By: Karen Kim
As Dr. Mazzarella finishes her term as director of the SCOM, Dr. Eric Fife will begin his term as director on July 1. Dr. Fife has been a professor in the SCOM since Fall 2001. He is a JMU alumnus (’90) with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and English. I had a chance to meet him and ask a few questions before the Spring 2014 semester was over.
by: Colby Boone
This semester marks the end of Dr. Mazzarella’s term as director of the SCOM department. As her last few weeks wrap up, she graciously agreed to meet with me for an interview. My journey to the SCOM main office was a good experience as usual and it must be great to work for Dr. Mazzarella because everyone in the office is always smiling. Our meeting only lasted about 15 minutes, but during that time we had some good laughs and she shared some insightful information with me.
Part 2: Debate Team and Speech Team
The following introductions of both the Debate Team and Speech Team are from short interviews with the directors of both teams: Professor Michael Davis and Professor Lee Mayfield. Both teams are open to anyone who is interested in joining! Both directors would love to be contacted for any students interested in either of the organizations.
Contact information for both teams are provided below. Anyone interested is strongly encouraged to contact both directors.
Professor Michael Davis (Debate Team)
Email: davismk@jmu.edu
Professor Lee Mayfield (Speech Team)
Email: mayfiecl@jmu.edu
Read more Be Involved with SCOM: A Two-Part Series on the Department’s Student Organizations
On Wednesday, April 2, students in Dr. Lori Britt’s course on Facilitating Community Engagement facilitated a public forum in Rose Library.
Read more SCOM Students Facilitate Community Forum on Access to Health
Part 1: IABC and PRSSA
The following snapshots of the IABC and PRSSA are the result of short interviews with the hardworking presidents of these organizations. Kerry and Ryan both strive to do what is best for their respective organizations and would love to follow up with anyone that is interested in joining.
Their contact information has been included below so feel free to shoot them an email for more information.
Kerry Mclendon: (IABC)
Email: mclendkg@dukes.jmu.edu
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/pub/kerry-mclendon/7b/714/b6
Ryan Thomas: (PRSSA)
Email: thomasrj@dukes.jmu.edu
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanthomas425
International Association of Buisness Communicators (IABC)
What’s it all about?
Read more Be Involved with SCOM: A Two-Part Series on the Department’s Student Organizations
Harrison hall was filled with energy on Friday, April 11 with students, alumni and faculty enjoying an eventful day for the ‘Springboard Into the Future’ Alumni event. 
There are two upcoming events this week to kick-off the eventful month of April!
36th Annual SCOM Conference
JMU SCOM will hold it’s 36th Annual conference from April 7th- 9th.
(click imagee for Facebook event page)
KEYNOTE ADDRESS:
“Takin’ It to the Streets:” Promoting Social Justice through Communication Activiism Scholarship by Dr. Lawrence Frey will kick off the Conference. It will take place in Highlands Festival Conference Center at 7-8pm.
Here is a brief schedule of the conferences:
Monday (7th)
Pre-Conference Workshop 3:30-4:30pm @ Harrison 1290
Conference Start 7-8:15pm @Highlands, Festival Conference Center
Tuesday (8th)
Paper Session 1:Social Movements and Cultural Change 9:30 – 10:45am @ Transitions,Warren
Paper Session 2: Communicate Criticism and Popular Culture 11-12:15pm @ Transitions, Warren
Paper Session 3: Independent Research Projects 12:30-1:45pm @ Transitions, Warren
Paper Session 4: Communication and College Life 2-3pm @ Transitions, Warren
Information Session: Graduate Degree in Communication and Advocacy 3:30-4:30pm @ Transitions, Warren
Wednesday (9th)
Paper Session 5: Mediated Communication and Identities 9:05-9:55am @ Transitions, Warren
Paper Session 6: Presidential and Public Rhetoric 10:10-11am @ Transitions, Warren
Paper Session 7 : Honors Theses 11:15-12pm @ Transitions, Warren
Since there are multiple sessions, find ones that fit your schedule and attend. You will be able to find out interesting information as well as supporting your classmates.
For the full program you can find it at our Facebook event page.
SCOM Alumni Day
The day is finally here! This Friday will be the ‘Springboard Into the Future’ Alumni event!
(click image for Facebook event page)
Five Alumni Panel Presentations in Harrison 0102:
– Panel 1: (9:05-9:55) Entering into the Fast Paced World of For-Profit Organization’s: What to Expect!
– Panel 2: (10:10-11:00) “I graduated with a degree in Communication Studies… Now what?!”
– Panel 3: (11:15-12:05) Branding and Planning the Career of Your Dreams
– Panel 4: (12:20-1:10) Networking Like an All Star: The Ins and Outs of Building Professional Relationships
– Panel 5: (1:25-2:15) Inside the World of Public Relations: From the Day to Day to the Big Picture
Student-Alumni Lunch in Harrison 1290 from 11:30-2pm
Afterwards come out to the Alumni Awards Picnic in the courtyard behind Harrison and Ashby at 3pm!!
Enjoy a sunny Friday mingling with your classmates, faculty members and alumni! This will be a great opportunity to network as well as get to know others in SCOM!
We will be updating our Facebook and Twitter page during these events so please stay tuned through these outlets as well!
As the weather is warming up, we have exciting events coming up as well and there’s a great event happening TOMORROW!
April will be an eventful month for SCOM faculty and students. There are a lot of exciting events coming up!
SCOM Alumni Day
(Springboard into the Future)
There are only 2 weeks left until the big day! There will be panels in the morning, a lunch, and then a picnic with food, games, and an awards ceremony for SCOM students.
