News by Departments
- Art
- Communication and Journalism
- Communication Disorders
- Foreign Languages & Literatures
- History
- English
- Music
- Philosophy
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Sociology, Anthropology and Social Work
- Theatre
News from the Department of Communication and Journalism
CMJN Helps Developing the "Auburn Family" Network
Auburn University became one of the first universities to have its own social networking Web site last week with the launch of "Auburn Family," a site designed to inform and connect current and prospective students, alumni, faculty, staff, parents and fans.
The site, which can be accessed at http://family.auburn.edu, allows users to manage their personal profile, upload Auburn-related photos, blogs and videos, set status updates and communicate with other members via their "comments wall" or direct messaging. The network also features current news stories about Auburn University from students' perspectives.
"It's the Facebook model taken to a different level," said Auburn's director of communications, Mike Clardy. "In addition to the interactive features, Auburn Family gives us the opportunity to place the Auburn story directly before those who want to read it. Prospective students, in particular, want to read more about the campus experience, and this network allows them to do that." Robert French, a public relations instructor, worked in cooperation with Auburn's Office of Communications and Marketing to develop the network. Each week, students in French's "Style and Design in Public Relations Messages" course write, blog and produce videos about news and events happening in Auburn's 13 schools and colleges. "For the students, it's a valuable learning experience," French said. "For the university, it's valuable to show this is a class, telling the Auburn story and we want you to participate.'" In addition to the students' featured stories, the site has a calendar of Auburn events and feeds of official Wire Eagle and This Week at Auburn headlines. The network, which was created using the social platform Ning, is visible to all, but those wishing to contribute must register.
John Roberson, a senior in public relations who is taking French's class, said he is glad the site will give him the opportunity to have his articles viewed by the public. "I think it's particularly good for alumni and fans," Roberson said. "It gives them an opportunity to feel more connected to the university."
Liberal Arts Welcomes Four New Department Chairs
The College of Liberal Arts is pleased to announce four new chairs in the departments of Music, Communication and Journalism, English, and Philosophy. They are Sara Lynn Baird, Music; Margaret Fitch-Hauser, Communication and Journalism; Jim Ryan, English, and Michael Watkins, Philosophy.
Sara Lynn Baird earned a Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance from Florida State University, a Master of Music in Voice Performance from the College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati, and a Ph.D. in Music Education with an emphasis on Choral Conducting from Florida State University. Her previous position was Interim Dean of the College of Music and Dramatic Arts at Louisiana State University. Baird also served as Associate Dean for the College of Music and Dramatic Arts from 1998-2007 and Director of Graduate Studies from 2005-2007. Baird served as President for Southern Division ACDA and on the National Board from 2005- 2007.
Margaret Fitch-Hauser earned a bachelor's degree in English and Communication and a master's degree in Communication from Stephen F. Austin State University, Texas, and a Ph.D. in Communication from the University of Oklahoma. For the past 20 years, she has taught Public Relations at Auburn
University. During that time, the program has progressed from offering only two PR classes to being one of two accredited PR programs in the state of Alabama. She was chair of the Department previously from 1993-1996, and served as Acting Head of the Department from 1991 - 1993. In 2007, she received the International Listening Association Research Award, 2007 and the College of Liberal Arts Teaching Excellence Award in Communication and Social Science, 2004-2005.
Jim Ryan earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Pennsylvania, where he studied English, political science, and urban life. He later earned a doctorate in early American literature from UNC-Chapel Hill. His current teaching and research fields are in early American Literature and interdisciplinary American Studies. For his work with undergraduate and graduate students at AU, he received the College of Liberal Arts Early Career Teaching Award (2004).
Michael Watkins earned a bachelor's degree in Sociology and a master's degree in Philosophy from the University of Tennessee. He received his doctorate degree in Philosophy from The Ohio State University and has been faculty in the Department of Philosophy at Auburn since 1994. Watkins is currently a Lanier Professor and was recently inducted to the College of Liberal Arts' Academy of Teaching and Outstanding Teachers.
Student Spotlight: Tressa Sloane
L’aigle de la guerre! (that’s French for War Eagle)
La vie Parisienne
August 31, 2009 at 8:57 am
For those who don’t know, I am completing an internship in Paris, France from August to December as part of the requirements for my journalism program at Auburn University. My reason for choosing Paris…wait, I can guess there are many reasons. Well, the main one is because I studied abroad in Lyon, France from September 2007 to May 2008 and it was the best decision I have ever made. I became enamoured with France and everything about the culture. The wine, the cheese, the way of life…pretty much everything. So fast forward two years later, and here I am again, still in love with France and living here once more.
I’ve been in France for about two months now and have enjoyed every minute of it. When I’m not in France it’s all I can think about and when I am here, well, it’s still all I can think about. Earlier this summer, I took three classes during the first mini-mester at Auburn, and then in July, I left for France and during that month, traveled around France enjoying a nice vacation. We traveled to the south of France through Lyon and Aix-en-Provence and then took a boat from Marseilles to Corsica, which is an island off the south of France and where my boyfriend’s family has a house. We spent about two weeks there, soaking up the sun, and then it was back to Paris so that I could begin my internship.
So here I am, actually writing this blog and I can say that I really do enjoy working here. I am interning for a company called Pocketvox, and we produce multimedia tourist guides that you can download onto your Smartphone and take with you so getting around is easier. It’s interesting work, at least for me, because I love writing, traveling and learning little fun facts about cities around the world. I’ve already worked on guides about Seville, Spain and Munich, Germany and Brussels, Belgium. Right now, I am completing a guide on New York City, which happens to be one of my most favorite places in the world (besides Paris of course). I work with great people and fortunately for me, my classes at Auburn, especially my classes in the Communication and Journalism Department, have really given me confidence in my writing skills and the ability to work in a company such as this one.
Well, I guess it’s about time to get back to work!