Journalism alum leads Daily Aztec to 12 SPJ awards

The Daily Aztec, San Diego State University's campus newspaper, took home 12 Excellence in Journalism Awards at the annual banquet of the San Diego chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. The ceremony was at the Bali Hai Restaurant on Shelter Island on July 16. Giselle Domdom, editor of the 2007-08 Daily Aztec and a 2008 Journalism graduate, along with incoming editor Amanda Strouse, accepted the awards for the newspaper.

The list of awards included: Best College Newspaper, honorable mention; Best Sports Story or Series, Joe Giovanetti (journalism major); Best Arts and Entertainment Story or Series, Brad Haering (advertising major); Best Layout and Design, Sean Bacon (graphic design major); Best Column, Devin Kunysz (marketing major); Best Photo, Andrew Huse (political science major); Best of Show Story, Devin Kunysz (marketing major). The newspaper also received an honorable mention for Best Photo and second-place awards for Best News Story or Series, Best Review or Criticism, and Best Sports Story or Series.

Dozier, Kim present crisis communication research

At the AEJMC Conference in Chicago in August, JMS Professor David Dozier and John Kim from SDSU's College of Sciences reported the findings of a two-year fire prevention community education project in North County San Diego. The community education project was part of a larger crisis communication feasibility study, using a network of heat sensors, video cameras, and an Internet Web site to detect and communicate about wildfires on the Santa Margarita Ecological Reserve. The SMER is a research field station run by SDSU. The community education study tested Grunig's situational theory to determine whether this theory from public relations was applicable to a community education program. Findings indicated that willingness to actively participate/communicate about fire safety in a public setting strongly predicted a positive change in fire safety behavior over the two-year period of study.

Fourth cohort of military PAOs begins master's program

Ten military public affairs officers from across the country have enrolled in the School of Journalism & Media Studies master's degree program in mass communication and media studies for 2008-09. The customized program for the fourth cohort of military students began on July 22. This year's students follow in the footsteps of 37 previous graduates from the Navy, Air Force and Marines.

The program allows the PAOs to complete the two-year master's program in 10 months by taking summer courses and doubling the usual number of seminars during the academic year. Each student must complete 30 graduate-level semester units of course work and pass a comprehensive examination before being awarded the degree.

"This program gives us the resources to operate and conduct public affairs more effectively," said Navy Lt. Cmdr. Tamara Lawrence, a 2008 graduate of the program. "We have a public affairs mission in the military. It has gained more importance over the last several years with both the media and the communities we live and operate in."

JMS lecturer begins doctoral program at Pepperdine

JMS lecturer Rebecca Coates-Nee has been admitted to the doctoral program in educational technology at Pepperdine University. The coursework, a hybrid of online segments and face-to-face meetings, is focused on advanced learning theory and special issues related to technology and education policy. This summer, Coates-Nee completed a weeklong “TechCamp” introduction to the program at Pepperdine’s West Los Angeles campus. Her research interests include the impact of digital technology on journalism practices and education. A former TV news anchor/reporter, Coates-Nee will continue teaching JMS 420 and JMS 550 at SDSU while working on her Ed.D. She hopes to complete the program in three years.

Celebrating the Class of 2008

The Class of 2008 included 385 Journalism & Media Studies students, who were recognized by family, friends, and faculty at Commencement ceremonies on May 24 at San Diego State University’s Cox Arena.

A total of 40 JMS students graduated with honors: ten graduated summa cum laude, with at least a 3.8 GPA; seven graduated magna cum laude, with at least a 3.65 GPA; and 23 graduated cum laude, with at least a 3.5 GPA.

Students received bachelor's degrees in Journalism, Communication with an emphasis in Public Relations, Communication with an emphasis in Advertising, and Communication with a specialization in Media Studies, as well as master’s degrees in Communication with a specialization in Mass Communication and Media Studies. Among the School's graduate students were eight military Public Affairs Officers, who participated in the third year of an accelerated master’s degree program for PAOs.

Awards presented at the ceremony included: Outstanding Graduate in the School of Journalism & Media Studies, Trait Beauregard Tres (Public Relations); and Most Influential Faculty Member in the School of Journalism & Media Studies, David M. Dozier, Ph.D.

Earlier, at a separate ceremony, the following awards were presented: Outstanding Graduate Teaching Associate, Robin Goret; Outstanding Graduate in Advertising, Claire Thompson; Outstanding Graduate in Journalism, Kimberly Swain; Outstanding Graduate in Media Studies, Ralitza Nenkova; and Outstanding Graduate in Public Relations, Brittany Rawlings.

Dr. David Dozier to receive ‘Monty’ Award

The San Diego State University Alumni Association has named Professor David Dozier a 2008-09 recipient of an award for Outstanding Faculty Contributions to the University. Commonly known as the “Monty,” the award will be presented to Dr. Dozier on at the All-University Convocation on September 9, 2008. Each year, the Alumni Association recognizes one faculty member from each college for their teaching, scholarship, professional activity, or other service. The Faculty Monty Awards have recognized distinguished faculty members since 1972.

JMS students launch new organization

Founders of a new and innovative student organization introduced the concept to a packed house of students and faculty on April 24 at the Back Door in Aztec Center. Formed by and for JMS students, the Journalism and Media Studies Association (JMSA) is the first student association to blend the fields of advertising, journalism, media studies and public relations. Its goal is to prepare JMS students for a world of media convergence.

Founding president and graduating senior in the public relations program, Ryan James Dee expressed the need for this organization at the event: “In class, we constantly hear about how media are converging in the ‘real world,’” he said. “So if media are converging out there, it’s only right that we, as future mass communicators, begin that practice now so that we’re more prepared for our careers.”

Special guest speaker Deanna Mackey, associate general manager at KPBS for marketing, education and new media, told those in attendance that media convergence is still in the formative stage and will be defined by future practitioners. “Convergence at KPBS has been a slow process,” she said, “mostly because we don’t have a concrete definition of what the concept means. Whatever we ultimately define convergence to mean, and what it entails, will be decided by the people in this room.”

JMSA’s vision is to foster student unity and success at school and beyond through practical application of how different mass communication fields work together. Future events and activities announced at the launch event included academic competitions, a JMSA newsletter and Web site, a guest lecture series, and seminars with topics ranging from how to choose the right major to effective resume and portfolio building.

PAO graduate students earn APR status

Five May graduates of the School of Journalism & Media Studies accelerated master's program for military public affairs officers earned their national accreditation in public relations in April 2008. They are: Capt. Carrie Batson, U.S. Marine Corps; Lt. Cmdr. Dave Benham, U.S. Navy; Lt. Jim Krohne, U.S. Navy; Lt. Tamara Lawrence, U.S. Navy; and Lt. Cmdr. Walter Matthews, U.S. Navy.

The APR designation is earned through the Public Relations Society of America and is the largest and most prestigious certification program for senior public relations practitioners. The certification signifies not only personal commitment to the public relations profession, but also professional expertise in 16 competency areas, including research, strategic planning, ethics, law, communication theory, technology, and business literacy.

Dr. Noah Arceneaux wins three top awards

The dissertation of Assistant Professor Noah Arceneaux, who will begin his second year as a faculty member in the School of JMS in fall 2008, has won top awards from three national communication organizations. The Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC), the Broadcast Education Association (BEA), and the American Journalism Historians Association (AJHA) all named his dissertation as the best one from 2007.

While completing his doctoral work at the University of Georgia, Dr. Arceneaux studied radio stations that were owned by department stores during the earliest years of broadcasting. Drawing upon original, archival research, the dissertation used the study of radio’s history as a means of exploring the influence of commercialization upon the diffusion and innovation of new media technologies. A portion of this research has been published in Journalism & Mass Communication Quarterly; additional material is scheduled for publication in the Journal of Broadcasting and Electronic Media.

Journal publishes article by Dr. Valerie Barker

The Journal of International and Intercultural Communication has published an article by Dr. Valerie Barker, a lecturer in the School of JMS, Dr. Barker is the lead author of the article, titled, “Police-civilian interaction, compliance, accommodation, and trust in an intergroup context: International data.” The article is the lead article in the second issue of the new journal, published in May 2008. Co-authors include Howard Giles, University of California, Santa Barbara; Christopher Hajek, University of Texas, San Antonio; Hiroshi Ota, Aichi Shukutoku University; Kimberly Noels, University of Alberta; and LilnaBeth Somera, University of Guam. Dr. Barker teaches both undergraduate and graduate methods courses in the School of JMS.

2008 Commencement scheduled for May 24

JMS students will participate in the first of two College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts Commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 24, at 12:30 p.m. in Cox Arena.  For the first time, PSFA will have two ceremonies this year. The first ceremony will include students from the School of Journalism & Media Studies, as well as students from the School of Art, Design and Art History; School of Communication; School of Music and Dance; and School of Theatre, Television and Film. The second ceremony, which begins at 4:30 p.m. in Cox Arena, will include students from the School of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences; School of Public Affairs; and School of Hospitality and Tourism Management. Rehearsal for JMS students will be 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 22, in Cox Arena. More information and a full schedule of Commencement activities can be found at http://arweb.sdsu.edu/es/commencement.

Two JMS faculty members receive grants

JMS Assistant Professor Noah Arceneaux and Professor Joel Davis have received research funding from the San Diego State University Grant Program. Dr. Arceneaux was awarded $3,556 to support research that explores the role of department stores in the development of commercial broadcasting. Dr. Davis was awarded $3,200 to research the effects of direct-to-consumer pharmaceutical advertising on teen attitudes and behaviors. Of 139 applications received this fall, the University Grant Program awarded funding totaling $396,985 to 55 different projects.

Dr. William Eadie receives service award

JMS Professor William Eadie received the Samuel L. Becker Distinguished Service Award at the annual meeting of the National Communication Association, Nov. 15-18, 2007, in Chicago. The award is presented annually to a member of NCA who is “judged to have made the greatest contribution to the association and to the profession during his or her career.” Dr. Eadie served as NCA associate director from 1993 to 2001. He also served as the first editor of the Journal of Applied Communication Research and has participated in several departmental program reviews across the country.

Dr. Bey-Ling Sha receives PRSA honor

JMS Assistant Professor Bey-Ling Sha was named Professional of the Year by the San Diego chapter of the Public Relations Society of America at its annual awards banquet on Oct. 16, 2007. Named in memory of Deborah Baker, an outstanding public relations professional, the award recognizes professional achievement and excellence in public relations. It has been awarded in select years since 1963.

FALL 2007

Dr. Noah Arceneaux joins JMS faculty

Noah Arceneaux has joined the faculty at San Diego State University as an assistant professor in the School of Journalism & Media Studies.  He received his Ph.D. in mass communication from the University of Georgia in 2007.  His research examines the relationship between technology and culture.  Specifically, he studies the history of broadcasting as well as new forms of electronic communication, such as the growth of mobile media applications.  In 2006, he was invited by Quinnipiac University to develop and teach an online course in producing content for mobile media.

Dr. Arceneaux has worked in major media markets, such as Los Angeles and New York, developing Web sites and interactive projects for several network television programs.  He also has written for a variety of media outlets, and his academic work has been published in several peer-reviewed journals.

In fall semester, Dr. Arceneaux is teaching JMS 412, Media and Empowerment, a new course in the undergraduate Media Studies specialization, and JMS 600A, Introduction to Graduate Study in Mass Communication and Media Studies.

JMS class offerings popular with students

San Diego State University students registered to fill more than 2,600 classroom seats in 34 courses offered by the School of Journalism & Media Studies this fall semester.  The new School, which began official operations on July 1, offered 106 course sections, including 20 sections of JMS 200, Mediated Communication in the Information Age.  JMS 200 is a required class for all students in the School of Journalism & Media Studies and also is a General Education Foundations course.  It is taught in a large (500-seat) lecture twice a week, then broken into 20 small discussion sections every Friday.

The School’s first cadre of Graduate Teaching Associates are leading the discussion sections by using a “blended” instructional format, which combines face-to-face and online components.  JMS 200 is one of six blended classes offered by the School this fall.

Dr. David Dozier receives award in Iran

The Public Relations Research Institute, through the Public Relations Society of Iran, recently selected JMS Professor David Dozier to receive an honorary diploma.  The award recognized Dr. Dozier’s prominence in the field of public relations.  He received the award during an international symposium hosted by the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance in Tehran this summer.

Dr. Bey-Ling Sha publishes book chapter

Bey-Ling Sha has a chapter in a new book edited by S. Duhe.  The chapter is titled, “Dimensions of public relations: Moving beyond traditional public relations models,” and it appears in New media and public relations, published by Peter Lang.

Welcome to the School of Journalism & Media Studies!

You are visiting the brand new Web site for the School of Journalism & Media Studies, the newest School at San Diego State University, which began official operations on July 1.

Programs within the School of Journalism & Media Studies prepare students for careers in advertising, journalism, public relations, and other media industries, as well as for jobs in a technologically driven workforce landscape whose future media forms cannot be predicted. The School also offers a master’s degree program in mass communication and media studies.

We have designed the Web site for a variety of users – prospective students, current students, corporate and community partners, faculty, alumni friends of JMS and many others. The media module (above) will showcase interesting programs and research and will be highly interactive, with audio and video components. Check it out by pulling down the menu or by clicking on the blinking lotus flower in the lower left corner of the module. The lotus symbolizes longevity, and the School plans to continue to serve students and the community for many decades to come.

The space where this letter appears is called “The Flash.” In journalism, a “flash” alerts editors that an important, breaking story is about to be transmitted by the news services. Here, The Flash will inform users about the latest awards won by students, the latest research published by faculty, the latest achievements by alumni, anticipated changes to the course schedule, and upcoming events and activities. Keep visiting The Flash for more information about a gala event in November to celebrate the launch of the new School.

Please take a few moments to explore the new JMS Web site. We hope you’ll return for frequent visits for a long time to come.

Diane L. Borden, Ph.D.
Director, School of Journalism & Media Studies

Dr. Bey-Ling Sha active at AEJMC

Dr. Bey-Ling Sha presented three peer-reviewed manuscripts at the recent meeting in Washington, D.C., of the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC). One manuscript, titled, From Baby Boomers to Generation X: What has changed and what hasn’t for women in public relations, was the Second Place Faculty Research Paper in the Public Relations Division. The paper was co-authored with Dr. David Dozier, a professor in SDSU’s School of Journalism & Media Studies, and Drs. Elizabeth Toth and Linda Aldoory, both from the University of Maryland. In addition to these research paper presentations, Dr. Sha was an invited discussant for other peer-reviewed manuscripts in the Public Relations Division. In Association business, Dr. Sha was re-elected the at-large delegate for the Public Relations Division for 2007-2008.

JMS and IMC students to team up in AAF competition

In fall 2007 and spring 2008, students in Journalism & Media Studies will team up with students in Integrated Marketing Communications to participate in the American Advertising Federation (AAF) competition. The students will develop a campaign for America Online. This highly prestigious competition opportunity will be offered as a collaboration between SDSU’s Marketing Department and the School of Journalism & Media Studies and will require students to enroll in a fall and spring special studies classes in each department/school.

For more information, visit the AAF Web site at www.AAF.org or contact Professor Michael Belch at mbelch@mail.sdsu.edu or Professor Joel Davis at jdavis@mail.sdsu.edu.

SPRING 2007

New York Times selects Journalism student

Journalism senior William Bans was admitted into the inaugural program of The New York Times Student Journalism Institute. The institute, which met in Miami January 3-13, is a competitive, hands-on journalism residency program offered to aspiring reporters, editors, and photographers who are members of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ). Students are offered the opportunity to sharpen their writing, reporting, editing, and photography skills while covering real stories in the Miami area and working under actual newsroom deadlines. They learn from professional journalists from The New York Times, The Boston Globe, and the Times Company’s Regional Media Group. Students maintained a Web site (www.nytimes-institute.com) and produced a special newspaper containing the best work of the program. Journalism senior Bans is the managing editor of The Daily Aztec and was one of only 20 students, representing 15 colleges and universities from around the country, selected for this year’s program.

Dr. Bey-Ling Sha receives summer research grant

Dr. Bey-Ling Sha has been awarded a $1,675 summer research grant by the Institute for Public Relations to examine the implications of new Census race and ethnicity data for public relations practice. The grant was funded in part by ConAgra Foods, Inc. According to its Web site http://www.instituteforpr.org, "the Institute for Public Relations is an independent nonprofit organization that builds and documents research-based knowledge in public relations, and makes this knowledge available and useful to practitioners, educators, researchers and their clients."

FALL 2006

M.A. alum named Sally Casanova scholar

Jennifer Chidester, a 2005 graduate of the School's master's program in mass communication and media studies, was selected as a Sally Casanova Scholar in the California Pre-Doctoral Program for the 2007-08 academic year. Ms. Chidester, whose faculty sponsor is Dr. Diane Borden is one of 76 highly qualified students chosen to participate. The program is designed to support the doctoral aspirations of California State University students who have experienced economic and educational disadvantages, who are interested in a university faculty career, and who are perceived to be the leaders of tomorrow. The Casanova scholars receive a stipend to participate in a summer research internship, visit doctoral-granting institutions, and travel to professional conferences during their pre-doctoral year.

Journalism alum gets top CBS post

Armen Keteyian, who graduated cum laude from San Diego State University in 1976 with a bachelor's degree in journalism, has been named chief investigative correspondent for CBS News. Keteyian had been a special features reporter for CBS Sports and for HBO Sports, a correspondent for ABC News, and a reporter for Sports Illustrated. He began his career as a free-lancer for the San Diego Union-Tribune and San Diego Magazine, after spending two years at the Times-Advocate in Escondido . He is the recipient of eight Emmy Awards and in March 2005 received the SDSU Alumni Association's Monty Award for professional accomplishment.

Chicago Tribune publishes Hiro story

Erin Massey Hiro, who teaches public affairs reporting in the journalism program, wrote the lead story for the Chicago Tribune's business section in August. Through extensive reporting and research, she discovered that meal-preparation businesses are making millions by providing healthy, fresh frozen dinners for busy families. Also in August, the North County Times in Escondido published her story about a group of scientists at the University of California at Riverside , who were awarded a multimillion grant to study air pollution. In addition, Ms. Hiro wrote a series of stories for Residential Developer , a new trade magazine, about environmentally friendly housing developments.

Dr. Mei Zhong receives Sasakawa Fellowship

Dr. Mei Zhong was among 20 faculty from across the United States selected to participate in a three-week intensive National Faculty Development Institute on “Incorporating Japanese studies into the undergraduate curriculum.” The program, held on the SDSU campus in June, was designed for full-time faculty without prior experience in Japanese studies, who wished to incorporate information about Japan into the undergraduate courses they teach. As part of the Institute, Dr. Zhong received a $5,500 Sasakawa Fellowship.

Dr. Joel Davis named outstanding teacher

The SDSU chapter of Lambda Pi Eta, the official honor society of the National Communication Association, voted to name Dr. Joel Davis the Outstanding Professor in the School of Communication for academic year 2005-06. Lambda Pi Eta has more than 400 active chapters worldwide.

Dr. Bill Eadie visits China

Dr. Bill Eadie presented a paper titled, “Tensions among teaching, research, and professional concerns in the development of the communication discipline in the U.S.,” at the Communication Association of China meeting at Hebei University , in the People's Republic of China , in April. He also presented an expanded version of the paper at the Communication University of China, in Beijing , on the same trip.

New reference work slated

Dr. Bill Eadie recently signed a contract with Sage Publications to edit a two-volume reference work titled, 21st century communication: A reference handbook . As editor, he will identify 100 important topics in communication theory, research, and practice and commission 7,500-word essays on each topic. The essays will be aimed at undergraduates, and the work will be used to help students who are new to the field identify areas of particular interest and resources they can use to learn more about those areas.

Politics/media forum set

Dr. Bill Eadie served on the planning committee for a conference on “Communication as social construction,” which was held August 1-4 in Albuquerque , New Mexico . A project that emerged from the conference seeks to host a forum of politicians, media figures, and academics to discuss how to improve the quality of conversation about important national issues. The group expects the forum to be held in October 2007 at the Clinton School for Public Service, in Little Rock , Arkansas.

Dr. Barbara Mueller presents papers in England

Dr. Barbara Mueller, who co-authored a paper with Sandra Diehl and Ralf Terlutter titled, “A cross-cultural examination of consumer skepticism toward advertising in general vs. pharmaceutical advertising,” presented the research at the fifth annual International Conference on Research in Advertising, held in Bath, England, June 30-July 2. At the same conference, Dr. Mueller also presented a paper she co-authored with K. Tim Wulfemeyer (SDSU), Ralf Terlutter, Sandra Diehl, and James Rada titled, “Mixed messages: Selling food and body images to kids in the U.S. and abroad.”

Drs. Wulfemeyer, Mueller present paper in Reno

Dr. Barbara Mueller and Dr. K. Tim Wulfemeyer presented a paper they co-authored with Ralf Terlutter, Sandra Diehl, and James Rada at the American Academy of Advertising Conference, held in Reno , Nevada , March 29-April 2. The paper, titled, “Childhood obesity and the marketing of food to kids: A cross-cultural comparison of nutritional messages in television advertisements,” was presented as part of a session on “Hot Topics in International Advertising.”