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College of Information and Communications

2024 News

SJMC continues 20 years of photojournalism innovation

The world of photojournalism is constantly evolving, with the newest technology being drone photography and artificial intelligence. Visual communications associate professor Van Kornegay is keeping up with the new trend.

Exploring personal brand integrity

In this age where every scroll, click and tap leaves a permanent mark on the digital world, the boundaries between personal identity and public persona have blurred. A new class in the SJMC prepares students to protect their persona.

Following her dreams to the best seat in the house

Since graduating in spring of 2023, Kendall Smith is already living her dream. She's been on the sidelines as a team reporter and host for the Charlotte Knights, as well as for ESPN+.

CreateAthon@USC produces promotional materials for eight regional nonprofits

Nearly 75 enthusiastic students from a variety of majors came together to participate in the 11th annual CreateAthon@USC on Nov. 8-9.

Students win top awards in broadcast competition

The Radio Television Digital News Association of the Carolinas named Elizabeth Martinez the Student Journalist of the Year while six other students took top honors in individual categories.

Journalism Honors College alumna is making her mark at CNN Sports

Long before she was traveling the world as senior director of business development and operations at CNN Sports, Amy Jordan was a journalism Honors College student sending news releases around the world as a press intern for the late Sen. Fritz Hollings.

Pattie Sellers headlined the Baldwin Business and Financial Journalism Lecture

Pattie Sellers, co-CEO of SellersEaston Media and former assistant managing editor for Fortune magazine, spoke on the theme "Business, Media and Leadership" for 2024.

Media professor writes about his experience as expert witness at murder trial

Jabari Evans, assistant professor in the School of Journalism and Mass Communications, writes for The Conversation about his experience as an expert witness in a murder trial involving the rapper Top5.

Alumna Erika Ryan wins Edward R. Murrow Award for "Excellence in Sound"

The audio from a harrowing experience in the West Bank was crafted into a powerful story by the 2017 journalism graduate who has found her niche in radio with NPR.

Monster Mash winners announced

Vis com students created 16 ghosts, monsters, witches, and an assortment of other halloween characters using their skills in studio lighting, art direction, makeup, compositing and simple animation.

J-school honors accomplished alumni

The School of Journalism and Mass Communications Alumni Awards recognize young and distinguished alumni for outstanding career accomplishments.

Student photographers capture the spirit of the state fair

View a gallery of photos from photography students who immersed themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of the South Carolina State Fair, gaining invaluable hands-on experience as photojournalists.

Recognizing importance of local newspapers

In celebration of National Newspaper Week, Caleb Gilbert (Journalism 2021) writes about the importance of newspapers, both personally and in a broader context. Gilbert is news editor of The Seneca Journal.

Applications open for Baldwin Business and Financial Chair in Journalism

The School of Journalism and Mass Communications invites applications for a nine-month tenure-track faculty position as the Baldwin Business and Financial Chair in Journalism at the rank of either associate professor or full professor to begin August 16, 2025.

Magic at work

Kerry Moore credits USC’s visual communications program for helping her develop a variety of design and web skills. Her determination fueled her path to being a graphic designer for Disney — a dream she’s had since she was 9 years old.

Beyond Berets

Visual communications student Deston Cedillo explored African American history in Paris as part of the USC TRIO Opportunity Scholars Program.

Annual class visit results in major announcement

SJMC alumnus Allen Devlin continues a four-year streak of visiting broadcast students, announces major career move.

Eric Robinson named Reid H. Montgomery Freedom of Information Chair

Eric Robinson, J.D., Ph.D., was named Reid H. Montgomery Freedom of Information Chair for his work as a First Amendment scholar and educator.

Award-winning photographer Kevin Jairaj visits School of Journalism and Mass Communications

World-renowned photographer Kevin Jairaj, known for his exceptional work in sports and portrait photography, led a series of immersive workshops, lectures, and portfolio reviews that promise to leave a lasting impact on visual communications students.

Page Center launches online course on public relations law

SJMC associate professor Eric Robinson created the Public Relations Law module, which underscores the importance of ethical communication and legal awareness in public relations, for the Arthur W. Page Center for integrity in public communication.

Beltway ambition

Robin Roberts (Ad/PR, '76) created the Washington Media Scholars Foundation to help students chasing careers in media policy get a foothold in the nation’s capital.

Rhythm, blues and roots

SJMC alumnus and writer Antwane Folk combined his education and childhood passion into a career in the music industry. He's interviewed major artists for a number of top industry magazines.

Examining representation and voice at the 107th AEJMC Annual Conference

Eighteen faculty members and graduate students participated in this year's AEJMC Annual Conference which focused on the future of democracy.

Global Strategic Communication Consortium announces Berger Research award recipients

Ruth Avidar and Itzhak Mashiah are the recipients of the award for their proposed research "Strategic Approaches of AI Technology by PR Leadership: Exploring Ethical Artificial Intelligence Usage in Public Relations."

Student success drives new SJMC director

Damion Waymer sees career readiness as a key measure of success for the School of Journalism and Mass Communiations.

SJMC experiences lead to ETV leadership

Adrienne Fairwell, the new President and CEO of South Carolina ETV and Public Radio, recalls her time at the J-school and and the professors who had an impact on her.

CIC to offer new sports media major

Sports media is one of the fastest growing sectors in the communications industry, and now students can choose sports media as a major.

Where there’s Smoak, there’s fire

Jan Smoak, SJMC alumna and Honors College assistant dean (‘89 journalism, ‘91 Master of Education), was recognized with the 2024 USC Outstanding Staff Award.

Linwan Wu: Merging human insights with artificial intelligence

The CIC associate dean of research is dedicated to investigating consumer reactions to the use of artificial intelligence in advertising and strategic communication.

Drake’s beef with Kendrick Lamar isn’t nearly as important as his tiff with Tupac Shakur’s estate over using the dead rapper’s voice

Jabari M. Evans writes in The Conversation about AI developments which strike at the heart of technology, music and the law.

Visual communications student wins national logo design competition

Senior visual communications major and Honors College student Callie Hribar brought home top honors in the logo design competition sponsored by the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication.

Following Her Calling: How Mechelle Lewis Freeman is inspiring the next generation of female athletes

A U.S. Olympian and Gamecock track and field sprinter, Freeman is using her experience as an athlete and J-school student to provide opportunities to young women across the country through the sport of track and field.

Powering the state, empowering its citizens

Journalism alumnus Jim Stuckey, ‘89, continues his family's 150-year legacy of public service and activism.

USC journalism alum wins second Pulitzer

Josh Dawsey, a 2012 University of South Carolina journalism graduate, added a second quill to his Pulitzer cap when he and his Washington Post colleagues received the 2024 national reporting prize for a series of articles exploring America’s gun history and culture.

Student’s report prompts national change

A national energy drink maker has pledged to stop marketing to young adults after the Carolina News and Reporter revealed that some users said the tonic made them addicted and destroyed their health, bank accounts and relationships with loved ones.

Real-world opportunities: Capstone program prepares students for life after graduation

A freshman journalism student, who will one day take the journalism capstone course, interviewed students in this year's class about their experiences covering the South Carolina Republican Primary.

CIC alumna A’ja Wilson named among Time’s 100 most influential people of 2024

A 2018 graduate, Gamecock women’s basketball great and Las Vegas Aces forward A’ja Wilson was named to TIME100, the magazine’s annual list of most influential people.

Carolina News and Reporter journalists take top SC honors

Seven multi-media journalists took three first-place awards for video, arts and entertainment writing and news photography in the South Carolina Press Association contest.

School of Journalism and Mass Communications marks centennial with festivities and fundraising efforts

To honor and celebrate its history and achievements, the school organized a series of events for alumni, current students and supporters, with opportunities for donations to support future initiatives.

The Carolina Cup in photos

Students participating in the Talmadge Moore LeGrand photojournalism workshop at the School of Journalism and Mass Communications in March photographed the 89th running of the Carolina Cup, a steeplechase racing event in Camden, South Carolina.

SJMC faculty recognize outstanding students at annual awards ceremony

Students from all majors and degree programs were recognized for outstanding performance in the classroom and in outside endeavors by the faculty and staff of the School of Journalism and Mass Communications.

Student creative projects head to national competition

Creative projects by advertising and visual communications students progress to nationals after winning big at the AAF District 3 of the American Advertising Federation annual competition.

The NATAS Southeast chapter announces student award winners

The Southeast Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences awarded five recent graduates of the School of Journalism and Mass Communications Student Production Awards during a ceremony on March 23.

SJMC students win 11 VIM Fest Awards

Students from the School of Journalism and Mass Communications garnered 11 awards at the AEJMC Festival of Visual & Interactive Media or "VIM Fest" awards.

PR students elected to national offices

Public relations majors Megan vanVollenhoven and Alicia Caracciolo have been elected to the PRSSA National Committee. The election was held March 11 in Seattle as part of PRSSA's Leadership Assembly meeting.

Advertising and visual communications students honored

Students from the School of Journalism and Mass Communications garnered a Best of Show, two Gold ADDYs and four Silver ADDYs at the 2024 AAF of the Midlands American Advertising Awards Gala.

Journalism alumna talks about leading student media organization

After leaving her mark as a student reporter and editor at The Daily Gamecock, Jackie Alexander, 2009 journalism, has carved an impressive career. She is currently serving as president of the College Media Association — the first woman of color elected to that role.

The implications of AI

SJMC professor Shannon Bowen leads a group studying ethics, safety and impact of AI.

Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist to speak at USC

Bob Woodward will discuss the evolution of journalism and the future of the profession at the Buchheit Family Lecture Feb. 28. Reserve your seat.

Where hip-hop meets baseball

SJMC assistant professor of race and media Jabari Evans co-produces Chicago White Sox documentary.

Two advertising students among the nation's most promising multicultural students

Aya Obaid and Janice Rodriguez were selected for the American Advertising Federation 2024 class of Most Promising Multicultural Students.

Advertising alumna uses her skills to run successful interior design business

After earning her advertising degree in 2008, Amber Guyton never imagined she would be using it to help her run an interior design business, but she’s done just that. Now she owns and operates the Atlanta-based, Blessed Little Bungalow.

The mustard in the sandwich

From 1975 to 2008, Humpy Wheeler, ’61, journalism, was president and general manager of the Charlotte Motor Speedway. And over those three high-octane, pedal-to-the-metal decades, he came to be regarded as one of the most colorful promoters in NASCAR history.

AI can help — and hurt — student creativity

Sabrina Habib, associate professor in the School of Journalism and Mass Communications, writes for the conversation about her research on artificial intelligence's effect on student creativity.

Leeza’s Promise

After losing her mother to Alzheimer’s, journalist and TV personality Leeza Gibbons devoted her second act to helping caregivers through Leeza’s Care Connection.

Reigning Miss South Carolina mentors next generation of young women

Since being named Miss South Carolina last June, School of Journalism and Mass Communications alumna Jada Samuel has been on a mission to promote high self-esteem and positive body image for girls across the Palmetto State.

Applications open for a 12-month Faculty Fellow position in Health, Science, Information and Communication

The College of Information and Communications invites applications for a 12-month Faculty Fellow position in Health, Science, Information and Communication at the rank of Research Assistant Professor to join USC’s Bridge to Faculty program, effective August 16, 2024.

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