Eagle Call: Spring 2016

Spring 2016

THE EAGLE CALL

University of Southern Indiana’s Communications Alumni Newsletter

In this Issue

Letter from the Chair

1

Pencils Down, Hard Hats On

2

A Lead Day Symposium

4

New Sound

5

Overlooking Reflection Lake

5

A Farewell to Dr. J. Wayne Rinks

6

Holding Back the Years: Dr. Gael Cooper

7

New Beginnings

8

Half Day with a Pro

9

Honors Awards

10

Journalism, Radio and Television Awards

11

Student Advertising Competition

12

Commencement

13

Faculty & Contact

14

Letter from the Chair Dr. Karen Bonnell

During the Spring 2016 term, I had the privilege of serving as interim chair during the retirement sabbatical of Dr. Wayne Rinks, and it was a semester of accomplishments that speak to the excellence of our students and faculty.

During Spring term our University student-run newspaper, The Shield, was named Newspaper of the Year in Division II by the Indiana Collegiate Press Association. Shield Editor Bobby Shipman, a 2016 journalism graduate, will pass the leadership torch to Sarah Leosch, a junior majoring in journalism. Erin Gibson, Instructor of journalism, serves as faculty advisor to The Shield. Gibson and Dr. David Black, assistant professor of radio and television, organized a successful High School Media Day to recognize the accomplishments of area high school media students and provide training and career advice from media professionals.

WSWI Radio (The Edge) will become Evansville’s newest FM radio station at 95.7 on the dial this summer. The station acquired an FM translator that will allow broadcasting on the FM channel beginning sometime in May or June. John Morris, Instructor of radio and television and WSWI station manager, believes the new FM channel will provide both a service to our Evansville area listeners and enhance the learning experience for our radio and television students.

Dr. Leigh Anne Howard, professor of Communication Studies, began her new responsibilities as interim director of the Master of Arts in Communication program. The Communication Studies faculty members continued their successful student recruitment campaign funded by a Major as Home grant.

Mary Beth Reese, instructor of public relations, and a team of PR majors organized a Social Media Symposium featuring a former PR administrator at the Center for Disease Control. Dr. Bob West came out of retirement to work with the Advertising Program faculty team to coach and accompany students to the American Advertising Federation student competition.

The Communications Department awarded over $20,000 in scholarships to 19 students during its Spring 2016 Honors Convocation. The University Foundation supports scholarships through the generosity of donors including three who attended the ceremony, Instructor of Advertising Bob Jeffers, Dr. Helen Sands, and Mary Schroeder.

After 26 years working in higher education at USI, I will be on sabbatical leave in the Fall 2016 term and will retire on Dec. 31. It has been a pleasure to serve the department and the University, and I wish you much success in years to come!

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Pencils Down, Hard Hats On

By Bailey Nance USI Public Relations Student

Black Township Fire Department and Agrium Employees posed for a picture with University of Southern Indiana students; Gabrielle Wy, Alyssa Smith, Sera Radovich and Bailey Nance at the Agrium Mt. Vernon Terminal.

It’s not every day that a student is offered an opportunity to work hands-on within their field of study.

This was exactly what the local Agrium terminal offered to two journalism students and two public relations students on September 16, 2015.

Agrium, founded in 1931, is a major supplier of agricultural products and services throughout North America, South America and Australia. Agrium also provides wholesale agricultural nutrients and specialty fertilizers. While being able to work alongside any company is great, it is always reassuring to learn from a company whose key values are so intrinsically vital to their day to day process. Agrium is known for conducting business with integrity, honesty and an ethical openness with the community around their terminals.

The four students traveled from the University of Southern Indiana to the Mount Vernon Distribution Terminal, built in 1987, to help with their annual Emergency Response Drill. After the students’ arrival and a quick debriefing, the journalism students, Gabrielle Wy and Alyssa Smith, were placed outside of the terminal to act as “The Media.”. Their role in the drill was to try to gain access to the site, gather information and bombard the employees with questions. The public relations students were inside the “Command Center” with Site Supervisor Jerrod Prather, to be a support system and a reminder to remain compassionate.

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University of Southern Indiana students Sera Radovich, Gabrielle Wy, Bailey Nance and Alyssa Smith posing by the Agrium sign.

The drill was used to see how a crisis would be handled on site, essentially a test for the fulltime personnel at the Mount Vernon Terminal.

In this drill, a dummy was placed inside of the conveyor belt in one of the eight bins located on the area and needed immediate removal with medical attention. The public relations students were allowed to have a copy of the Master Sequence of Events, so that when the time came, they would be able to support Prather in sending key messages to the media. The USI students were not the only ones participating in this drill.

The Black Township Fire Department also aided in the removal of the dummy from the conveyor.

The drill lasted approximately two hours, ending with a media interview with Prather that was prepared by the public relations students.

Being able to participate in this drill was an incredible experience. Not only were the students allowed to act out the roles they will soon be working in but they were also asked for their opinions and thoughts after the drill was over.

It is encouraging for students to have the ability to share their ideas or insights, since so often they are left in the background during drills. This way, students are able to gain real experience while making an impact on future crisis drill procedures.

Timeline of Events 5:30 p.m.– Conveyor belt of Red Potash has stopped; Operator then finds ‘victim’ trapped within the belt.

5:40 p.m.– Fire Department has arrived on the scene and is sending a crew upstairs.

5:48 p.m.– Site Supervisor Jared Prather communicates situation to Rocky Doty, the Agrium U.S. Terminal Superintendent.

6:00 p.m.– Media begins asking questions and calling into the Command Center, demanding answers.

6:15 p.m.– Fire and EMS have managed to free the victim from the conveyor and are working to get him down safely.

6:25 p.m.– EMS working to stabilizes the victim in the ambulance.

6:40 p.m. – Phone call from Rocky Doty in response from inquiries from internal Corporate Health, Safety and Security.

7:05 p.m.– Phone call from the Mayor to thank Agrium for their good work.

7:10 p.m.– OSHA representative calls site to begin gathering information about the incident.

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A Leap Day Symposium

By Jenna Deisher USI Public Relations Student

Student team that planned the 2016 Social Media Symposium for the community and the university with guest speaker Dr. Glen Nowak from Grady College at the University of Georgia Front row: Elise Weaver, Jenna Deischer, Dr. Glen Nowak, Natalie Theric, Katie Schmitt. Back row: Jacob Ahlbrand and Mary Beth Reese.

Crisis communications is quickly becoming a major topic of interest, and necessity, for businesses and organizations. On February 29, 2016, the University of Southern Indiana College of Liberal Arts presented a symposium on campus entitled “Crisis Communications in Public Health: Difficulties, Realities, Possibilities.”

The symposium featured Dr. Glen Nowak, professor of advertising and public relations at the University of Georgia, who has firsthand experience with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in managing health crisis communications.

He spoke on the challenges of creating and sending the right messages to the public during a widespread health emergency such as the Zika virus, dengue fever or water crisis in Flint, Michigan.

Four public relations students and a graphic design student coordinated and hosted the symposium, creating all the communications materials and reaching out to guests and community leadership, including Evansville Mayor Lloyd Winnecke. Winnecke briefly spoke on The Eagle Call

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the role of social media in crisis communications, another key topic addressed by Nowak.

Nowak shared his thoughts on social media with the audience. “Social media isn’t exactly what it appears to be. Every day there is a new platform for widespread communication being used. We are seeing a crisis erupt daily as well, and when traditional communications are down, social media can be used to get information where it needs to go.

Any kind of social media should be part of a larger strategic plan, including an organization’s website.”

After his talk, Nowak addressed questions from the audience, many of whom were healthcare professionals. The presentation by Nowak was based on a Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) webinar some crisis communications students were able to watch in class with instructor Mary Beth Reese, who guided the student committee in planning the event. As one of those students, it was a true pleasure to meet one of the men behind the webinar and discuss such relevant topics with him in person while gaining valuable knowledge of crisis communications in public health.

A New Sound

By Bailey Nance USI Public Relations Student

The Edge radio station is truly a hidden gem amongst the buildings and students on the University of Southern Indiana campus.

The Edge was started on November 3, 1981 after the AM station was donated to the university by local station WIKY. Instructor of Radio and Television, John Morris, has been involved with the station since 1992 and became the general manager in 1999. The staff is composed of between 30 to 50 students at any given time and offers a completely alternative station, game broadcasts as well as a Local Show every Friday from 3 to 5 p.m. promoting local bands.

After more than 35 years, it is time to revamp the station. The new logo, shown above, will resonate more clearly with the audience and offer a more memorable and destinctive brand for the midJune launch of The Edge radio on FM. By moving onto FM radio waves, The Edge will have a broader reach throughout Indianapolis, Louisville, Nashville and St. Louis. The Edge will soon be broadcasting on 95.7 FM, with better sound and quality, but the same great taste in music.

Updates and commentary from The Edge are avaliable on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Youtube. For more information, please visit their website: www.theedgeradio.org or Twitter @TheEdgeRadioUSI.

Overlooking Reflection Lake

Breaking ground in July of 2014, the University of Southern Indiana recently unveiled the new Griffin Center, which overlooks Reflection Lake, facing the east. The Griffin Center will allow for more meeting and conference space on campus.

The new 12,700 square-foot addition to campus Above: President Linda L. M. Bennett with the Griffin’s and is named in honor of the Robert E. Griffin family, others at the ribbon cutting ceremony on May 6. whose leadership gift to Campaign USI: Elevating Below: The Griffin Center at night across Reflection Lake.

Excellence made the building possible.

The access road to the Griffin Center has been aptly named Griffin Way. The Griffin Center houses a 2,400 square-foot meeting room that can accomadate nearly 150 guests, plus other meetings spaces and food service support facilities. The center will host events for alumni groups, trustees and foundation meetings, as well as other community groups.

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A Farewell To Dr. J. Wayne Rinks

By Jessica King USI English Student

Dr. J. Wayne Rinks, the department chair of Communications, as well as an associate professor of radio and television, is saying goodbye after 25 years of service to the University of Southern Indiana. Dr. Rinks, currently enjoying his retirement sabbatical, finished his last full-time semester teaching on campus in the fall of 2015. Known for his intellect, character and humor in and out of the classroom, students who have taken his courses know him as the professor who wants to see all of his students succeed.

When asked what he enjoyed most about teaching he replied, “Interacting with students who were interested in the material, and who asked good questions.” To go along with his original statement, Rinks also said, “I really enjoyed watching students get excited about the material they were studying.” Like many other professors on campus, Rinks acknowledged and appreciated the intellectual curiousity and energy level in his former students for Dr. J. Wayne Rinks with his wife, Bonnie, at the Retirement Recognition Ceremony held on November 2016. quote, “keeping him young.

Because he loves the outdoors, Rinks is planning an active retirement. Most of all he said that he wants to maintain relationships with his colleagues and former students, catch up on some reading, watch a lot of films, do some fishing, stay active in his church, and also look for possible voulnteer opportunites in the Tri-state area. Leaving fulltime teaching will be difficult for Rinks since teaching is in his blood, however if his services are needed on campus, we might just see him in the classroom on a part-time basis. After all was said and done, Rinks concluded, “I just want everyone to know that teaching was the most important and rewarding thing I have ever done.”

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Holding Back the Years: Dr. Gael Cooper

By Jessica King USI English Student

Dr. Gael Cooper, a professor of public relations, as well as the director of the Scripps Howard Center for Media Studies, has served his final semester after 12 years of service at the University of Southern Indiana. Since the beginning of fall 2015, Cooper has been taking much delight in his retirement saying, “One of the best things I have ever done in teaching was retiring, because I finally had to come to grips with my own mortality.” Even though Cooper prides himself as a person who isn’t willing to quit, he admitted, “Coming to grips with retirement was a thing I just needed to learn,”. At the USI Cooper was a member of the Public Relations Society of America, a faculty adviser of the PRSSA chapter, as well as a member of the American Journalism Historians Association.

Throughout Cooper’s life, he has served as the president of the National Association of the Christian Church, a Volunteer Scouter, a member of the executive board of the Buffalo Trace BSA Council, and as a Council Advancement Chair. In his earlier years he earned a doctorates and a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism, as well as a bachelors degree in English from Culver-Stockton College, Canton, Missouri. Before coming to the USI, he worked as a copyeditor at the Louisville, Kentucky Courier-Journal and Louisville Times, as well as a reporter for Quincy Herald-Whig. Along with teaching at the University of Southern Indiana, he has also taught at Bethany College, Culver-Stockton College, Indiana University, and Texas A&M University.

Cooper said what he had learned from being a teacher at USI was that students here have a passion for learning that rivals any place he’s ever been, and quote, “would stack up the students at USI against anybody,”. During his retirement he plans to focus on his music writing, as well as spending time with his family and friends. Cooper stressed his appreciation for his colleagues and hopes that his students will have gained a sense of appreciation for all of the great opportunities that they have been given.

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New Beginnings

By Bailey Nance USI Public Relations Student

Dr. Erin Gilles

Dr. Erin Gilles joined the University of Southern Indiana in August 2015 as an assistant professor of advertising and public relations. She earned her doctorate in communication from the University of Kentucky, her master’s in mass communications from Murray State University, and her bachelor’s degrees in advertising and German from the USI.

She previously taught at Kentucky State University, Kentucky’s only Historically Black University, before joining the faculty at USI. Her research focuses on mass media messages, especially those related to health communication.

USI is pleased to welcome Gilles as she returns to her alma mater and hometown.

Dr. Tillman Russell

Dr. Tillman Russell joined the University of Southern Indiana in August 2015 as assistant professor of advertising and public relations.

He earned his doctorate in persuasion, decision making, and social influence from Purdue University, his master’s in rhetoric and political communication from Purdue University, and his bachelor’s in communication studies from Augusta State University.

As a researcher, he is interested in the relationship between communication and cognition, specifically the role of semantic networks in persuasion and information sharing in group decision making. To support the publication of his dissertation research, Russell recently applied and was approved for USI’s Summer Research Award for Junior Faculty.

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Half Day with a Pro

By Jenna Deisher USI Public Relations Student

PRSSA members during the annual Half Day with a Pro event in Indianapolis. Back row left to right: Dana Archer, Brittney Crane, Lauren Fuhs, Jenna Deisher, Aerika Wardrip, Hailey Billings. Front row: Victoria Krug, Malia Dyer, Emily Ireland, Heather Harris.

Each November, right around Veteran’s Day, Indiana students who are involved in Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) chapters at their schools travel to Indianapolis to shadow professionals in the public relations field. They are assigned to organizations of every kind, some of the coporations included are Eli Lilly and Company, the NCAA, Hirons and Company, Borshoff and Finish Line.

After spending a half day with their pro, the students attend a Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) luncheon hosted by the PRSA Hoosier chapter at the Marriott in downtown Indianapolis. While at the luncheon, students heard a presentation entitled “Moving the Shakers: Leading as a Millennial in a Non-millennial World,” given by Amy O’Connor, senior director of Lilly digital social media communications.

This luncheon offers students a chance to network with professionals and fellow public relations students across the state as well as the opportunity to apply and receive a scholarship. Half Day With a Pro is a wonderful opportunity for students to connect with each other in addition to professionals and gain insight into the world of public relations.

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Annual Honors Awards

By Bailey Nance USI Public Relations Student

Left to right: Dr. Leigh Anne Howard with scholarship donor Dr. Helen Sands and student recipient Nicklaus D. Leighty.

Annually, the College of Liberal Arts honors students with distinction for all of their hard work over the previous year. The 2016 listing of awards is shown below.

Academic Achievement Award for Radio and Television Madeline Kriz Academic Achievement Award for Communication Studies Sara Benzinger Academic Achievement Award for Journalism Madalyn West Academic Achievement Award for Public Relations and Advertising Kristen Hobson

Twenty other students were honored with scholarships at the same ceremony on March 31 2016. Those students include Josie Veronica Jackson, ThuThienSuong Hoang Trinh, Vincent Levi Robinson, Alexandra Neikirk, Sarah Elizabeth Loesch, Morgan T. Babcock, Jordan L. Wallace, Clarissa Botello, Sara B. Wenzel, Nicklaus D. Leighty, Daneille R. VanHooser, Kelsey R. Smith, Jenna D. Deischer, Bailey N. Nance, Allison Werner, Conner L. Hill, Emma Kathleen Luczkowski, Gabrielle Wy, Sarah Elizabeth Loesch and Megan Thorne.

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Journalism Awards

At the Indiana Collegiate Press Association convention and awards ceremony at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, the University of Southern Indiana’s newspaper The Shield left with many accolades. With three overall awards, 53 individual and staff awards, the staff of 21 students and alumni represent many majors in the Communications Department at USI.

Those honored are Amanda Brinkman, Jeanette Burbage, Rachel Christian, Mackenzie Drew, Bradie Gray, Erin Hicks, Philip Kuhns, Nick Leighty, Sara Leosch, Amanda Morrison, Katie Rumple, Theresa Scheller, Bobby Shipman, Armon Siadat, Alyssa Smith, Hannah Spurgeon, Jessica Stallings, Brian Tenbarge, James Vaughn, Issac Williams and Gabi Wy.

The staff brought home 17 first place, 20 second place and 16 third place awards. The three overall awards were a first place Division II Newspaper of the Year, 2nd place Advertising Publication of the Year and a 3rd place, tied with Ball Bearings magazine at Ball State University, for Online Publication of the Year.

Radio and Television Awards

By Danielle VanHooser USI Advertising Student

This spring, the University of Southern Indiana’s radio station, The Edge, and the Radio and Television students competed in The Broadcast Education Association Festival of Media Arts Awards, the Intercolegiate Broadcasting System and the Indiana Association of School Broadcasters College Competition.

From the Broadcast Education Association Festival of Media Arts, student Lindsey Holmes recieved first place in Air Personality, Clay Roth recieved Honorable Mention for PSA, Promo or Commercial and Jevin Redman recieved an Honorable Mention in Radio Sports Story/Feature News.

From the Indiana Association of School Broadcasters College Competition, Jevin Redman recieved third place in Radio Sportscast, Tyler Cooper recieved first place in Radio Spot Production and Radio Air Personality and The Edge studio recieved a first place in Radio Imaging.

From the Intercollegiate Broadcasting System student Jevin Redman recieved finalist in Best Basketball Play-by-Play, Christie York recieved finalist in Best Campus News and finalist in Best Public Affairs Program, Kyle Leadingham recieved Best Public Service Announcement and Kyle Evans recieved finalist in Best Live Music Broadcast.

Another award offered from the Indiana Society of Professional Journalists to student Christie York was first place in Student Newscast.

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University of Southern Indiana 2016 National Student Advertising Competition Team

By Bailey Nance USI Public Relations Student

Left to right: Dr. Robert West, Ashleigh Carroll, Kristen Hobson, Faith Connell, Courtney Dalman and Angela Morlock presenting in South Bend, Indiana.

For over two decades, the University of Southern Indiana has been participating in the National Students Advertising Competition (NSAC) sponsored by the American Advertising Federation (AAF). The student team creates a cohesive and practical campaign for their client and then present their completed plan to a pannel of judges. Dr. Robert West, assistant professor of advertising, has taught the Advertising 440 Campaigns course seven times and has advised the campaign team at least nine times.

“Being a part of the University of Southern Indiana’s NSAC team was definitely an experience I will never forget. I learned how much work goes into a campaign and how to work and communicate with other team members. This class really opened my eyes to what my career will consist of and I am forever grateful for the insight.” - Courtney Dalman, team member.

The client chosen for the 2016 competition was Dr. Pepper’s Snapple refreshments. The winning team’s campaign would be implemented throughout the 2017 year. The placement of awards and winners is still to be announced.

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C s l n a o s i s t a o l f u t 2 a 01 6 r g n o C

The 2016 Commencement ceremony was held in USI’s Physical Activities Center (PAC) on Saturday April 30th. The Communications Department of the College of Liberal Arts had a total of 94 students graduate this year. The speaker for the ceremony was Becky J. Boling, a ‘75 graduate from the World Language and Cultures Department. Congratulations graduates on all of your hard work and welcome to the Alumni family!

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Communications Faculty

Full time faculty-Fall 2016 Black, Dr. David Assistant Professor of Radio & Television

Qian, Dr. Yuxia Assistant Professor of Communication Studies

Bolin, Andrew Instructor of Digital Media and Advertising

Reese, Mary Beth Instructor of Public Relations

Bonnell, Dr. Karen Professor of Radio & Television

Rinks, Dr. J. Wayne Associate Professor of Radio & Television

Durham, Dr. Wesley Associate Professor of Communication Studies

Russell, Dr. Benjamin Tillman Assistant Professor of Advertising and Public Relations

Gibson, Erin Instructor of Journalism

Tew, Dr. Chad Associate Professor of Online Journalism

Gilles, Dr. Erin Assistant Professor of Advertising and Public Relations Howard, Dr. Leigh Anne Associate Professor of Communication Studies

West, Jr., Dr. Robert Assistant Professor of Advertising Young, Dr. Stephanie Assistant Professor of Communication Studies

Jeffers, Robert Instructor of Advertising Morris, John Instructor of Radio & Television

Contact Mailing Address: University of Southern Indiana College of Liberal Arts Communications 8600 University Boulevard Evansville, IN 47712 Fax: 812-465-7152 Graphic designer, Copy Editor and Editor: Bailey Nance Advisor: Mary Beth Reese

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