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TheLedeA Newsletter for Students and Alumni of the JSU Department of Mass Communications • Fall 2008

Mass Communications faculty and students welcomed 19 African journalists to the department, and the United States, in October as part of the U.S. Department of State’s Edward R. Murrow fellowship. A two-day long itinerary, which kicked off with the PBS documentary, “The Black Press: Soldiers Without Swords,” focused on the merits and challenges of African-American journalism.

The Murrow program is a partnership between the Department of State and 10 leading schools of journalism and mass communications. It brings roughly 160 international journalists from independent media to the U.S. to examine journalistic principles and practices, both in the United States and abroad, and interact with professional journalists and journalism educators.

“I did not expect this hospitality,” said Patrick Kamara, a television news producer and reporter from Uganda, East Africa. Kamara said Ugandans think America is monolithic, like the Chicago or New York they see on television, but it’s different in Mississippi. “I am having a very good time. Everyone is very friendly.” The journalists had an opportunity to tour W23BC, JSU’s state-of-the-art television station, and to meet with students, faculty and staff.

“JSU is delighted to be among the host universities for this year’s prestigious Murrow program,” said Dwight E. Brooks, Mass Communications Department chair. “Our students and faculty (had) a rare opportunity to engage with these international journalists on the important issues they discuss in their classrooms. We hope to contribute to the promotion of responsible and ethical journalism around the world.”

The visitors represented Namibia, South Africa, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Rwanda, Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo and Sierra Leone. They participated in forums that focused on international journalism and politics, the civil rights movement, health care, education and the Black and alternative presses. Editors of local newspapers, including The Clarion-Ledger, The Mississippi Link, The Jackson Advocate, and The Jackson Free Press, shared their perspectives on the topics, alongside Pearl Stewart, president of Stewart Media Consulting.

The Mass Communications Department lost a seasoned Renaissance Man when Dr. Joseph Clive Enos III died November 7 at Baptist Medical Center. He was 65.

Enos was admitted to the hospital on October 26 after

falling at home and breaking his shoulder. He made a call to the department the next day to inform his students that he would miss class that day. Almost overnight, his condition deteriorated: he developed a staph infection, his kidneys failed, and he was moved to the Intensive Care Unit, where he was connected to a life support system. He was not able to breathe on his own again.

He is survived by his brother, Jon D. Enos, of Texas.

Enos joined the department in 1994. He was a tenured associate professor who is remembered for his vibrant personality, quirky ways and fearless spirit.

Javonda Cavitt-White, who visited Enos in the hospital the day before his death, said she felt it was her responsibility to be there for him because of what he meant to his students.

“I love the fact that he was cranky; he didn’t try to suit everyone’s needs,” said the senior, from Jackson, Miss., whose concentration is public relations. “I think the thing students loved most was that he was open with his class. He let us know immediately that he was flawed. He made us aware that there were going to be occasions where we would fail, but you dust yourself off and no one could take away what you know.

African Journalists Visit Mass Comm Department By Kenitra Brown, English/Journalism Senior & Di’Kobie Berry, Mass Communications Senior

Farewell, Old FriendColleagues, students mourn loss of Prof. EnosCompiled from faculty and staff reports

1Continued on page 3Continued on page 7

Please consider making a financial contribution to the Jackson State University Department of Mass Communications. Many of the students in the Department need financial assistance for tuition, books and pre-professional activities. Your gift will help our Department maintain accreditation and continue to provide an outstanding education for aspiring media professionals. You can specify that funds be used to:

Provide scholarships and books for students• Purchase additional materials for the Mass Communications Resource Center• Assist in purchasing production equipment and supplies• Fund registration fees for professional conferences and workshops•

Make your tax-deductible check payable to Jackson State University-Department of Mass Communications and mail to:

Dr. Dwight E. Brooks, Professor and Chair Mississippi e-Center at JSU1230 Raymond RoadPost Office Box 2100Jackson State UniversityJackson, MS 39204

The Lede is published by the Jackson State University Department of Mass Communications, Jackson, Miss. Please submit information about student achievements or alumni news to: andrea.w.dilworth@jsums.edu.

Dwight E. Brooks Professor and ChairAndrea Dilworth Faculty EditorDi’Kobie Berry Student Photographer/Staff WriterEverett Chinn Student Staff Writer Kenitra Brown Student Staff WriterDominque Howse Student Staff Writer

Department of Mass Communications FacultyDwight E. Brooks Li-Jing ChangAndrea Dilworth Ayana Haaruun Judy Alsobrooks Meredith Olorundare Aworuwa Sunny Smith Teresa Taylor

Department of Mass Communications Adjunct FacultyGail Brown Riva BrownTara Douglas Elaina Jackson

Department of Mass Communications StaffAly Ash Regina Clay Layout and Design ServicesQuicksilver Creative, Inc. Marcus Johnson ’06 Graphic Designer

Department of Mass CommunicationsMississippi e-Center at JSU1230 Raymond RoadPost Office Box 2100Jackson State UniversityJackson, MS 39204

Phone: (601) 979-2151Fax: (601) 979-5800jsumasscom@jsums.eduwww.jsums.edu/~jsumasscomm

Greetings alumni and friends of the Department of Mass Communications! One of the most enjoyable things about my role as department chair is the opportunity to meet and learn about our wonderful alumni and friends. A major part of

our greatness is due to your success. After 1½ years on the job, I am blessed to have each and every one of you a part of our family.

While we have much to celebrate during this time of thanksgiving, our family is saddened by the loss of Dr. Joseph Clive Enos, III. Although this issue includes a tribute to Dr. Enos and his many contributions to the Department of Mass Communications, I want to repeat my pledge that this Department will remain vibrant in his honor. Everyone who knew him realized how much he cared for our Department, and I hope that you will assist us in developing a scholarship in his name.

I am committed to doing everything I can to help you connect or reconnect with the department. Increasing our publishing schedule of The Lede

to share our stories is part of that commitment, as is redesigning our website and keeping it up to date. I also look forward to you stopping by our new offices in the e-Center, continuing to attend Homecoming and other alumni gatherings at JSU, staying in touch with your favorite professors, and helping the Department in any way you can. I am delighted to extend a few “shout-outs” to those who have done so recently:

During Homecoming Week, Hubert Tate (2007) and Kevin Lipsey (2005) spoke with students in our classes. Evelyn Days (2001) visited us late that Friday afternoon and left a monetary contribution! Robert Naylor (1978) brought several of his colleagues from the Associated Press to conduct an entire day of workshops for our students. It was a great day for everyone in the department! The memories and friends you made and the knowledge you gained and shared—both inside and outside the classroom—will be with you your entire life. Those of us who are currently entrusted with managing the department and with teaching and training future alumni appreciate your support and gifts as we work hard to continue to improve the quality of the educational experiences we provide. Let me share with you a few recent successes:

• The addition of several new tenure-track faculty members: Drs. Andrea Dilworth, Teresa Taylor, Judy Alsobrooks Meredith, and Ms. Ayana Haaruun. We also will be hiring two new faculty members this year.

• The completion of our self-study in anticipation of the affirmation of our accreditation with ACEJMC. We will host the site team February 1-4, 2009.

• A successful relocation to the e-Center. Our move allows us to reinforce our partnership with TV 23, build an instruction studio, and host public events—21st century style. I am sure you can understand that a move of this magnitude remains a work in progress, but I think everyone is enjoying learning in our new home.

• In September we sponsored “Digital Day 2008,” which included a panel of the local general managers of TV stations and a national expert on digital communications. In October we hosted 19 journalists from throughout the African continent as part of the Edward R. Murrow program. In November we hosted five journalists from the Associated Press. Our visitors also love our new home.

These accomplishments, along with others—some of which are presented in this issue of The Lede—make me extremely optimistic about our future, which is made even brighter with your continued support.

Dwight E. Brooks

Please Reach Out and Help

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TheLede

A Message from the Chair

Department of Mass Communications

“I do this for the women, the revolution and the tennis shoes,” said Joecephus “Skipp Coon” Martin, while recording vocals for his newly-released collaboration CD, “Women, Revolution and Tennis Shoes.”

With a passion for black progression, the 28-year-old, 2003 Jackson State graduate decided to pour his soul into hip-hop instrumentals to inspire change and movement. From the beginning, Martin did not want to be just a rapper, but a leader. He decided to call himself Skipp Coon to encourage people to “skip” the “coons.”

“The average person wouldn’t know how serious I am. I’m smiling, but I’m serious,” he revealed. “I’m really on some black power, eliminating-the-enemy-at-all-costs type of thing.”

The critically acclaimed rapper/writer, who has been noted in The Jackson Free Press as one of Jackson’s best emcees, is also a proud participant in the annual hip-hop festival in the Czech Republic.

Martin is as qualified as any to write about the issues plaguing society, particularly the disenfranchised. His quest for knowledge propelled him to pursue a graduate degree in history; he is now in the thesis-writing stage. After earning a B.A. in mass communications five years ago, he took a job teaching troubled youth at a juvenile detention center and continues to tutor students at a local elementary school. He recently quit his job as a drug rehabilitation counselor to focus on his music.

“I wanted to do music, and I still feel that stepping out on faith has gotten me this far,” he said. “I’m doing more community and contract work. I like it a lot. Right now, I’m doing some character education work. You should remember how much I enjoy working with young people.

“I loved (the people I worked with). I also loved the job. I just felt that it wasn’t what I was supposed to be doing. Life has changed for me so much. I’m really working on my spiritual situation now. I believe that God was putting me in a position, and it was time for me to walk away.”

The writer/rapper, known for his witty word play and conscience-inspiring lyricism, is married to Nikki, having “tied the knot” last year at a wedding ceremony in Jackson. With plans of working on his music and taking his alter ego, Skipp Coon, to the global forefront with strength and integrity, Martin is making sure he does not lose focus.

“The music is a reflection of being a black man,” he said. “We really need to start stepping up to defend our homes, our communities and our families, and as a black man, that’s what my purpose is--to defend my community and my family.”

What inspires Martin most is his wife, student loans and the notion of making his parents proud. “It’s not the Bentley that inspires me, because what I do won’t get the Bentley-- maybe a fresh pair of sneakers,” he said.

“Success is feeding your family with your passion. Now, whether that’s (through) teaching, graffiti, design or making beds, or whatever your passion is, and you can feed your family and contribute to the household, that’s success.”

Martin, along with deejay Mr. Nick, have created Wayward Soul, a collection of sounds behind Tibbit Music, the independent label the two own; they’ve already signed two artists, both of whom have JSU ties.

“Wayward Soul is the sound that Nick and I have developed. It’s kinda interesting. We are really proud of it sonically.”

As for his own music, Martin already has plans for his follow-up release, “Freedom Summer,” the second part of a musical trilogy.

Regardless of the success of his debut release, Martin holds his head high. “My wife thinks I’m awesome, and so do the majority of my friends.”

To sample or purchase Skipp Coon’s music, visit www.tibbitmusic.com or myspace.com/tibbitsmusic.

Martin ‘Rhymes to the Rhythm of my Heartbeat’By Dominque Howse, Mass Communications Graduate

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Kevin Richardson, Clarion-Ledger business editor, told participants the challenges facing the nation’s media today are vast. “You have the greater challenges of the industry right now, where you see tons of job losses,” explained Richardson. “This is an industry, whether you’re a mainstream newspaper or the black press. Because of the advertising revenues; because of how newspapers pay for themselves and circulate all papers are involved in that issue. I think the black press, historically and in the future, has to balance both the role as an advocate for the community, as well as a business that survives and profits.”

The program concluded in New York City, with visits to major media outlets and a symposium on the future of journalism globally.

“JSU has painted a very good image of a university in my head; it is good to see black people master things they set out to do,” said Placide Nzazi Matobo, a news broadcast reporter from Democratic Republic of Congo. Matobo said he was enthused to see the many tools students have access to that are not available in his country. “I’m very excited [for this] program. We have to broadcast good information to help people know to live in a democracy … democracy and development work together.”

African Journalists Visit Department Continued from page 1

When Judy Alsobrooks Meredith joined the MC faculty as an assistant professor over the summer, those not in the know actually thought the former television anchor was new to the department. They could not have been more wrong.

Meredith was originally hired in 1994 by former chair Doris Saunders to build W23BC, the campus television station.

“I was working at WAPT, as an assignment editor, and somebody said, ‘There’s a job posting here that has your name on it,’” Meredith remembers.

As general manager, she convinced federal and state lawmakers to appropriate funding for a station where students could acquire hands-on training to become broadcast journalists. (The University soon thereafter removed W23BC from department rule.)

Fourteen years later, Meredith has moved from the newsroom to the classroom, where she continues to train aspiring journalists. Though she didn’t seek the transition, it’s the logical next step for someone with an M.A. in Mass Communications (JSU) and a newly earned Ph.D. (2007) in Public Policy and Administration from Mississippi State University.

Interestingly enough, she didn’t pursue a doctorate to teach.

“I just like to continue to learn,” the Gary, Ind., native matter-of-factly explains. “You’re never too old to grow. ”Truth be told, Meredith’s contributions to media literacy have been vast, though you’ll never catch her bragging about it. The 1997 Fulbright Scholar’s plethora of honors include being awarded Outstanding Television Documentary by the National Academy of Radio and Television Arts and Sciences, lecturing on Women in the Media for the U.S. State Department in Montenegro, and reporting from Sudan. Over the years, she has also secured nearly $10 million in grants and other resources for the campus station.

One thing’s for sure: Meredith’s not afraid of a challenge, nor is she one to wait for things to happen.

As an elementary school music teacher nearly 30 years ago, she had grown bored. A friend, noticing how much Meredith enjoyed watching the news, suggested she consider broadcast journalism.

“I said, ‘Hmm, I believe I can do that,’” she recalls, in her characteristically understated tone.

Then, as fate would have it, James Meredith, in Gary for a funeral one late December, showed up at a mutual friend’s house. Though she hadn’t yet met her future husband, she had watched him make history as the first black person admitted to the University of Mississippi.

With a twinkle in her eyes, she tells the story of their courtship: “James drove to South Bend to go to the funeral. When he got there, he told his friend, ‘There’s nothing I can do for him (the deceased). Take me back to that house so I can meet that woman before SHE leaves.’” Her husband just recently shared that account with her, she says.

Three months later they were married, and Mrs. James Meredith joined her new husband in Jackson, where she enrolled in the MC Department’s graduate program. She quickly landed her first broadcasting job at WAPT, as a reporter. Over the years, she would work at several stations across the country in a variety of positions, mastering the craft.

Working as a journalist was never boring, the 25-year broadcast veteran says.

“I was able to see so much and learn so much just by doing different stories everyday. It didn’t matter if I was under a bridge talking to a homeless person or spending a day with a death-row inmate. I’ve met Coretta Scott King and Hillary Clinton.” She pauses, then continues, with a laugh. “I worked with Jerry Springer when we lived in Cincinnati.”

As she settles into the latest chapter of her life, Meredith, married 27 years with a blended family of five children and nine grandchildren, refuses to take herself too seriously. Quick to smile, she gestures to her cell phone, which shows the time: 1 p.m. That means it’s time for her Introduction to Mass Communications course. She can’t be late.

Students in Meredith’s classes can learn at least one thing from her that they can’t get from a textbook: Don’t be afraid to step out on faith, even if that means taking a detour on the road called life.

In a reference to her former gigs as pianist, music teacher, assignment editor, reporter, etc., Meredith sums up her knack for seamlessly flowing from one calling to another.

“I’m a jack-of-all trades and a master of none,” she chuckles.Only a Jack-in-the-box would believe that.

Meredith Tackles New ChapterBy Andrea W. Dilworth, Ph.D., Assistant Professor

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Iris Johnson Barnes, ’97, ’02, has been named General Manager of the Southern Urban Network in Jackson, Miss.

Eddie Brown,‘03, became Director of Public Relations at Berning Marketing in Metairie, La., in June.

Erica Jordan, ‘03, is now a pharmaceutical sales representative for Bristol-Myers Squibb in New Orleans, La.

Wisdom Martin, ’93, is a reporter/anchor for WTTG FOX 5 News in Washington, D.C.

Spencer McClenty, ‘06, is now Creative Writer in the Office of Public Relations at JSU.

Laronda McMillan-Bailey, ‘97, is Features Editor of The Clarion-Ledger in Jackson.

Crystal Quarles, ’04, has been named Marketing Director of Metrocenter Mall in Jackson, Miss.

Cierra Robinson, ’08, is pursuing an M.A. at Howard University in Mass Communication Media Studies.

Jeffery Smith, ’08, is pursuing an M.A. at Howard University in Mass Communication Media Studies.

Kristian Weatherspoon, ’08, has been accepted to the graduate program at Northwestern University. She will begin her studies in January.

A Special Thanksto our Alumni Donors

Eddie BrownEvelyn DaysErica JordanKevin Lipsey

Wisdom MartinRobert Naylor

Hubert TateOlivia Thomas

Aaron Thompson

Alumni Notes

Journalists of TomorrowBy Bob Romine, Mass Communications Advisory Council Member Vice President & General Manager WJTV in Jackson & WHLT in Hattiesburg

The skills necessary for a journalist in today’s fast-paced world are very different from what they were just a few years ago. The consumers’ desire to get their information--when they want it, where they want it and how they want it--dictates our business plan as we work to satisfy those urges. It is a stark reminder that our industry is changing rapidly.

Technological advancements are providing tools that allow us to redefine how we cover content.

Fred Ertz, news consultant from Audience Research and Development, says, “I find it odd that journalists of today and tomorrow – and in some cases those who teach journalists of today and tomorrow – are not inventing new ways to use what is right in front of them. How would that attitude have impacted the innovation of movable type? As I remember, that Gutenberg brainstorm led to a regularly published newspaper somewhere around the year 1665. Then, when this country was starting to grow, the movable type helped fuel colonial newspapers…remember that Ben Franklin guy who took over a wobbly newspaper in Pennsylvania and created a business in several colonies? Ben used the tools he had – and pretty darn well, kind of got a country out of the deal. Then the tool that should challenge all of us – the birth of Internet Journalism – do you know what boosted IJ in 1997? It happened when The Dallas Morning News broke a story about Timothy McVeigh confessing to the Oklahoma City bombing on their web site.”

The challenges for the Journalist of Tomorrow will draw from the core journalistic skills and ethics that are currently part of most curriculums. However, the skill sets necessary may have already surpassed the curriculum available in colleges and universities around the country.

Closing the gap can begin with better communication from the industry and higher education facilities. That should start with the recognition of a new world order brought about by the rapidly advancing technology and the kind of skill sets necessary to compete in our industry.

The Journalist of Tomorrow will shape the way we gather, present and deliver content well into the next decade as our industry continues to evolve. It will be an incredible opportunity, and it is our responsibility to make sure they are ready for the challenge.

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“The things that he had seen and experienced, and what he brought to the table, you had to respect him. That man has a legacy, even if it’s left in his students. That will stick around for ages,” she concluded.

Members of the faculty and staff agreed that Enos’ zest for life and sometimes-cantankerous disposition brought a liveliness to the department that cannot be replaced.

“More than anything, I will miss his sense of humor, his powerful booming voice, and his way with words,” said Andrea Dilworth, assistant professor, who worked alongside Enos for 10 years. “He liked to challenge authority; I think that was actually a hobby that made his day, kept things interesting for him. But he was never mean-spirited in his actions. He really was a sweet man.

“Faculty meetings and university assemblies will be comparably dull without his presence. He leaves a huge void.”

Regina Clay, secretary in the department for a decade, remembers her former co-worker for his generosity, and their chats. He returned from his last two vacations abroad with souvenirs he had picked out especially for her.

“One year he brought me a maraca from the Bahamas, and this summer he gave me a unique rock flower that blooms when placed in water,” she said. “We weren’t close friends or anything, so they were both unexpected gifts, and I was surprised that he thought of me. People who didn’t know him well would probably be shocked that he was so thoughtful.”

What follows is Enos’ bio, written in his own words:

“After graduating from Oakland University with a major in psychology, Enos began a 10-year career as a ballet dancer. Irregular income and inevitable injuries led him to a Master’s degree in Linguistics from the American University of Beirut and a Ph.D. in Communication Arts (Film) from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

“After an assignment as a visiting professor of film at U WI-Madison, he began his full time teaching career at the City College of New York City in 1973. Dismissed in 1976 because of New York City’s budget crises, Enos took a position with the Coca-Cola Company, reporting directly to the Chairman (J. Paul Austin), managing a $10 million annual budget and traveling extensively in Southeast Asia, creating media and public relations campaigns.

“The political climate in Southeast Asia became unstable in 1982, and Enos joined the New York Institute of Technology and stayed until 1989. Having sold his first script to prime-time network television in 1971 (Marcus Welby, M.D.), Enos focused on writing stage plays, with two plays produced Off-Broadway.

“In 1992, Enos became the Media Program Manager for the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s Tobacco Control Program, responsible for conducting baseline research on tobacco use by youth ages 10 - 18 and writing and directing the first eight commercials for the program budgeted at $150,000 per spot. Enos was fired for being successful at reducing the amount of tobacco sales by 36 percent because the tax on the sale of tobacco products paid for the media program.

“In 1994, Enos joined the Mass Communications Department at Jackson State University where he remains today, except for a one-year Fulbright Award at Tshingua University (the MIT of China) in Beijing. Since 2005, his creative interests have focused on writing feature film screenplays.”

A true Renaissance Man, Enos was memorialized November 15 at Wells United Methodist Church in Jackson. His remains were cremated.

His colleagues, students and friends, who span the globe, will not forget the indelible impression he made in their lives.

“Farewell, old friend.”

Farewell, Old Friend Continued from page 1

The invitation to join the faculty at a historically black university was, for Ayana Haaruun, a welcome opportunity knocking at her door.

“It was a major decision,” explains the Chicago native. “I never taught school in the south before. My family is actually from Alabama. I always wanted to live in the south.”

“I am coming (to JSU) for…the students! I can retrace my family history while I am down here, get some black culture as well.”

Haaruun, at JSU since August, teaches courses in photojournalism and production. Her background, however, brings a unique perspective to the Department as an increasing number of students aspire to careers in the more creative aspects of media production and design, which she will begin teaching next year after departmental curricular changes are finalized.

“I have some great ideas for the students, like creating a music video workshop and a photojournalism study, having students produce a TV show and win awards for their work,” she said, with enthusiasm. “I really want my students to enter pieces in the Black Film Festival.”

Haaruun, who earned a B.A. in Political Science from Howard University and an M.F.A. in Mass Communications and Media Arts from Southern Illinois University, has also taught at Chicago State University, City Colleges of Chicago, and Southeastern Illinois College.

The 32-year-old, who considers herself a social scientist, has worked on innovative projects that use media to preserve African American history and culture. She contributed to “Mapping the Stacks,” a University of Chicago digital history initiative about Black Chicago, and The HistoryMakers, an African American video oral history archive.

She has also put her expertise to use on a plethora of narrative films, music videos, documentaries, commercials and television programs.

Over the last several years, Haaruun has managed to merge her profession with her desire to see, and experience, the world.

“I am an adventurer. I love to travel. I was always interested in different lands and cultures,” she said.

Her expeditions have taken her to Haiti, Paris and Africa.

“I had romantic visions of Africa...But it was challenging and quite different when I got over there,” said Haaruun, who as a teaching fellow last year, spent a semester at a media arts and journalism school for women in rural South Africa.

“I saw the racial divide and dynamics,” she explained. “I had fall-outs with my peers and the community over the mistreatment of blacks. I can remember crying for a month.”

Although teaching in South Africa was a sobering ordeal, it has made her all the more determined to prepare students back home. “Living and teaching in Africa took me back to the essence of what I studied at Howard University. I want black students, whether in Mississippi of Maine, to feel entitled to have a dream for their careers.

“I hope to bring a lot of energy, a knowledge-base, to direct students to career opportunities and inspire those students,” she said.

Still, being new to the area has been an adjustment for the assistant professor.

“I actually took a 30-minute jog before coming for the interview,” said Haaruun, with a girlish grin. “I can’t believe there are not any sidewalks down here.”

Being different is something she is accustomed to.

“My style, and the way I talk, or the way I wear my hair, is just me. I don’t really think about it,” she continued.

“I am truly very excited to be here at Jackson State University. This is a great opportunity. I hope to leave a legacy of inspiration, black unity and excellence.”

Ayana Haaruun

Dr. Dwight Brooks (center) introduces guest panelists during “Digital Day,” a community workshop and forum, held September 9 at the Mississippi e-Center @JSU. The event, co-sponsored by the National Association of Broadcasters, was designed to educate the community on how to prepare for the federal government’s mandated switch to digital television, scheduled to take place in February. Pictured are Bob Romine, general manager, WJTV Channel 12; Stuart Kellogg, general manager, WAPT Channel 16; Dan Modisett, general manager, WLBT Channel 3; and Leigh White, general manager, WDBD/WUFX Channel 40.

New Professor Aims to Inspire, Enlighten Students By Everett Chinn, Mass Communications Graduate

Digital Day

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Taking advantage of any break she is allowed, Alicia Brumfield sat down in her plush brown leather office chair to enjoy a shrimp dinner from the new JSU Student Center’s cafeteria.

Miss Jackson State University, a mass communications major, cordially welcomed me into her space, as she politely suggested I make myself comfortable, extending an offer to share her meal. On the freshly painted snow-white walls of her campus office are two works of art, poster-sized, to be exact: a self-portrait and an Alpha Kappa Alpha painting. Alicia pledged the sorority in the spring of 2007.

The 21-year-old, a leader by nature, is the younger offspring of Cynthia and Tommy Brumfield. She and brother Tommy II are graduates of Jim Hill High School.

“It’s a good feeling to see her wanting to succeed at something, then having the honor to watch her excel at it,” said Tommy II, a senior social science education major at JSU.

Brumfield isn’t surprised the student body chose his baby sister to represent the University. “I have supreme confidence in my sister; anything that she does, I know she will succeed.”

After spending time with her, I could understand why she was destined to be a queen, full of grace and poise.

A l i c i a ’ s p l a t f o r m , S t u d e n t s Maintaining Invigorating Lives with Ease (S.M.I.L.E.), was designed to inspire students to live their lives much the way she does.

She created the S.M.I.L.E. initiative to enhance the well-being of the JSU community by promoting health education; providing a supportive environment for making healthy, well-informed choices; and aiding in the development and ownership of a balanced, successful life. Through collaborations with campus divisions and academic units, Miss JSU’s aim is to teach students and employees concepts that will enhance both their educational experiences and life management skills.

Simply put, when times get rough, Alicia wants everyone to just smile, and know that everything will be OK.

Spending time with family helps keep a big smile on her face. She also enjoys shopping, traveling and watching the news. “Whenever I am not working, I prefer to get rest,” she admitted.

Alicia’s bright brown eyes widened as she talked about her eagerness to represent JSU.

“Everywhere I go people are like, ‘Hey Miss JSU,’” she said with a radiant smile, the same smile that allows you to see the beauty in her personality. Her desire to wear the crown was all about meeting new people and helping others, she said.

Those who know her well agree Alicia is a sweet being with a zeal for humanity.

“She’s the type of person who shouldn’t have one enemy,” said SGA President Dillon H. Robinson; the two met their freshman year while working with the SGA.

“Alicia is always smiling and always trying to cheer someone up,” Robinson continued. “I am looking forward to continuing our terms in office.”

Before arriving at JSU, the university had already stolen her heart.

“As a child I always admired the ladies wearing the crowns who graciously walked the field at the JSU football games. I wanted to be just like them,” she reminisced, with an unexpected quiver in her voice.

Moments later, her mind was on the future. More specifically, preparing for life after graduating in May and landing her first job. Her dream is to produce or host her own television show. The internship she landed at CNN this summer equipped her with the experience that she hopes will make that dream a reality.

Alicia’s mother is her inspiration. “My mama is the sweetest lady in the world, and she’s the hardest working woman I know,” said Miss JSU, who plans to leave the mark her mother left on her life, in the lives of others, through her service.

While being queen has been an enjoyable adventure, it’s been a busy one. But Alicia refuses to allow the challenges of juggling a jam-packed queen’s schedule with classes to cloud her days. The next campus queen shouldn’t let it get to her, either.

Instead, Miss JSU offers this simple advice, which has always worked for her: “Always be friendly, and most importantly be yourself.” And smile.

Miss JSU Hopes Her S.M.I.L.E. is ContagiousBy Kenitra N. Brown, English/Mass Communications Senior

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The Associated Press presented two interactive workshops, “Breaking News” and “Career Development,” on Nov. 13, which required and inspired aspiring journalists to connect the dots of storytelling. The focus was story planning and developing reporting frameworks. Students, divided into groups, were assigned a mock scenario of a campus shooting and told to come up with a plan of how they would respond. Robert Naylor (’78 alumnus), Director of Career Development/News, AP New York, led the sessions. Other AP presenters: Rogelio Solis, Photojournalist, Jackson; Damiko Morris, Graphic Journalist, Washington, D.C.; Sonya Ross, News Editor, Washington, D.C.; and Diane Parker, Director of Staffing and Diversity, New York.

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The Associated Press Presents Interactive WorkshopsPhotos by Di’Kobie Berry