Business Communication News

It was an exciting night for students and faculty members Stephanie Verni and Chip Rouse as they collaborated in a workshop called "Creating your online brand." The Business Communication faculty members demonstrated how to create and fill a professional online portfolio using WordPress, how to use LinkedIn like the pros do, and how to manage social media. The "sold out" workshop was one definitely worth repeating! In the photo above, Professor Verni walks the students through the creation of an online portfolio.

Four of the Business Communication faculty will be presenting at the 2018 National Communication Association convention, held in Salt Lake City in November. Their papers and presentations are listed below.

 

"Wakanda: For Real or for Play?"

This panel speaks to the thought-provoking and rhetorical power of the imagined African-inspired country and people of Wakanda. Dr. Heather Harris and Dr. Deric Greene presenting.

"Don't Play with My Hair! Don't Play with Our Blackness!"

These papers examine blackness is various ways from how a person feels about their hair, how some have "played with" the idea of Blackness, and how Black masculinities play out in popular culture. Dr. Heather Harris responding.

"African American Communication and Culture"

This session includes presentations that address African American communication and culture in a variety of contexts from a range of methodological approaches. Dr. Deric Greene responding.

"Communication at Play in the Classroom: Examining Various Communication Ethics Activities"

This panel offers participants the opportunity to learn about various activities designed for any communication ethics course or area of communication that focuses on communication ethics. Dr. Leeanne Bell McManus presenting.

"Teachers on Teaching Series: Honoring the Pedagogy of Janie Harden Fritz"

This panel honors the teaching of Janie Harden Fritz, someone "...who is our cheerleader and our advocate. She is not only knowledgeable in the field of organizational communication, intercultural communication, interpersonal communication, and ethics..." Dr. Leeanne Bell McManus presenting.

"Hot Topics as Play in the Classroom"

This project will discuss a Hot Topic activity that encourages and promotes classroom engagement and discussion as a type of play in the classroom. Dr. Leeanne Bell McManus presenting.

"How Obama's Hybridity Stifled Black Nationalist Rhetorical Identity: An Ideological Analysis on His Two-Term Third Space Leadership"

This paper attempts to explore the underlying disruptions in which hybridity, as a relational interactional concept, unintentionally assaulted the normative Black Nationalist rhetoric that created a safe space for both of the oppositional others – Blacks and Whites -- to remain in their camps, from which they could shout, feel guilt, shame, inclusion or exclusion. Dr. Omowale Elson presenting.

Congratulations to Business Communication adjunct Chris Daley, who has made the move to start his own company, Whirlaway LLC,  after more than 12 years at Maroon PR. His new website explains, "Whirlaway LLC is a communications agency providing public relations and marketing services that charge brands forward.  Established by 15-year industry professional, Chris Daley, the agency offers companies and individuals customized services that align with their marketing budgets and optimizes their reach to desired audiences." Chris currently teaches classes in Event Planning, Writing for the Web, and New Media Communication. The department of Business Communication supports Chris in this important career change!

Congratulations to the three Business Communication alums who were inducted into the Dick Watts Athletics Hall of Fame during Homecoming weekend at Stevenson on Oct. 20. Jaime Hershner Elwood ('01), Tonia Cristino Ramsel ('08, '10M) and Cara Hill ('07, '10M) were recognized for their athletic contributions on the field and their leadership and excellence off the field. They joined four other individuals and one team of distinction for the event that annually celebrates athletic achievement and contribution. Inductees can be nominated by anyone and are ultimately selected by the Hall of Fame committee. Congratulations to these three spectacular women!

Faculty and students from the department of Business Communication were happy to see each other again at the Homecoming tailgate on Saturday, Oct. 20 at Owings Mills North. It was a time for reminiscing and catching up, and the alumni who returned were happy to greet their former faculty members and enjoy each other's company. Current students were on hand as well to share in the excitement of the day.