Nine faculty members were granted tenure and four were awarded the rank of full professor. Of the 11 non-tenure track faculty members receiving promotions, one received the rank of full teaching professor.
LATEST IN Department of Communication and Media
UMSL announces 24 faculty promotions ahead of 2025-26 academic year
Nine faculty members were granted tenure and four were awarded the rank of full professor. Of the 11 non-tenure track faculty members receiving promotions, one received the rank of full teaching professor.
UMSL announces 24 faculty promotions ahead of 2025-26 academic year
Nine faculty members were granted tenure and four were awarded the rank of full professor. Of the 11 non-tenure track faculty members receiving promotions, one received the rank of full teaching professor.
Eye on UMSL: Primed to lead
The PRIMED Institute in Character Education’s annual five-day event held on UMSL’s campus is designed for school leaders committed to fostering character development in students.
Students improve presentation skills while showcasing breadth of their work at Graduate Research Fair
Students from biology, chemistry, communication, computer science, criminology and criminal justice, English, political science, psychological sciences, and supply chain and analytics took part in the fair.
Students improve presentation skills while showcasing breadth of their work at Graduate Research Fair
Students from biology, chemistry, communication, computer science, criminology and criminal justice, English, political science, psychological sciences, and supply chain and analytics took part in the fair.
Students improve presentation skills while showcasing breadth of their work at Graduate Research Fair
Students from biology, chemistry, communication, computer science, criminology and criminal justice, English, political science, psychological sciences, and supply chain and analytics took part in the fair.
Faculty members granted sabbaticals and teaching releases during 2025-26 academic year
Amber Candela, Jennifer Chen, Lon Chubiz, Lara Kelland, Jerome Morris, Lee Slocum, Leighanne Heisel, Waldemar Rohloff and Kate Watt have been granted time to devote to research or course development.
Faculty members granted sabbaticals and teaching releases during 2025-26 academic year
Amber Candela, Jennifer Chen, Lon Chubiz, Lara Kelland, Jerome Morris, Lee Slocum, Leighanne Heisel, Waldemar Rohloff and Kate Watt have been granted time to devote to research or course development.
Faculty members granted sabbaticals and teaching releases during 2025-26 academic year
Amber Candela, Jennifer Chen, Lon Chubiz, Lara Kelland, Jerome Morris, Lee Slocum, Leighanne Heisel, Waldemar Rohloff and Kate Watt have been granted time to devote to research or course development.
Christopher Brooks, once a high school dropout, getting set to pursue master’s degree after earning bachelor’s in communication
Brooks fulfilled a promise he made to his late parents – and himself – by returning to school and found a supportive environment at UMSL.
Christopher Brooks, once a high school dropout, getting set to pursue master’s degree after earning bachelor’s in communication
Brooks fulfilled a promise he made to his late parents – and himself – by returning to school and found a supportive environment at UMSL.
Christopher Brooks, once a high school dropout, getting set to pursue master’s degree after earning bachelor’s in communication
Brooks fulfilled a promise he made to his late parents – and himself – by returning to school and found a supportive environment at UMSL.
MORE IN Department of Communication and Media
New graduates celebrate their triumphs with family members, friends during fall 2024 commencement
Photographer Derik Holtmann was on hand to capture displays of jubilation throughout the day at the Mark Twain Athletic Center.
Communication graduate Hope VanBennekom set to pursue master’s degree in security and disaster management
VanBennekom was drawn to crisis communications in the aftermath of the 2023 shooting at Michigan State University, where her daughter was then a college freshman.
Provost Steven Berberich announces 17 faculty promotions for the 2024-25 academic year
Three faculty members were granted tenure, two earned the rank of full professor, and 12 non-tenure track faculty members also advanced.
PR Pathways offers high school students an in-depth look into careers in public relations
The 5-day program featured daily guest speakers and wrapped up with a field trip to watch Channel 5’s noon broadcast live from the control booth.
Michael Murray to receive 2024 Broadcast Education Association Lifetime Achievement in Scholarship Award
Murray has published eight books, including “The Political Performers,” “Television in America,” “Indelible Images: Women of Local Television,” “Media Law and Ethics,” and the “Encyclopedia of Television News.”
Communication graduate Jazmin Davis making up for lost time with help of Accelerated MA program
Davis graduated with her bachelor’s degree over the weekend and is on track to be the first student to earn her master’s next year as part of the new program.
Lara Zwarun studying viral spread of Saint Javelin meme and response to it amid war in Ukraine
The Waterhouse Family Institute at Villanova University awarded Zwarun and her associate Richard Canevez at Michigan Tech a research grant to conduct the study.
Sam Chevakula finds outlet for artistic side while pursuing master’s in supply chain analytics
Chevakula, who studied art as an undergraduate, has done work in design and video production for UMSL’s student-run public relations firm, The Barnett Agency.
60 for 60: Stan Anderson, Darrion Cockrell, Beth Goetz, Ella Jones and Kristin Lawson honored as exceptional UMSL alumni
To celebrate its anniversary, UMSL is spotlighting 60 alumni who apply one or more of the university’s core values in the world and help to make it a better place.
Eboni Valentine’s education at UMSL continues to support career development
Valentine works as an executive assistant and marketing and communications coordinator in the College of Business Administration while pursuing her MBA.
Provost Steven Berberich announces 22 faculty promotions for the 2023-24 academic year
Nine tenured professors were promoted to associate professor, four individuals to full teaching professor, eight to associate teaching professor and one to associate clinical professor.
New platform improves access to UMSL innovative works
The new UMSL Innovations online platform automates certain nonexclusive licensing and can significantly reduce the transaction time, allowing for wider reach of UMSL intellectual property.
CLIMB Program provides area high school students hands-on research experience in UMSL labs
Thirteen interns from the Hazelwood, Jennings, Ritenour, Riverview Gardens and University City school districts took part in this summer’s program.
Communication graduate Brandyn Chambers in the spotlight on HGTV’s ‘Battle on the Beach’
Chambers, who earned his master’s degree in May, works with his father, Roosevelt, renovating homes through their company Chambers Development LLC.
Alumna Karla Harris headlining ‘An Evening of Jazz with Springboard to Learning’ at alma mater on June 11
Harris, who earned her degree in speech communication in 1986, will be performing with old members of the Gateway Jazz Ensemble, including mentor Jeanne Trevor.
Communication graduate Michael Graham set to be commissioned as medical service officer
Graham, who’s spent 10 years as a medic, came to UMSL to pursue his degree through the Army’s Green to Gold Active Duty Option program.
UMSL celebrates work of its faculty researchers and innovators
Jerry Dunn, Lon Chubiz, Aimee Dunlap, Nathan Muchhala, Felia Davenport and Uma Segal were honored at the Research and Innovation Reception on April 8.
Lara Zwarun shares perspective on information war in Ukraine with St. Louis Public Radio, St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum
The associate professor of communication and media shared her perspective on the fighting and the ongoing battle for persuasion over the past several weeks.
‘Black People in Horror Films’ event examines cinematic history and tropes
Associate Professor Felia Davenport discussed how previous eras of cinema paved the way for the modern Black horror renaissance led by Jordan Peele.
Communications graduate Lucy Covington parlays internship into job with College of Optometry
UMSL Eye Care Credentialing and Outreach Specialist Lucy Covington began working with the College of Optometry as a student intern focused on social media outreach.
Amber Reinhart talks to St. Louis Public Radio about ways to persuade loved ones about COVID-19 vaccines
The associate professor of communication and media specializes in health communication and has worked on messaging to encourage healthy behavior.
UMSL honors faculty completing ACUE’s Effective Online Teaching Practices program
Forty-two faculty members completed the rigorous, 25-module program and learned evidence-based strategies to help students stay engaged and learn in online courses.
Ask an Expert: Amber Reinhart on vaccine hesitancy and persuasive health messaging
Reinhart advocates for clear, consistent and transparent messages and shares the best ways to change minds.
Media studies major Tori Foster develops a broad range of communication skills to succeed in the digital world
Foster will graduate magna cum laude in August with a degree in media studies, a minor in digital marketing communications and a certificate in public relations.
Communication student Briana Riley learns from internship on Alderman Bill Stephens’ winning campaign
Riley’s work with the campaign gave her hands-on experience in social media content, graphic design and newsletter and media writing.
Nora Hendren, Nicholas Kedzuch and Maya Scruggs-Hicks receive UMSL Hero Award
The award is presented to up to three staff or faculty members each month in recognition of their efforts to transform the lives of UMSL students and the wider community.
Communication students help facilitate, chronicle Build-A-Bear Foundation donation to HavenHouse St. Louis
The students developed a PR plan to publicize the donation and created a social media video shared on Build-A-Bear Foundation’s Instagram page.
Communication graduate Sonja Thompson perseveres through challenges, loss to earn degree
Thompson has juggled parental responsibilities along with school and work and also grieved the loss of her mother while earning her degree.
Eye on UMSL: Warm reception
Sophomore communication major Danielle Moore was ready to greet and assist visitors at the welcome desk in the Millennium Student Center.
Founders video highlights the success of UMSL students ‘virtually anywhere’
“UMSL Students Succeed Virtually Anywhere” featured testimony from students Laura Haug, Michael Brothers and Wangui Gathungu.
Eye on UMSL: In-person learning
Ryan Krull spoke to students in his Introduction to News Writing course about producing video packages to accompany print stories they wrote during a class earlier this month.
Miya Stepanovic hones communication skills through internship with COVID-19 Regional Response Team
Miya Stepanovic is part of the PPE Strike Team, where she researches educational videos and creates informational flyers to distribute with PPE.
Opportunities at UMSL help communication graduate Drew Dubis discover his career path
Dubis tried out four other majors and spent time at two other universities before deciding on public relations with the help of faculty members at UMSL.
Provost Marie Mora announces 34 faculty promotions for the 2020-21 academic year
Eleven received tenure and promotions to associate professor, nine earned the rank of full professor and 14 non-tenure track faculty members also received promotions.
UMSL experts discuss digital divide exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic
Some elementary and secondary students have been left at a disadvantage continuing their studies because of unequal access to technology and broadband services.
Vanna White makes surprise visit to online communication class
The Wheel of Fortune star dropped in on a Zoom meeting of Associate Teaching Professor Jill Alexander’s Introduction to Public Speaking course.
Stephanie Van Stee examines mixed messaging in pharmaceutical advertising with AEJMC grant
The assistant professor of communication and media is focusing on the visual images used in the disclosure section of prominent television advertisements.
Able-Disable Partnership aims to make UMSL more inclusive for students with disabilities
The organization, founded in the fall of 2018, has pushed for changes that improve the experience for students with physical and developmental disabilities.
Summit showcases efforts of UM System researchers to shape a more sustainable future
The one-day event featured presentations from 21 faculty members whose work is connected to sustainability goals voted on by the United Nations in 2015.
UMSL celebrates six distinguished alumni at annual Founders Dinner
Sara Foster, Patrick Gadell, Orvin Kimbrough, Tom Migneron, Gary Morse and Luigi Wewege were honored during the event last week at the Ritz-Carlton in Clayton.
New Founders Dinner video highlights how scholarships transform lives
Senior biology major Awa Konte was among seven students featured reading from thank you letters to donors about how scholarships have aided them on their journey to degrees.
Eye on UMSL: At the controls
Alumni (from left) David McCubbins, David Simokaitis, Tom Birmingham and Bobby Sutherland work together in the Busch Stadium Scoreboard Video Department.
Sociology major Stephanie Daniels leading The Current into its 54th year
Daniels’ passion for writing and journalism is making it easier to manage the extra responsibilities of the editor-in-chief amid an already packed schedule.
Recent communication grad Amanda Lilly stands out by putting in extra time and effort
The new alumna presented her master’s thesis just days after her father passed away and is continuing on to a PhD program at Purdue University.
Nonprofit founder Shante Duncan defines her own path
The UMSL alumna empowers, teaches and houses women in need. Now, Shante Duncan aims to build up north St. Louis.
Communication courses help students move beyond cultural stereotypes, including those of immigrant groups
Lara Zwarun’s “Dangerous Messages” course and Shannon Ahrndt’s “Intercultural Communication” explore prevailing societal attitudes with a critical eye.
Midwest Digital Marketing Conference serves as experiential learning opportunity for student attendees
This year’s seventh edition of the MDMC drew its biggest crowd ever – more than 1,850 – to more than 80 learning sessions and panels at St. Louis Union Station.
Face time: Students mingle with and try to impress potential employers at Spring Career Fair
More than 300 current students and alumni attended last Friday’s fair, which featured representatives from 120 companies and organizations.
UMSL alumna celebrates fifth year publishing Gazelle Magazine
Communication graduate Cillah Hall is the founder, publisher and fashion editor of the St. Louis-based women’s magazine.
Dustin Steinhoff building his journalistic credentials with work at The Current, Riverfront Times
The St. Louis Press Club and St. Louis Post-Dispatch awarded the communication major the Ronald W. Wade Journalism Scholarship earlier this year.
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- Master’s grad Shiori Kaji has audit accounting role lined up with Anders CPA
- Geospatial summer camp offers high schoolers hands-on experience with emerging technology
- Fourth-year Optometry student Emerald Jones honored as recipient of prestigious Remington R. Williams Award
- Chemistry Professor Michael Nichols discusses Alzheimer’s disease research in latest episode of Inside UMSL podcast
- Inaugural UMSL Engineering Camp helps high school students build excitement about the field
- UMSL names College of Business after accomplished alum and marketing industry leader Ed G. Smith
- College of Education hosts annual Future Teacher Leadership Academy for local high schoolers
- Eye on UMSL: For a good cause
- Art and Design Professor Jeff Sippel named Missouri Arts Council’s Featured Artist for June 2025
