Media professionals share insights with JMC seniors

JMC majors had the opportunity to learn from area media professionals during the department’s annual Meet the Pros event held on Oct. 8.

Students attended a panel discussion conducted by professionals working in areas related to their major.

Media professionals participating in October’s Meet the Pros included, front row (from left): Robert Norsworthy, Tab Brockman, Jamie Futrell, Kim Hamby, Dana Howard, Alichia Sawitoski, Miranda Ochsner, Mealand Ragland-Hudgins, back row (from left): Debbie Lee, Carrie Dillard, Lori Barrett, Jeremy McKeel, Dave Washburn, Denham Rogers, and Kristen Pace.


Following the panel discussion, students participated in a speed interviewing session with the visiting professionals.

Advertising majors were able to interact with Jamie Futrell, general manager, Bristol Broadcasting, Paducah; Miranda Ochsner, media planner, The Buntin Group, Nashville, Tenn.; Robert Norsworthy, executive in residence, Murray State University: Alichia Sawitoski, digital director, SMG Performance Marketing, Chicago; and Dave Washburn, vice president of operations, FLW Outdoors, Benton, Ky.

Graphic Communications Media majors met with Denham Rogers, advertising assistant, Hutson, Inc., Murray, and Kristen Pace, junior web/graphic designer, G/O Digital, Nashville, Tenn.

Journalism students were able to talk with Mealand Ragland, reporter, The Tennessean, Nashville, Tenn.; Lori Barrett, news assignment manager, WPSD-TV; and Carrie Dillard, news editor, the Paducah Sun.

Public Relations majors met with Tab Brockman, superintendent, Hopkinsville Parks and Recreation Department, Hopkinsville, Ky.; Kim Hamby, public relations director/media instructor, Mayfield Independent Schools, Mayfield, Ky.; Dana Howard, social media manager, Murray State University; and Debbie Lee, West Kentucky Educational Cooperative.

Television Production students were able to talk with Stephanie Elder, adjunct instructor, Murray State; Jeremy McKeel, director, Digital Media Services, Murray State; and Dave Winder, assistant athletic director-media relations, Murray State.

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