The Department of Mass Communication at ETSU has changed their name to the Department of Media and Communication.

In an email sent out to students and faculty on Oct. 3, 2016, the department chair Stephen Marshall expressed that this change reflects the nature of industry and was chosen after extensive research.

In his email, Marshall also stressed the importance of media, referring to the disruption of the Black Live’s Matter protest in Borchuck Plaza several weeks ago.

“Of note, last week’s sad campus event reminds us of the importance of diversity as well as the power of media,” Marshall wrote. “Social Media content and coverage from the East Tennessean was shared thousands of times around the world. Not only do I hope the event reminds each of us of the importance of civility and how we should treat others, but it also reflects the power of media.”

Besides the name change, the Department of Media and Communication has had many exciting events.

Last week the department brought in filmmaker, Bobby Farrelly. Farrelly is most known as the director for the movies “Dumb and Dumber,” “There’s Something about Mary” and “Shallow Hal.” Farrelly talked about his own experiences, answered student’s questions and took pictures with fans.

Alpha Sigma Iota, a fraternal service organization for Radio/TV/Film majors, painted a square on the pride walk featuring the department’s new name in bold letters, Media and Communication. The organization is also planning a trip to Nashville in the spring semester to tour local broadcast facilities. For more information on the trip, contact the staff advisor Tammy Hayes at hayest@etsu.edu.

The Department of Media and Communication is also saddened by the loss of their advisor, Dan Brown. Brown was the associate dean for student affairs for the ETSU College of Arts and Sciences since 1989.

According to an email from Marshall to Media and Communication students, students with 60 or more hours will have their advisory meeting with Dr. Marshall himself or professors in their field until the position is filled.

Author

  • Corinne McGrath

    Corinne McGrath is an aspiring journalist from South Carolina majoring in media and communications with a concentration in journalism and a minor in radio/television/film. As a sophomore at ETSU, she serves as secretary of Alpha Sigma Iota, a fraternal service organization for the radio/TV/film department. Corinne was awarded the Kingsport-Times News Scholarship Award at the 2017 ETSU Media and Communication's Student Showcase and Awards Ceremony. After graduating, she hopes to either get her masters in media and communications or go to law school.

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