming and our school’s technology committee work together Ozelle Bower Molly Herman-Gallow legal practice assistant, 23 cumbersome.” to put a key piece of equipment in place for our W2O Young Adult Volunteer Brooke Muller Skadden, Arps, Slate, Continuing Program social media associate, Meagher, & Flom LLP Hannam put forward a proposal this spring to the students.” Alison Bradley W2O Group school’s technology committee to purchase and install Kelsey Horowitz Sarah Stone Education business associate, Wayfair Above: The new lighting, multiple angled shots and some 14 human resources assistant, Collin Murray graphic designer, ceiling-mounted lighting equipment in a photography Charles Bramhall Photoshop magic allowed communication design major DIS – Study Abroad sales executive, ERISA Consultants lab in Schar Hall. The results have been eye-popping — see video producer intern, Rebecca Rabiner ’19 to create a strong portfolio piece, Part-time Miami Marlins Sarah Teicher Harvard University Athletics Jason Jones the photo of junior Madison Burress’ work redesigning Milo’s despite having just one copy of her redesigned package. Employment intern, The Walt Disney Co. Andrew Novinski talent relations coordinator, Famous Sweet Tea packaging. Similarly, Rebecca Rabiner ’19 Alexandra Britt Metro Public Relations 8 associate adjuster, talent team business associate, Nathaniel Joslin used the new set-up to capture striking images of her Amica Mutual Insurance Chelsea Thomas Right: Madison Burress ’20 redesigned the packaging for Wayfair sales management package redesign of Chaos golf balls. Volunteer graduate fellow, Milo’s Famous Sweet Tea. Hannam said the goal of the associate, PepsiCo Evan Piercy Paige Carlin Elon-Alamance Health “For communication design students, approximately project was to “increase the perception of value for the Service marketing assistant, 1 executive trainee, Ruder Finn Megan Jurnak Partners 85 percent of graduates get job offers based on the quality product through the use of design.” Indianapolis Indians Caroline Cirby junior copywriter/proofreader, Jenna Turner NDG Communications ticket fulfillment specialist, Diego Pineda education travel video intern, Atlanta Braves Joseph Keller coordinator, Direct Travel New York Post Anissa Cooper marketing intern, Morgan Valeo Endemol Shine North America Ketchum Hannah Podhorzer graduate student, National Advisory Board Landon Kestlinger ORISE Fellow, Centers Seton Hall Law School Maya Eaglin for Disease Control summer development intern, Erik Webb Roger Bolton (chair) Angela Connor Eric Kraus Barri Rafferty intern, NPR and news and Prevention associate, NBC Unique Features producer, WTVD ABC 11 President, Arthur W. Page Society Founder & CEO, Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs, President and CEO, Ketchum New York Change Agent Communications Clean Harbors, Inc. New York Elizabeth Kirkhorn Amy Rauch Gavrielle Weiss Christina Elias graphic designer, Stream Raleigh, N.C. Norwell, Mass. fellow, Allison+Partners graduate student, Karen Albritton Lee Rainie news intern, KCUR 89.3 NPR Realty Partners Istituto Marangoni Partner, Newport Board Group Carol Cunningham Kathy Lewis Director of Internet, Kelsey Kovacs Vice President, Consumer Insights, Senior Vice President, Communications, Rachel Ellis Madeline Reynolds Shelby Wielgus Raleigh, N.C. Science & Technology Research, public relations specialist, BET Networks NYU Langone Health multimedia journalist, ABC News 4 summer fellow, Ketchum public relations Pew Research Center On the Marc Media Matthew Anderson New York New York Washington, D.C. Samantha Feher coordinator, Hilton Head Chief Marketing Officer, Roku Mollie Richter Island-Bluffton Chamber Jack MacKenzie Anna Cosentino ’19, a media analytics major editorial assistant, Reid Kugler San Francisco Steve Daniels graduate student, City of Commerce Anchor, WTVD-TV Executive Vice President, Troy Senkiewicz ’98 with minors in computer science and data science, Cosmopolitan Magazine member services associate, Founder and CEO, University of London Jeff Blumb Raleigh/Durham, N.C. Penn Schoen Berland Discovery Land Co. Rachel Wingrat DigiMax Consulting will begin her professional career in San Francisco Gabrielle Ferguson Partner, Nation Consulting Los Angeles Ian Kunsey Fletcher Rowe producer, WCSH News Ben Davis Los Angeles this fall. She was hired as an associate product digital sales coordinator, Green Bay, Wis. Sunshine Overkamp digital video producer, coordinator, Plural Center Maine CEO, Phizzle, Inc. marketing manager at Google. Pittsburgh Magazine Chairman, Hugh Stevens D.C. United Ann Camden San Francisco Jessica Runnells Sarah Wood Overkamp Overkamp-Smith Attorney, Ashley Follenweider staff writer, Diverse: Principal and Managing Director, “During my time at Elon I was Jordan Levine Future Leaders Program, Monica Fee ’04 Atlanta Stevens Martin Vaughn & Tadych, PLLC marketing and partner solutions Issues in Higher G&S Business Communications Property Sales Agent, CAA Sports research analyst, Ketchum Amica Mutual Insurance Raleigh, N.C. lucky enough to conduct robust coordinator, Viacom Education Raleigh, N.C. New York Kim Parsons undergraduate research, get Felicia Salden Chief Operating Officer, Erin Gallagher James Longo Natalie Wright Julie Carey Bill Kanarick Elevate on Campus Ken White e-commerce associate News Director, WVVA-NBC hands-on experience at multiple assistant account executive, sales and development technology operations Northern Virginia Bureau Chief, Global Customer Leader, EY Greensboro/Winston-Salem, N.C. Sam Edelman program, Nestlé rotation program, Wayfair associate, PwC Labs NBC News4 Boston Bluefield, W.Va. internships and see the world Washington, D.C. Colleen Penhall ’98 while studying abroad,” Laura Goodwin Megan Lynch Kyle Sarazin Sophie Zuriff Renee Kopkowski Associate Vice Chancellor, Norby Williamson event coordinator, account coordinator, director of player development, presidential associate, Michael Clemente Vice President, Institute Communications, University Communications Executive Vice President, Cosentino said. Rocket Software Ketchum Virginia Tech Baseball The Estée Lauder Cos. CEO, NewsMax TV Georgia Institute of Technology UNC Charlotte Production, ESPN New York Atlanta Charlotte, N.C. Bristol, Conn.

12 SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATIONS ANNUAL REPORT | 2018-19 13 Nonprofit Org US Postage School of Communications PAID PO Box 398 Elon, NC Elon, NC 27244 Permit No. 1

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In its 12th year, the Elon in Los Angeles program welcomed 42 students this summer with a visit to the picturesque OUE Skyspace observation deck. The 2019 cohort completed internships with marquee organizations across Southern California, including National Geographic, Young Hollywood and Film 44. “Elon in Los Angeles is the genuine article of experiential learning,” said J McMerty ’00, the program’s director. “Fifty percent of students that participate in the program will come back to start their careers in LA, joining the almost 500 alumni creating a supportive environment in a tough industry.”