From the Chair

Dr. Mike Chanslor

Greetings from the new Department of Communication and Art at Northeastern State University. As many of you know, NSU underwent an administrative reorganization last summer which resulted in a “trading out” of the Theatre faculty for the Art faculty. The marriage between Communication and Art is a good one as the Art area houses graphic design courses which fit well with Mass Communication.
We are proud of the excellent efforts of our faculty and students in the Department of Communication and Art. As always, we welcome the support and input from all the readers of this newsletter. We hope you have a great summer. Please call at 918.456.5511 ext. 2896 or e-mail me at chanslor@nsuok.edu if you have suggestions for the Department or questions about what's going on at NSU.

Sincerely,
Mike Chanslor
Interim Chair

Lola Houchins
Editor

Letters from the Editors

Lola Houchins

The theme for this semester's Communication and Art Department Newsletter is “Getting to Know the Students”. We decided to change the format in order for you, our readers, to get to know the students majoring in the fields of study within the College of Liberal Arts . The following profiles were written mostly by the students in Dr. Osborne's Basic Public Relations class. Some of the students are art majors and some are mass communications majors. We hope you enjoy getting to here from the students about their plans for the future. This change in direction for the newsletter will most likely be bi-yearly; the fall semester newsletter will continue to feature articles about each department. If you would like to comment about the new format please email me at lolahouchins@sbcglobal.net

Michele Schmidt

We would like to thank the department for all the support we have received. In preparing and distributing this newsletter many students gain a hands-on learning experience that they will be able to take with them when they graduate and move on to other things. This includes Dr. Osborne's Public Relations class, the Public Relations and Advertising Club members, and several others. If it were not for the direct support of the faculty in the department we feel that our newsletter would not be such a success. This semester we decided that it was definitely time to tell about some of the great students in Liberal Arts. Each student has worked hard to be where they are, and based on their peers opinions, is now featured in this semester's Communication and Art News . We hope you enjoy this temporary change. Let us know what you think. schmidtms@sbcglobal.net

Amber Cowan

Student Profile:
Amber Cowan

By Jordan Taylor

For the second semester, Mass Communication major Amber Cowan has held the dual positions of Secretary and Senate Representative in Northeastern State 's Public Relations and Advertising Club. As Secretary, she records what the club members discuss and what they accomplish at the meetings.

“When the club's bylaws are updated, I will attend weekly student government meetings to uphold good standing within the student government and represent the club,” said Cowan.

Although Cowan seems satisfied with public relations and marketing activities now, it was not her first choice as an occupation.

“I originally was a journalism major planning to work in broadcasting. I decided that wasn't what I wanted to do for the rest of my life for various reasons. Public Relations better suited me and my personality and will allow me to be more creative,” said Cowan.

Not only does Cowan stay busy with the organizing and promoting aspects of the Public Relations Club, she also holds two part time jobs; as a Courtesy Booth Supervisor at George's Grocery in Muldrow, and Cherokee Nation Industries in Stilwell where she works in inventory management and is in charge of Internet sales. Even with her busy lifestyle, she maintains some of the same hobbies as other college students.

“I really love cooking and photography. Other than that I just hang out with my boyfriend and friends,” said Cowan.

Summer Conner

Student Profile:
Summer Conner

By Lola Houchins

A degree in Mass Communication with emphases in public relations is the culmination of several years of dedication and hard work for graduating senior Summer Conner. Not only does Conner have a very busy academic life, she is also a full time wife and mother. She has a 2 ½ year old son, and her husband is a full time musician who travels within the tri-state area of Oklahoma , Texas and Kansas .

“I have to be very conscious of time management. My husband is supportive of my schedule and helps me out with my son while I study,” said Conner.

On campus, Conner is involved in several organizations. She is a member of Delta Zeta Sorority, and is competition committee chairperson for the Public Relations and Advertising Club. Conner competed in the group and individual categories at the national Public Relations competition in Pittsburg Kansas and placed third in Crisis Communication.

“I wanted to compete in both categories because I graduate in May and this was the last opportunity I had to compete in a competition. Also, the individual competition was on Crisis Communication and I am very interested in this,” said Conner.

Conner is also active in the Tahlequah community. She is an intern for the Sequoyah Institute, an organization which is in charge of Downtown Country and brings special concerts to Tahlequah. As an intern Conner's duties include selling ads for the summer season programs and writing press releases for the special events of the River City Players. The news releases are sent to several newspapers in the area. In addition to her duties at Sequoyah Institute she also participates in other special events and travels to schools within the Tahlequah area to give speeches about dental hygiene.

Student Profile:
Whitney Collins

By Summer Conner

Whitney Collins, a junior from Westville , OK , landed her dream internship at the famous Second City – Chicago when she received a call to let her know she had been accepted for the six week internship. Second City – Chicago is known as a popular stepping stone to the late night comedy show, Saturday Night Live . The theatre helped launch the careers of well known comics such as: John Belushi, Mike Myers, Bill Murray, Gilda Radner, and many more. It offers beginning comedians a stage for nightly comedy shows, training classes, and a variety of other programs and services.

“This is where most Saturday Night Live comedians get their start,” said Collins.

Collins' comedic personality, outgoing attitude and ambitious approach to life was surely a factor in the internship selection process. She prepared a cover letter, resume and photo to submit in her application packet and she solicited the aid of several professionals on NSU's campus in the preparation of her cover letter and resume. Collins feels that it is important for professors to participate in the application process and urges students to utilize their expertise.

“I think it is a great opportunity. I encourage people to shoot high when it comes to their internship,” said Dr. Eversole.

Collins' father also contributed to the overall success of her application. Perhaps, it was her love for Second City displayed on the t-shirt she wore in her application photo, which made her a shoo-in. The application process was rather short for such an internship. Collins was selected based on her solid public relations background and credentials.

Student Profile:
Stephen Highers

By J.T. Mills

Fort Gibson senior Stephen Highers will be graduating soon and has big plans for his future. While studying at NSU, he has been a very prominent and influential figure on campus. He has been involved in a variety of organizations and groups covering almost every aspect of his highly motivated and goal oriented personality. He has been a member of the President's Leadership Class since 2001, an active member in Phi Sigma Kappa Fraternity, serving as the organization's president this year. He also served as president of the Northeastern Student Government Association and the Oklahoma Student Government Association in 2002 and 2003 and has been very active in the NSU Rookie Bridge Camp Program, volunteering for the camp program twice, as an emeritus and as one of the directors of last year's camp.

Highers has set exacting standards for himself while at NSU and hopes to be as successful in the future. His plans are to attend Law School next year and pursue a career in public service. He has accomplished great things in his time at NSU and hopefully will continue to do so in the future.

Matt Van Every

Student Profile:
Matt Van Every

By Angela Clark

In the world of Mass Communication today, it takes a variety of skills, experience, and personality traits to be successful. One has to be an efficient workman, effective communicator, and have the ability to relate to anyone in any situation. These are all qualities that Matt Van Every possesses.

Van Every graduated in 1997 from Putnam City North and was awarded the honor of Who's Who among American High School Students. From there he went on to the University of Oklahoma and was Social Chair of his freshman class. His career there was cut short and he left school after only two semesters.

In January of 1999, Matt moved to California searching for change and direction. He settled just north of San Diego and took up surfing and attending classes at Mira Costa Junior College . The fresh coastal air and Pacific waters was what he needed and he drew inspiration from the challenges of living life on his own terms. Still unsure of what life had in store for him, he moved back to Oklahoma in November of 2001 and brought with him a new level of confidence and maturity. After working in sales for a year, Matt decided it was time to continue his degree.

In January of 2003, Northeastern State University gained a valuable student in Van Every. As a business management major and an active member of SIFE, Van Every stood out among his peers during his first year of attendance. By being dependable and hardworking and having the ability to mesh well with others, Van Every was awarded a summer internship with Walgreen's in McKinney , Texas .

“Working retail in an affluent area such as McKinney made working retail easy and made me realize that I wanted to do something more,” said Van Every.

Matt changed his major to mass communications with an emphasis in public relations and hopes to graduate sometime in the next year.

“I hope to graduate in the spring of 2006, and I hope to do an internship at Weber Shandwick in New York City before graduation,” said Van Every.

His career goal is to work in crisis management and be the one in charge of handling big situations. His ability to take things in stride and to maintain a cool head while putting others at ease are definitely attributes that will serve him well in the field of public relation.

“I feel that I work best under fire and I prefer being thrown into it.” said Van Every.

Twyla McCarty

Student Profile:
Twyla McCarty

By April B. Russell

What to do in school was not the easiest choice for Senior Twyla McCarty. She has taken her time and made sure the degree she has chosen is exactly what she wants and will give her the life she envisions for her family.

Twyla always enjoyed speech and drama in school, and after changing her mind three times she finally settled on a speech degree with an option in communication. This, she hopes, will get her a job teaching speech at the high school level.

Along with school, Twyla also has a part time job working a few days a week at Chili's Bar and Grill in Tulsa . She tries to split her time between waiting tables and doing homework.

When she is not busy with school and work, Twyla, along with her husband Ross, is also trying to raise their daughter Eryka. She hopes that her degree will keep her in close ties with her family and available to be home after school for Eryka.

“Trying to balance school, work and family is the key to success for returning students. Nothing should ever be put before the needs of your family,” said McCarty.

After changing degrees, working hard, and taking some time off, she is ready to graduate next December. She hopes that success is just around the corner.

Kyle' Thornton

Student Profile:
Kyle' Thornton

By Nikki Hilderbrandt

Kyle' Thornton, McAllister senior, is not only a Mass Communications major, but also a student assistant coach for the NSU Cheer and Majestic Squads. Thornton spent her first year in at NSU as a cheerleader, and decided to be a Majestic during her second year.

“Kyle' can dance! She is one of the most talented people I know,” said Alisha Underwood, Tahlequah junior.

After her senior year of being a Majestic she decided to go on and be a student assistant coach. She choreographs all of their routines, and makes sure everything looks perfect. This is her first year of coaching, and it has been a very successful one. Thornton 's assistant coaching has no doubt contributed to the success of the Cheer and Majestic Squads who recently returned from nationals in Springfield , MO where they placed 1st in their divisions.

Although Thornton spends a lot of her time coaching, she still manages to be involved in many other activities. She holds the position of Public Relations Chair for NGSA, she was a writer for The Northeastern, and has helped out with events such as Media Day around campus. Thornton has also volunteered at Sequoyah Elementary and the Cancer Society.

“She is a good student. She's involved in a lot of activities, and the activity groups are very fortunate to have her,” said Dana Eversole, Associate Professor of Mass Communications.

Thornton is majoring in Mass Communications with an emphasis in Public Relations, and a minor in Speech. She will be graduating this May with her Bachelor's, and has now been accepted to NSU's Master's program.

“If anyone can do it, it's her. She is always right on top of things and knows what is going on. I know she will make it far in life,” said Ashley Hines, Claremore junior.

She will be doing her internship this semester with the Tulsa Talons, an arena football league. After getting her Masters she is planning on moving to Dallas and getting a job in sports promotions.

“My goal for life is to be happy, healthy, and loved. If I achieve these, I will have achieved success,” said Thornton .

Kati Kaup

Student Profile:
Kati Kaup

By Leslie Bibby

Kati Kaup was born in Anaheim, California and moved to Bixby, Oklahoma in the 9th grade. She graduated from Bixby High School in the spring of 2000 and has attended Northeastern State University for the last four years with a major in Mass Communication with a Public Relations emphasis. As an active member in Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority, Kati has held the offices of Sisterhood Chairperson where she was in charge of planning get-togethers and luncheons for the sorority, and also Greek Week Chairperson where she was in charge of planning sports activities and holding practices for all of the sorority sisters. Kati has used her Public Relations major to help promote ‘The Taste of Tahlequah', a fundraiser held by Tahlequah Chamber of Commerce, for the Main Street Association. To promote ‘Taste of Tahlequah', Kati and fellow classmates made flyers and sent letters to area businesses encouraging their attendance.

Since Kati chose Meetings and Destinations Management as her minor, she has been working on starting a Professional Convention Management Association group here at NSU. Until now PCMA was a nation wide association for Meetings and Destinations Management graduates only, but Kati has been working on starting a program for college students as well as graduates.

“It's good to start with these programs as early as possible, just to get a foot in the door,” said Kaup.

Speaking of getting your foot in the door, Kati recently sent a resume to MTV for a summer internship and is awaiting the reply.

“I really enjoy working with others on a personal level, face to face, that's why I chose Public Relations as my emphasis in Mass Communications” said Kaup. “I've always wanted to work for a big company and MTV is geared toward my generation and seems like a really fun company to work for.”

Cory Martin

Student Profile:
Cory Martin

By James Anderson

Cory Martin is one of the most exciting saxophone players Northeastern State University has to offer, especially if you love jazz. He started his musical career when he was 12 years old and joined the band at Coweta High School as well as taking private lessons his parents provided. Martins' sophomore year he joined the jazz band at Coweta High School, playing lead alto, while continuing as tenor drummer in the marching band. In his senior year he earned an audition with Will Campbell, Northeastern State University Band Director, which eventually landed him a full scholarship.

Martin had received his first drum set at the age of 15, and immediately picked up on it. He played punk rock with his first band “Footrace”, and recorded two CD's with them. The first CD was titled, “Burning the Bridge”. Eventually the band broke up and he joined his next band “Least Qualified”. They recorded one self-titled album then called it quits. He is currently working on putting together his next rock and roll band.

Beginning his freshman year and continuing through his sophomore year at Northeastern State , Martin picked up, where he had left off in high school, with the jazz and marching bands. With the help of the music department at Northeastern State , and many hours practicing, Martin's saxophone skills have excelled.

In the summer of 2004 he was noticed by Bobby Asher, director of music, “The River City Players”, and was offered a tenor sax audition. He was awarded the position, and played with “The River City Players” every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday during the whole summer of that year. The music of “The River City Players” concerts were, on an average, two, to two and half hours of 50's, 60's and 70's rock, and some blues.

Although Martin plans to continue his educating by pursing a Master of Arts in musical performance after he graduates from Northeastern State , he is also considering attending Middle Tennessee State University for a Bachelor degree in audio engineering.

Student Profile:
Carrie Ann Lee

By Jamie West

Carrie Anne Lee, a sophomore from Tahlequah, OK is an up and coming mass communications major eager to show her journalism talents. Carrie grew up in Tahlequah, went to grade school for two years and continued her education in home school. While receiving her education at home Carrie gained experience speaking in front of an audience by participating in speech tournaments for three years with her 4-H club. Shortly after she received her GED, at age 17, she started her college career as a student at NSU.

Carrie, a major in Mass Communications with an emphasis in journalism/broadcasting and a minor in speech, has been dreaming of being a journalist since she was a small girl.

“I've always wanted to be on the news since I was little. People used to call me Barbara Walters,” said Lee.

What interests Carrie the most about journalism and broadcasting is being at the scene of breaking news and being able to conduct a first hand interview. Lee hopes to graduate from NSU with honors. Her goal is to start her career at one of the local news channels in Tulsa . After gaining experience with a local station Carrie hopes her experience will land her a job as a field reporter for CNN.

After the competition, the teams relaxed before heading back to Tahlequah.

Front Row: Amber Cowan, Lola Houchins, and Sharon Weber, Wal-Mart Communications Manager Back Row: Summer Conner, Teresa Davis, Matt Montgomery, Anna Crank
The competition teams posed for a photo with Sharon Weber during a break in the competition.

Matt Montgomery, Summer Conner, Amber Cowan represented NSU during the Public Relations competition.

Lola Houchins, Teresa Davis, Anna Crank was the second team that represented NSU at the Public Relations competition.

Sharon Weber,
Wal-Mart Corporate Communications Manager

NSU Mass Com Students Attend Mid-America National PR Competition

Dr. Rodney Osborne, Associate Professor and students from the NSU mass communications department recently attended a national, public relations contest in Pittsburg, Kansas . The contest, Mid-America Public Relations Competition 2005, was the 2 nd PR competition Pittsburg State University has hosted. This years theme was “Taste the Real World.” The students attending the competition from NSU were Summer Conner, Amber Cowan, Anna Crank, Teresa Davis, Lola Houchins and Matt Montgomery. There were two types of competition: group and individual.

In the group competition the goal was to develop a public relations campaign around information provided by a client. Ms. Sharon Weber, Wal-Mart communications manager, presented the contestants with their challenge and intended goals. One goal was to develop a campaign to “Continue the Momentum of January 13 th .” Wal-Mart Inc. initiated this momentum, when they conducted a national media blitz in January of 2005, to combat what they saw as unfounded myths about Wal-Mart. The competition campaigns were to be constructed on a national scale and contestants were given a wide range of flexibility in creating their PR campaigns. Each team presented their campaigns to two sets of three judges. Each of the six judges could assign a score up to 100 points. The three teams with the highest overall score were awarded scholarships and plaques and the next five highest scoring teams were awarded honorable mention certificates. There were two teams representing NSU. Honorable mention was awarded to the team of Summer Conner, Amber Cowan and Matt Montgomery. The other team consisted of Anna Crank, Teresa Davis and Lola Houchins.

“I feel like the hands on activities that we do in class helped prepare me for the competition. Our instructors in the mass communication department do an excellent job of giving us real world training. The competition was very worthwhile because it helped prepare us for our futures in public relations,” said Conner.

There was also an individual competition that dealt with crisis management. In this competition the participant would act as spokesperson for an organization or corporation and deliver a press statement concerning the crisis situation then respond to questions from a set of three judges. The process was repeated with a new scenario for three different judges. There was also a possible 100 points from each judge and the totals determined the top three participants. They also received a scholarship and a plaque. From NSU, Lola Houchins and Summer Conner competed. Summer Conner was one of the top three contestants and presented her crisis management press statement to a panel of three judges. Wal-Mart representative Sharon Weber was one of the judges.

“I really enjoyed the conference. It was a great experience. It's always fun to go to competitions such as this and just see the passion in the eyes of the young people, and everyone who is excited about public relations. It's a great time for us, there's a lot of exciting things for us to do in public relations to bring value to our company. It was quite pleasurable and I really enjoyed it,” said Webber.

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Photo Compositions:
Lola Houchins
Chellee Burson
Dr. Osborne's Basic PR Class

Web:
Lola Houchins
Kevin Stretch