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Media College News

College of Media students apply skills to support local nonprofits

Elizabeth Oppe's Capstone Class

The feelings of gratitude are mutual for WVU Reed College of Media students and leaders of the local nonprofit organizations for which they’re providing advertising and public relations services.

Each semester, students in Teaching Associate Professor Elizabeth Oppe’s Advertising and Public Relations capstone course create an integrated communications campaign for a local nonprofit organization. This semester’s clients include Get Moving! Inc., United Way/Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, All American Grand Bash, Old Hemlock Foundation, Monongalia Parks and Recreation and WVU Campus Food Garden.

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IMC & DMC scholarship recipients use communication skills to support communities

IMC & DMC Scholarship Recipients

The seven recipients of the 2023 WVU Reed College of Media IMC & DMC Scholarships have at least two things in common – a desire to make positive change in their communities and a clear idea about how to do it.

Recipients Kirsten McAlpin of Sumner, Georgia; Jenna Cooper of Wellsburg, West Virginia; Megan Hansen of Sacramento, California; Julie Thomm of Charleston, West Virginia; and Sydney Starkey of Morgantown, West Virginia are enrolled in the College’s online Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) master’s degree program. Alesha Hemeda of Schenectady, New York, is enrolled in the online Digital Marketing Communications master’s degree program, and Nicolina Converso of Edgewater, Maryland, is part of the IMC program’s Defense Information School (DINFOS) cohort of military affiliated students.

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Thomas recognized for leadership; continues to give back to the College of Media

Brandon Thomas

From professional mentorship to volunteering at his alma mater, College of Media alumnus Brandon Thomas (BSJ, 2010) has made a habit of giving back.

Thomas was recently recognized with the Emerging Leader Award by The Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations at their Milestones in Mentoring Gala in Chicago. The award honors young leaders who are mentoring new public relations professionals, while also providing reverse mentorship to more senior colleagues, all while advancing diversity, equity and inclusion.

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‘WVU News’ recognized internationally for excellence; spring anchors announced

WVU News Spring 2023 Team

“WVU News,” the Reed College of Media’s student-produced television newscast, has been awarded a 2023 Platinum AVA Digital Award for the special edition episode “Mental Health in America, a Growing Crisis.”

This international creative competition is judged by members of the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals and recognizes outstanding achievement in the concept, direction, design and production of digital media and communication.

Read Full Article: ‘WVU News’ recognized internationally for excellence; spring anchors announced

Coester and Beeson address election integrity with $300K Mellon Foundation grant

Coester and Beeson strategize at dining room table

Two journalism professors at  West Virginia University’s  Reed College of Media will lead a series of collaborative community events throughout Appalachia to explore voting rights and engage young people in democratic processes with the support of a $300,000 grant from the  Mellon Foundation.

Dana Coester and  Joel Beeson have a 20-year track record of working with key community members — faith leaders, veterans, educators, parents, youth and civic leaders — throughout Appalachia, specifically in West Virginia. These relationships will be the bedrock of a series of nonpartisan virtual and in-person workshops, presentations, panels and screening events that will help build community resilience to off- and online disinformation, manipulation and political violence threatening election integrity and community stability.

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Martin Hall Agency students launch ‘Truly Local’ campaign in West Virginia

Truly Local Event

Many West Virginia residents will tell you they feel a deep sense of pride for the state’s unique beauty and Appalachian heritage. Students in Martin Hall Agency (MHA) launched a campaign during the fall 2022 semester to ensure that pride extends to agritourism destinations.

“Agritourism offers countless opportunities for West Virginians to learn, seek adventure, create family traditions and establish a deeper connection to their home state,” said Dee Singh-Knights, a WVU Extension specialist in agribusiness economics and management.

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MHA students launch ‘Plus One’ campaign to increase agritourism in West Virginia

Plus One MHA Team

During the fall 2022 semester, WVU Extension partnered with Martin Hall Agency, the WVU Reed College of Media’s student-run public relations and advertising agency class, to develop a campaign focused on increasing awareness of farm-to-table restaurants, farm stays, breweries, cideries and you-pick farms that provide family-friendly adventures and hands-on experiences unique to Appalachian culture.

“We know a lot of people travel to the Mountain State for the beautiful landscapes, adventure experiences and outdoor fun,” said Cheyenne Oakes, senior public relations student who served as the team’s account executive. “However, what we found in our research is that increasing awareness of farm-based businesses that share the history and traditions of Appalachia could encourage leisure travelers to stay a bit longer.”

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Martin Hall Agency students work to increase awareness and involvement in West Virginia’s cider industry

Apple Cider Displays designed and created by MHA students

This fall, the Martin Hall Agency (MHA) class partnered with WVU Extension to elevate the cider industry in West Virginia. The campaign aimed to increase awareness of and pride in the Mountain State’s deeply rooted hard apple–cider traditions.

“The Mountain State holds such a significant part in the history and culture behind apple cider,” said Dee Singh-Knights, associate professor of resource economics and management and a specialist for WVU Extension. “We want to recognize, celebrate and educate others on West Virginia hard cider stemming from Appalachian roots.”

Read Full Article: Martin Hall Agency students work to increase awareness and involvement in West Virginia’s cider industry