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Table of Contents
The University of Tennessee at Martin Department of Communications
Communication Careers
Public Relations

Facilities

Alumni

Visual Communications

Student Media

Broadcasting

Josh Weiss

Student Organization

News Editorial

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areers in ommunications

Unlike many other departments, a degree in communications can offer a wide arrange of various exciting careers. The things that you can do are almost without limit. Newspaper Reporter Theatre Manager Web Designer Instructor

Airline Stewardess

Bookstore Owner/Manager Booking Agent

Press Secretary Lobbyist

Educational Media Specialtist International Student Cordinator Theatre Buisness Manager Market Analyst Symphony Orchestra Media Relations Insurance Representative Radio News Director Paralegal Assistant Sports Writer Stockbroker Model Community College Teacher Accounting executive Associated Press Reporter

Insurance Representative Publishing Company Editor

Radio Announcer Bank Methods Analyst Marriage Counselor Radio Station Account Executive Fashion Merchandiser State Police Officer Disc Jockey

Peace Corps Volunteer Travel Agent Assitant Museum Curator

Military Recruitment Officer Broadcasting Scriptwriter Restarunt Manager Retail Salesperson

Customer Service Rrepresentative

Photographing assistant Law Firm Recruiter Governmental Press Secretary

Marketing Communications.

Elected Official And Many more!!!

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ALUMNI
Advice
My advice is as follows: work hard, dont settle for second best, and get yourself an internship where youll actually get to do work in the field you want to go into. Jennifer Horbelt Get all the experience you can while youre in school. Dont be afraid to take the thankless and underpaid (if paid at all) internships out there.Abby Dane Seek mentors and do not overlook mentors from unlikely places. Shortly after graduating from UTM.Kim Rucker

Cody Alcorn

By: Tonya Evans & Sarah-K. Reynolds The Communications Department has four sequences: Broadcasting, News-Ed, Public Relations, and Visual Communications. Many alumni have graduated from each sequence. The professors in the department strive to teach each student everything they need to know to excel in their chosen career. Each professor takes it upon himself or herself to build a lasting relationship with every student while in school and even after graduating. Some alumni have moved into many different states, buy take time out of their busy life to keep in contact with the professors that helped build their career. The alumni still learn new things from the professors with every conversation

and sometimes the professors learn something new from the alumni. One of our alumni, Jennifer Horbelt, who works for WPSD Local 6 as an anchor for the 5, 6 and 10 p.m. newscasts in Paducah, Kentucky, said What I love most about the UTM Communications Department are the professors. I credit my success to the professors who pushed me and supported me. To this day I keep in touch with my professors. They continue to teach me, offering advice and constructive criticism. Another alumni, Jordan Tinkle, who is the Executive Producer of the 3 Hour Lunch and announces the traffic on two stations, WGFX-FM and WKDF-FM, said What I loved about the Communications Department at UTM can be summed up in one word: family.

Advice
You are born with the opportunity to be successful. You set you own limitations. Vision what and who you want to be and go for it. Tori Shaw Learn as much as you possibly can. In our day and age, technology changes drastically at a fast pace and you will need to be able to adapt quickly in order to keep up.Jackie Bettie Participate in an internship! You cant gain experience if youve never worked/interned in the business.Cody Alcorn

David Deaton

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ALUMNI
Career Jobs
WPSD CNN TNT Memphis Zoo Atlantic Records The Nashville Tennessean The Knoxville Sentinel The Jackson Sun Associated Press UT Knoxville UT Martin Duke University St. Jude Nissan Motor Corp. Delta Air Lines Opryland Hotel Maxium Magazine Post Hearld General Motors FOX Carolina OfficeMax Associated Press

Jordan Tinkle

I had, and still have great relationships with my professors. There are many established alumni

that have accomplished high achieving awards and recognition throughout their career. David Deaton, IT specialist for UTM, said I wanted a major that incorporated more than just graphic

design and with Visual Communications you get a well rounded education in design.

ended up with and now love. Numerous alumni have completed law degrees and other graduate programs with some earning PhDs in journalism. The alumni speak highly of our professors, because they go to extreme lengths to provide the students with anything needed to be at the top of their game. Maggie Hodges, Internet Marketing Analyst for Full Media said, My experience at UTM in the Communications Department was quite rewarding. I gained practical, hands-on experience with PR professionals who could teach me the nuances of my chosen career that a textbook could not. The professors are mentors and are cherished individuals who still play influential roles in my professional life.

Some of the alumni have ventured off from their studied sequence to find themselves working in a different

I could go on and on about UT Martin. But, the bottom line is I believe in the Communications Department 110%. Why? Because they believed in me. Cody Alcorn

sequence. The career choice goal they

Maggie Hodges

picked and wanted during their college

years was not necessarily the career they

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Broadcasting
Broadcasting is a form of communication that encompasses radio and television production, as well as what you wouldnt expect. Besides getting the expected jobs in radio, broadcast, and cable television, students majoring in broadcasting can get jobs writing and producing videos for public relations agencies and clients, as well as working in industrial or corporate communications. They could also serve the broadcasting needs of hospitals, schools, colleges, and law offices. Producing websites isnt out of reach either! Graduates could also go into business in the marketing of audio and video equipment. The Broadcasting sequence requires a diverse curriculum. Broadcasting-specific classes are: Writing for the Broadcast Media, Radio Production, Television Production, Practica in Broadcasting, Broadcast Management and Sales, Communications Law and Ethics, and Senior Seminar. The Broadcasting sequence offers students the opportunity to learn about broadcasting from qualified and award winning professors. Dr. Gary Steinke is the coordinator of the Broadcasting sequence. The other professors are Rodney Freed and Dr. Richard Robinson Students in the Broadcasting sequence get many opportunities to do amazing and fun things. Students spend a lot of time on the radio, whether in the station doing the regular news, reporting at a special event, or reporting from one of UTMs many sporting events. A couple of students even got to report from the NCAA tournament this year.

Chase Pickett and Rachel Stephens enjoyed calling the game. (Credit WUTM)

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News Editorial
Read All About It!

Joshua Lemons and Eliott Eddings are editing the sports section of the Pacer. Photo provided by Sarah-Katherine Reynolds

By: Sarah-Katherine Reynolds News-Ed is just one of the four sequences offered in the Department of Communications at the University of Tennessee at Martin. The courses offered in the News-Ed sequence help prepare students for a career as a journalist or any other career where the ability to write well is a must. Every Communications major is required to take Survey of Mass Media, News Writing, Voice and Diction, Comm Law and Ethics, and Senior Seminar. News-Ed students are required to take all upper division classes in the News-Ed sequence: Comm 300 Advanced News Writing, Comm 305 Copy Editing, Comm 320 Writing Features and Editorials, Comm 341 Photojournalism, and Comm 383 Practica in Journalism. Also, each student is required to take an additional nine upper division hours outside of his or her sequence. Communications majors are required to create a portfolio. A portfolio is a sampling of each students best work in his or her classes and internships.

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News Editorial
Once you graduate your portfolio will be what shows prospective employers what you are capable of. Each News-Ed student is required to have at least 20 news stories, editorials or feature stories. Three of these stories can be opinion pieces, and only three can be from online publications. Each student must also include examples of publications that they have edited or designed. Mrs. Tomi tells her students the rules for the portfolio are a floor not a ceiling. You can always add more. Dr. Robert Nanney and Mrs. Tomi Parrish are the two faculty members that are over the News-Ed sequence. Dr. Nanney has over 15 years experience in journalism as a reporter, photographer, and managing editor. He is the chairman for the Department of Communications. Mrs. Tomi is the faculty advisor for the Pacer, UTMs student newspaper, UTMs magazine style yearbook, and the coordinator for the News-Ed sequence.

Each week the Pacer staff hangs up that weeks issue of the Pacer. Eliott Eddings is responsible for the most recent issue. Photo provided by Sarah-Katherine Reynolds

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Public Relations
Were here for you
Are you always into the new trends? Are you good at organization and love writing? Do people always listen to what you say and you love glitz and glamour? Then Public Relations could be the right sequence for you. Public Relations people must be well rounded in media. They control how a person or item is perceived by the public. You must be able to give a good speech, while being a people person, and have knowledge in business and marketing. They control how a person or item is perceived by the public. Before a big star walks on the red carpet, or a government official makes a speech, theres a P.R. person behind the scenes making sure everything looks perfect for their appearance, from clothes, to hair and makeup. They must know how to create an individual image as well as organizations and businesses. As a public relations major you will learn written, verbal, and visual elements, how to write press releases and newsletters, how to design effective promotional ads, news writing, broadcast media, and videography. Event planning, product launches, public speaking, and damage control are also important in public relations. While Studying Public Relations you will take many fun and exciting classes, including: Principles of Public Relations, Public Relations Techniques, Research in Public Relations and Public Relations Strategies. Dr. Jeff Hoyer is over the Public Relations sequence, but Dr. Jerald Ogg and Dr. Richard Robinson also teach classes in this sequence.

A group of students in London, England on a travel study. (Credit: Dr. Jeff Hoyer)

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Visual Communications

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Jennifer DeYeso gets ready to design a project for a class.

Being the newest sequence in the department, Visual Communications cuts through a range or applied arts, from graphic design, illustration, painting, drawing, to photography. It uses art to convey a specific idea or message. From fashion design to web site building, you will learn to communicate information and ideas effectively. Whether its in books or on the web, Visual Communications is growing more important because our society today is more image reliant, and fast paced. While getting our undergraduate degree in Visual Communications, you will learn important skills such as: layout and design, web design and maintenance, Photoshop, and Indesign. While studying Visual Communications, you will have the opportunity to work hands on in the classes offered. Principles of Viscomm, Advanced Viscomm, and Principles of Advertising are just a few classes offered for a Visual Communications major. Dr. Tracy Rutledge, Dr. Robert Nanney, and Rodney Freed are the teachers over the Visual Communications sequence. Dr. Rutledge teaches Introduction to Visual Communication and Public Relations, Principles of Visual Communications, Advanced Visual Communications, Basic Web Design, Advanced Web Design/Multimedia, Principles of Advertising, and Public Speaking. Dr. Nanney teaches Desktop Publishing. And Mr. Freed teaches Photojournalism.

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Josh Weiss
Who is Josh Weiss? Why did he go to London??
The Spring semester of 2011, Josh Weiss, a communications student in the public relations sequence, has gotten the opportunity to study abroad in London, England. He is currently taking classes at London Metropolitan University. He departed early February and plans on returning early June. He had a few things to say about his experience.

How did you get chosen for the study abroad?

As I do every day, I walked into the Communications Department office to get my daily peppermints from the secretary, Ms. Glenda. Dr. Hoyer, one of my Public Relations professors, walked out of his office and said, Hey Josh, how would you like to spend next semester in London? That was really the beginning of it all, and we kind of figured it out from there. Im the first person to go on this exchange so the details were pretty shaky, but its all working out incredibly.

What have you learned since you have been in London?

Ive learned a lot of things, most of it out of the classroom. Stand on the right side of the escalator or get yelled at, look right instead of left when crossing the street and McDonalds is nowhere near as good here because its significantly healthier. But seriously, between daily contact with so many different people and all of the traveling that Im getting to do, Im just learning so much about numerous cultures. The people here have such an interesting and different perspective on life, so its great to be able to experience their way of life. I am absolutely immersed in each of their cultures and can really get a feel for the way they live.

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Josh Weiss
What are some of the differences between America and London?
Everything! Burgers are terrible, but the cheese is way better. The ketchup is sweeter. I think the English are very quiet and reserved, but the English think Americans are too friendly. I will never complain about anything being expensive again because the prices here are ridiculous. The public transportation is way better here as are the actual methods of travel. Its much simpler, quicker, and cheaper to travel across Europe. You name it, its different, but thats what makes this so fun. Soldier at Tower of London

Back at UT Martin, what are you involved with and what is your major?

I was one of the lucky few that came in with two majors in mind freshman year and didnt need to change. Im working on two different degrees at Martin, Public Relations with a minor in Psychology and Sport Management with a minor in Marketing. I enjoy both a lot, and the more and more I go on, the more and more I feel like the two work hand in hand. On campus, Im involved in a few different things, but the main two would be my two jobs on campus. Im a Campus Recreation Supervisor, and Im also Sports Editor for The Pacer. They keep me busy, but I have a ton of fun with both.

Why did you want to participate in a study abroad?

Why would I not? Its just such a great way to meet new people and learn about the world in a completely different way. Also, its an unbelievable opportunity to see the world. Im getting to do so much traveling all over the place. Its amazing to actually see all of these places that you heard about and seen on postcards since you were little. Its breath taking, and Im so blessed to have been given such an opportunity. London Metropolitan University

Versailles

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Student Media & Facilities

In the Communications Department, each student has access to the equipment and facilities that are available. Whether you are in the broadcast or visual communications sequences, or just want the experience of working in a radio station or a newspaper, there are options for every student. The facilities and equipment available on the university campus include:

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video editing software, the new nonlinear editing suite, Avid, and are an affiliate of WLJT-TV (PBS).

Two fully functional television studios that are entirely HD, each includes state-of-the-art equipment, multi-format audio/ A fully functional and digital, student-run radio station, which has a brand new tower and streams across the internet.

Creative Suite 5 programs. A photo darkroom

A writing/desktop publishing/interactive media lab, which contains 17 Mac computers, equipped with the newest Adobe

for Communications and other students alike.

A newly remodeled Communications Reading Room, which serves as a conference, lounging, study, and informational area

Radio Streaming Pacer

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Student Media & Facilities

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Student Organizations
AWARDS
SOUTHEAST JOURNALISM CONFERENCE 2008-Second Place, Best College Radio Station 2008 & 2009-Second Place, Best College Radio Journalist 2009 &2010-First Place, Best College Radio Station 2010 First Place, Best College Radio Journalist 2010 Second Place, Best Radio Anchor NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BROADCASTERS EDUCATION FOUNDATION 2010 Second Place, Public Service Announcement (continued on next page) By: Tonya Evans participate in. Joining one or all of the groups will provide experience in The Communications Department teamwork and work ethics for your offers six organizations for students to future career in communications. join. Each group offers the opportunity Women in Communications, WIC, is to increase leadership skills, to make a group that promotes, supports, and new friendships, receive support encourages women and men in their from fellow students, help promote academic and professional lives. They and raise money at events for their promote teamwork, positive attitudes, philanthropy, to grow as a person, and positive work ethics. If you are and to go on trips to different mediainterested in joining WIC please related companies, to see a job in contact the advisor Teresa Collard at communications first hand. Each tcollard@utm.edu. organization has different meeting The Public Relations Student Society times and dues. Two groups are of America, PRSSA, is a group of nationally known. Each group students interested in public relations. strives to make a difference, not They work to improve students only in the students life but also in preparation for entering the real the community. The advisor of each world. They help on projects with organization provides insight in the Habitat for Humanity to build houses. professional aspects in the career They take trips to PR firms within the field choice. The Communications United States and every two years Department encourages students internationally. If you are interested to join and participate in as many in joining PRSSA please contact the organizations as they wish to join and advisor Jeff Hoyer at jhoyer@utm.edu.

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WIC and Broadcasting Guild took a media trip to WPSDTV in Paducah, KY to tour the station. Photo provided by Dr. Richard Robinson, Assistant Professor.

Members of PRSSA helps Habitat for Hunanity build a home for a Weakley County resident. Photo provided by Dr. Jeff Hoyer, Associate Professor.

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Student Organizations
AWARDS
(continued from last page) INTERCOLLEGIATE BROADCASTING SYSTEM 2010 - Platinum Award 2010 First Place, Best Public Affairs Program 2010 Second Place, Best Newscast ADDYs 2009 Student Bronze ADDY Award for Interactive Multimedia 2009 Student Bronze ADDY Award Direct Mail The National Association of Black Journalists, NABJ, is a group of students who have a desire to be journalists. NABJ is committed to strengthening ties among black journalists. This organization is open to all majors of any race. They encourage students from all areas to come and join the group. If you are interested in joining NABJ please contact our advisor Arthur Hunt at ahunt@utm.edu.com. The Broadcasting Guild is a group of students with an interest in the field of radio or television. They service the UTM campus and the surrounding area by means of public services and relations. If you are interested in joining the Broadcasting Guild please contact Richard Robinson at rrobins@ utm.edu or Rodney Freed at rfreed@ utm.edu. The Society of Professional Journalists, SPJ, is a group of students interested in journalism or becoming a writer. SPJ endorses the free flow of information critical to informing the public. The group improves your writing skills and ethical behavior in journalism. . If you are interested in joining SPJ please contact the advisor Tomi Parrish at tomimc@utm.edu. The Viscomm Society is a group of students that have a desire to be creative. This group is for anyone interested in any part of visual communication art, which focuses on the creative visual presentation. They offer member a chance to improve their skills. Most members are Visual Communications majors but we are looking for anyone interested in designing. If you are interested in joining the Viscomm Society please contact Robert Nanney at rnanney@ utm.edu or Tracy Rutledge at trutledge@utm.edu.

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NABJ members took a trip to Atlanta, GA to tour many types of media outlets. Photo provide by Johnathan Crawley.

(Right to Left): Johnatan Kiser, Becky Parnell, Jackie Bettie, Kassi Abby, and James Bucanan won an Addy award.

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The University of Tennessee MARTIN