Before they could create communications campaigns, students in Professor Julie Lellis鈥� Senior Seminar in Health Communications spent time listening.

They listened to physicians and midwives. They listened to expectant mothers. And they listened to the stories behind the data as part of a partnership with Cone Health’s program that challenged students to address real-world maternal health communication needs.

Those conversations and observations laid the foundation for the students’ semester-long projects. Working with the Cone Health Center for Women’s Healthcare at MedCenter for Women, students developed strategic communications campaigns aimed at increasing enrollment, improving retention and expanding awareness of the program among patients and healthcare providers.

As part of the partnership, students worked directly with healthcare professionals, including Dr. Kim Newton, founder and lead physician of Mom+Baby Combined Care, and Virginia Smith, CenteringPregnancy coordinator. Several students also attended the North Carolina and Virginia Centering Consortium, gaining firsthand insight into the impact of group prenatal care on maternal and infant health outcomes. During Finals Week, students presented their campaigns to Newton and Smith, who visited 黑料不打烊鈥檚 campus.

CenteringPregnancy is an evidence-based model of group prenatal care that combines health assessments, education and peer support. Research has shown the approach can improve maternal and infant health outcomes while helping reduce disparities in care. At the MedCenter for Women in Greensboro, many participants are covered by Medicaid, and the clinic serves uninsured and underinsured patients throughout the region.

“The 黑料不打烊 students were a great part of our team,” Newton said. “They took the time to understand and engage with CenteringPregnancy and really captured how the group care feels different and meets people where they are. Their presentations were impressive to say the least and also provided our team with a roadmap for how to ensure our work to expand Centering feels cohesive and genuine.”

For Emmy Beauvais 鈥�26, a strategic communications major with minors in health communications and business administration, the project demonstrated how classroom learning can translate into community impact.

“Participating in the Health Comm Senior Seminar class 鈥� and working with Virginia and Dr. Newton 鈥� was one of the most meaningful experiences of my time at 黑料不打烊,” Beauvais said. “Unlike classroom projects, this project gave us the opportunity to develop and present a real communications campaign for an actual client. We did this through research-backed goals, objectives and strategies, and tangible deliverables that could be implemented in practice.”

Beauvais said attending the regional consortium early in the semester helped shape the team’s work and deepen her understanding of maternal healthcare challenges and opportunities.

“Overall, this experience showed me what it looks like to create work that extends beyond the classroom and truly can make a meaningful impact on a community,” she said.

The course also received a Community Partnership Initiative Grant from 黑料不打烊’s Kernodle Center. The grant helped Centering providers purchase educational supplies for participants, while students assembled Baby Go! Bags filled with diapers, wipes, burp cloths and other newborn essentials for expectant mothers.

Lellis, who directs the health communications minor, said the partnership allowed students to see both the personal and systemic dimensions of healthcare communication.

“Students experienced everything from the joy of hearing a baby’s heartbeat to the heartache of exploring the realities of health disparities in maternal care,” Lellis said. “They learned how Centering is changing outcomes and making a direct impact on the lives of pregnant women in our local area.”

Lellis explained that the experience challenged students to translate research and data into actionable communications strategies for a community partner.

“Students learned how to generate insights based on data and turn those insights into creative strategies that inform audiences and motivate them to act,” she said.

Several of this semester鈥檚 studies center on TikTok and the platform鈥檚 growing influence on media consumption, identity and audience behavior. 鈥淭he emphasis on TikTok underscores its increasing prominence in today鈥檚 media landscape,鈥� journal editor Harlen Makemson wrote in his introduction to the issue.

Among the featured studies, strategic communications major Kyra Briggs examines how TikTok users responded to the Idaho college student murders, analyzing emotional expression, narrative construction, misinformation and collective sensemaking on the platform. Fellow strategic communications major Avery Ferguson explores how women ages 18 to 25 perceive the 鈥渃lean girl aesthetic鈥� on TikTok and how it influences their well-being, self-esteem and lifestyle choices. Elizabeth Walker, another strategic communications major, analyzes 100 TikTok videos to examine how Gen Z users expressed nostalgia, emotional memory and generational identity through references to 2016.

Several students investigated the relationship between television, fandom and audience participation. Delaney Guidi, a communication design major, studies how popular film franchises borrow principles from sports merchandising to create team identification, while also examining how fan-made merchandise attempts to establish authenticity. Sport management major Shelby Keel looks into how institutional framing and participatory fan discourse elevated the reality television phenomenon 鈥淪candoval鈥� into a culturally and commercially significant media event.

Additional research focuses on representation and identity in television storytelling. Jenna Moylan, a cinema and television arts major, analyzes four contemporary animated television programs to study trans characters鈥� narrative roles, the centrality of transness and the visual legibility of character design. Strategic communications major Evelyn Ealey compares portrayals of the Strong Black Woman archetype in television series before and after 2000, finding that more contemporary programs tend to offer greater complexity and depth to those characters.

The issue also includes Halli Harwood鈥檚 examination of how three cruise lines frame port communities through excursion descriptions. The strategic communications major found that cruise lines often present selective portrayals of destinations that result in limited diversity, equity and inclusion representation.

鈥淭hese articles, produced in collaboration with faculty mentors, each represent exceptional achievements in undergraduate research,鈥� Makemson said.

To assemble the spring 2026 edition, Makemson worked with an editorial board of 21 School of Communications faculty who participated in a blind-review process to select the strongest submissions. Since launching in 2010, the 黑料不打烊 Journal has published 33 issues, with each research article on its own dedicated webpage.

Among more than 200 undergraduate research journals cataloged by the Council on Undergraduate Research, the 黑料不打烊 Journal remains one of the few focused exclusively on student work in journalism, media and communications.

Emily Beauvais, Graduate Student, Northeastern University (Boston)

Nia Bedard, Graduate Student, 黑料不打烊 (黑料不打烊, North Carolina)

Kiersten Bergman, Graduate Student, Georgetown University (Washington, D.C.)

Max Berkson, Media Intern, Carmichael Lynch (Philadelphia)

Aidan Blake, Digital Content Creator, Kaulig Racing (Kernersville, North Carolina)

Anna Brett Blinston, Media and Content Analyst, Big Valley Marketing

Merrie Byers, Graduate Student, North Carolina State University (Raleigh, North Carolina)

Coco Cameron, PR & Social Media Associate, Devaney & Associates (Owings Mills, Maryland)

Luke Carey, Head Coach, Seacoast United MA North (Andover, Massachusetts)

Aaron Chan, Production Specialist, Amazing Studios (Raleigh, North Carolina)

Alexa Citrin, Graduate Student, University of Edinburgh (Edinburgh, Scotland)

Delaney Dickinson, Social Media Manager, Works Design Group (Haddon Heights, New Jersey)

Ava D鈥橧nnocenzio, Graduate Student, Boston University (Boston)

Philip Doherty, Freelance Technical Director (Raleigh, North Carolina)

Julien Dupas, Video Director, Discover Blind Spots (Burlington, North Carolina)

Liam Dupas, Video Director Co-Lead, Discover Blind Spots (Burlington, North Carolina)

Kaelyn Elien, Fellow, Bully Pulpit International (Washington, D.C.)

Anjolina Fantaroni, Reporter, WAFF 48 (Huntsville, Alabama)

Elliet Faust, Marketing & Operations Intern, Rise Social Partners

Avery Ferguson, Intern, Golin (New York)

Lila Goldberg, Project Manager, Mediaplanet (New York)

Jesse Gordon, Reporter, Sports Business Journal (Charlotte, North Carolina)

Sever Gregory, Graduate Student, University of Texas at Austin (Austin, Texas)

Rachel Holley, Reporter, WECT6 (Wilmington, North Carolina)

Daniel Jaeger, Agent Training Program, United Talent Agency (Los Angeles)

Shelby Keel, Golden Gopher Fund Intern, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Mira Maccarone, Graduate Student, Boston College (Boston)

Lucy McAfee, Graduate Student, Boston College (Boston)

Fiona McAllister, Media Rotation Program Fellow, Fox News (New York)

Morgan Minoff, Associate, ASC Advisors LLC (Stamford, Connecticut)

Maxine Motley, PR Intern, Jennifer Bett Communications (New York)

Tristin Oberg, Graduate Student, Montana State University (Bozeman, Montana)

Abraham Paley, Graduate Student, Saint Mary鈥檚 College of California (Moraga, California)

Max Quatroche, Graduate Student, John Wells Division of Writing for Screen & Television, University of Southern California (Los Angeles)

Hannah Riggs, Team Lead, HeadCount (New York)

Lexi Rogers, Graduate Student, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Chapel Hill, North Carolina)

Hudson Sabiston, Graphic Designer, Cone Health Drawbridge Parkway (Greensboro, North Carolina)

Anabella Shpak, Graduate Student, Columbia University (New York)

Ben Solis, Sales, Grainger (Charlotte, North Carolina)

Benji Stern, Springboard Fellow, Brandeis Hillel (Waltham, Massachusetts)

Grace Stetler, PGA WORKS Fellow,聽PGA聽REACH聽Foundation (Philadelphia)

Evelyn Stuart, Recruiter, ALKU (Washington, D.C.)

Bernardo Vargas-Lopez, Co-Founder/Co-CEO, YAPA Global (Austin, Texas)

Erik Winikur, Management Accelerator Program, Concessions Manager, Aramark Sports & Entertainment (Washington, D.C.)

Pendleton鈥檚 article, 鈥�,鈥� is available through Taylor & Francis Online.

Published in May, the study explores how journalism and communication students navigate questions of belonging, institutional support and identity as colleges and universities across the country reevaluate or scale back DEI initiatives. The research highlights the tensions students experience between feeling connected to their academic communities while also confronting isolation and uncertainty about institutional commitment to inclusion.

Pendleton, whose scholarship focuses on authenticity, relationship management and equity in strategic communications and higher education, said the project reflects her broader interest in how institutions shape relational dynamics and student experiences.

鈥淯nderstanding how students experience belonging during moments of institutional and cultural change is critical for communication educators and university leaders,鈥� Pendleton said. 鈥淭his research examines the complexities students face as they navigate identity, support and community in evolving educational environments.鈥�

Pendleton joined 黑料不打烊 in fall 2023. Her scholarship has appeared in several journals, including Public Relations Review, Journalism and Mass Communication Educator, Journal of Health Communication, Social Responsibility Journal and The Journal of Social Media in Society.

is a peer-reviewed academic journal focused on communication studies, media, culture and social issues. It is published by Howard University and is especially known for scholarship examining race, identity, representation, gender, politics and marginalized communities in media and communication.

In the midst of finals week, inside a second-floor conference room in Schar Hall overlooking the Historic Neighborhood, 黑料不打烊 seniors presented communications campaigns for one of the world鈥檚 most recognizable digital brands: TikTok.

The May 15 presentations marked the culmination of a semester-long partnership between students in Professor Lee Bush鈥檚 Strategic Campaigns course, TikTok and 黑料不打烊 alumna Julia Denick 鈥�15, a brand partnerships manager in media and entertainment for the company. A second class taught by Bush shared its presentations remotely with Denick via Zoom a few days later.

Throughout the semester, students were challenged to think beyond TikTok鈥檚 identity as an entertainment platform and instead position it as a powerful marketing tool capable of driving discovery, engagement and purchasing decisions for brands and small businesses. For students, the project offered an opportunity to tackle the kind of real-world strategic communications challenge they may encounter after graduation.

鈥満诹喜淮蜢� gave me so much,鈥� said Denick, explaining her decision to partner with current students. 鈥淭his felt like a small way to give some of that back. I also remember being in their shoes and how much I would have loved working on a project like this.鈥�

A 2015 graduate of the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business, Denick now works with NBCUniversal and other major media partners, helping brands develop creative and data-driven campaigns on TikTok.

鈥淚鈥檓 responsible for building strategic partnerships with NBCU and helping them drive business results on TikTok,鈥� Denick said. 鈥淢uch of that work is blending creativity and data 鈥� advising on media strategy, measurement, creative and building custom campaigns around their biggest tentpole moments.鈥�

Bush explained that the partnership challenged students to look beyond their everyday use of the platform and consider how brands strategically connect with audiences through TikTok.

鈥淪tudents are, of course, prolific users of TikTok,鈥� Bush said. 鈥淭his was a great opportunity for them to experience the platform from a different perspective 鈥撀爐hat of a business or brand manager who needs to reach their customers through the platform.鈥�

Bush said the project reflected the experiential learning focus that defines the Strategic Campaigns course, which serves as the capstone experience for strategic communications majors.

鈥淲e are so grateful to Julia for agreeing to be the client for not just one, but two Strategic Campaigns classes and for flying in from New York to see student presentations in person,鈥� Bush said. 鈥淲hat a thrilling culminating experience for our graduating strategic communications seniors.鈥�

For Tori Tyson 鈥�26, one of those graduating seniors, the class project highlighted both the strategic thinking and collaboration required to develop a successful campaign.

鈥淥ur assignment was to work with TikTok to create a strategic campaign that repositioned the platform as more than just an entertainment app,鈥� Tyson said.

Tyson noted that one of the most rewarding aspects of the semester was working alongside classmates who each brought different ideas and strengths to the campaign process.

鈥淓veryone on our team brought different strengths, perspectives and ideas to the table, which made the project more creative and well-rounded overall,鈥� Tyson said. 鈥淭eamwork played a huge role in our campaign, especially when it came to brainstorming, problem-solving and refining our ideas into one cohesive strategy.鈥�

She also credited Bush with encouraging students to think creatively while maintaining a professional approach to client work.

鈥淧rofessor Bush created an environment that encouraged collaboration and pushed us to think more strategically and creatively throughout the semester,鈥� Tyson said. 鈥淪he gave us the confidence to take risks with our ideas while still guiding us in a professional and supportive way.鈥�

The experience also challenged students to narrow broad research and ideas into focused, achievable strategies.

鈥淭ikTok is such a fast-moving platform with so many opportunities,鈥� Tyson said, 鈥渟o it took a lot of collaboration and problem-solving to create a campaign that was both creative and strategic.鈥�

For Denick, the project reinforced the value of experiential learning opportunities before graduation and offered a meaningful way to give back to her alma mater.

鈥淕roup projects don鈥檛 end after college 鈥� life is one big group project,鈥� she said. 鈥淎nd what better prep for post-grad than the real thing.鈥�

As part of its annual awards ceremony, the School of Communications recognized several faculty and staff members for their outstanding contributions during the 2025-26 academic year. Held May 7 in Turner Theatre, the celebration honored individuals whose leadership, teaching, scholarship and service have helped shape the student experience and strengthen the school community.

鈥淭oday, we recognize our faculty and staff members 鈥撀爓ho are all outstanding. But each year some rise a bit above,鈥� said Kenn Gaither, dean of the School of Communications.

The ceremony, which kicked off with a few dozen student awards, also included a special retirement recognition for Professor of Journalism Anthony Hatcher, who will conclude more than two decades of service to 黑料不打烊 at the end of the spring semester.

The following summaries highlight the honored faculty and staff members, listed in presentation order. Ceremony photos are available on the school鈥檚 .

Outstanding Staff Member Award

Maggie Mullikin, Manager of Experiential Programs

The award recognizes a staff member of the School of Communications who contributes to the betterment and reputation of the school and its initiatives.

During his introduction of the staff award, Gaither praised Mullikin for the steady guidance and energy she brings to experiential learning across the School of Communications.

鈥淢aggie plays a central role in helping our students make the most of their time at 黑料不打烊,鈥� Gaither said. 鈥淪he helps students navigate ELRs, study-away opportunities, internships and career pathways, all while ensuring those experiences are meaningful, connected and, ultimately, transformative.鈥�

Gaither highlighted Mullikin鈥檚 ability to bring people together, noting her close collaborations with faculty, departments, Career Services and campus partners to ensure experiential learning remains a defining part of the student experience.

One school staff member described Mullikin as someone who 鈥渓ights up a room,鈥� adding that 鈥減eople gravitate toward her鈥� because of the welcoming and genuine presence she brings to every interaction.

Gaither also emphasized Mullikin鈥檚 commitment to helping students pursue opportunities beyond campus 鈥� whether refining a resume, preparing for an interview, or connecting students with alumni and industry professionals.

鈥淚f experiential learning is the engine that drives the School of Communications, Maggie is one of the people making sure it runs smoothly,鈥� Gaither said.

Excellence in Scholarship Award

Sydney Nicolla, Assistant Professor of Strategic Communications

This award recognizes a faculty member whose scholarly and creative work is of high quality and brings distinction to 黑料不打烊.

In just a short time at 黑料不打烊, Nicolla has built a research portfolio defined by both academic rigor and real-world relevance. For her growing body of work exploring how digital and social media can improve adolescent and women鈥檚 health, Nicolla was recognized with the school鈥檚 2026 Excellence in Scholarship Award. Much of her research focuses on gender-based violence, using communication research to better understand how prevention efforts can connect with young audiences in meaningful and effective ways.

鈥淗er work tackles complex, sensitive issues with both rigor and purpose 鈥� seeking not just to understand communication, but to use it as a tool for prevention and change,鈥� said Gaither during his award presentation.

Since joining 黑料不打烊 in fall 2023, Nicolla has quickly established herself as a rising scholar with publications in leading journals, including the Journal of Health Communication, Nicotine & Tobacco Research, and the Journal of Adolescent Health.

Gaither highlighted Nicolla鈥檚 recent publication in Communication Research Reports, which examined how young people describe unwanted sexual experiences using responses from nearly 800 participants. By studying the language young adults use to discuss those experiences, the research offers insight into how prevention messaging can better resonate with its intended audiences.

Gaither commended Nicolla for scholarship that reflects 黑料不打烊鈥檚 mission as a student-centered institution, noting the intentionality she brings to both her teaching and research.

鈥淪ydney鈥檚 scholarship does exactly what we hope all great communication does,鈥� Gaither said. 鈥淚t listens carefully, speaks thoughtfully and works to make the world a little better.鈥�

Inclusive Excellence Award

Lorraine Ahearn, Assistant Professor of Journalism

The award recognizes a faculty member who provides exceptional leadership in diversity, equity and inclusion and enhances DEI initiatives across the school through action-oriented outcomes.

In presenting the Inclusive Excellence Award, Gaither emphasized the School of Communications鈥� continued commitment to fostering a culture where all individuals feel welcomed, supported and heard.

鈥淭hat commitment does not happen by accident,鈥� Gaither said. 鈥淚t requires leadership, intention and a willingness to engage in meaningful 鈥� and sometimes challenging 鈥� conversations.鈥�

An assistant professor of journalism, Ahearn was recognized for both her scholarship and leadership surrounding issues of representation, access and belonging. Drawing from a professional background as a reporter, columnist and commentator, her work has consistently focused on voice, accountability and the stories that often go untold.

Gaither noted that Ahearn鈥檚 scholarship, which explores the media history of marginalized communities, reflects a deep commitment to understanding who is represented in media narratives 鈥� and who is not.

But it is Ahearn鈥檚 leadership within the School of Communications that has made her impact especially visible. For the past two years, she has chaired the school鈥檚 Inclusive Excellence Committee, helping shape its vision and lead its signature event, the annual Spotlight on Inclusive Excellence.

Under her guidance, the event has evolved into a meaningful opportunity for students, faculty and staff to engage in conversations surrounding equity, representation and storytelling in the communications and sport industries.

鈥淎s Lorraine has noted, these conversations reflect a rapidly evolving communications landscape,鈥� Gaither said. 鈥淨uestions of access, voice and representation are not peripheral, but central to the work we do.鈥�

Gaither added that Ahearn鈥檚 work serves as a reminder that inclusive excellence is an ongoing process rooted in curiosity, care and thoughtful listening.

Excellence in Leadership Award

Ben Hannam, Associate Professor of Communication Design

The award recognizes a member of the School of Communications who richly contributes to the betterment and reputation of the school and the discipline.

In presenting the Excellence in Leadership Award, Gaither praised Hannam for guiding the Department of Communication Design through a period of growth, innovation and forward-thinking change.

鈥淕ood leadership moves things forward,鈥� Gaither said. 鈥淕reat leadership brings people with it. Professor Ben Hannam has done both.鈥�

Since becoming department chair in 2021, Hannam has helped lead the program through several significant developments, including the rollout of a revised curriculum and the recent approval to rename and rebrand the program as Visual Communication 鈥� changes designed to better align the program with the evolving creative industry.

Gaither also highlighted Hannam鈥檚 leadership surrounding artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, noting his involvement in campus-wide AI initiatives, interdisciplinary working groups and workshops focused on the thoughtful integration of AI into teaching and creative practice.

Hannam also played a key role in launching the inaugural Make Your Mark: AI Poster Competition, a hands-on event that challenged students to critically examine how AI can support 鈥� rather than replace 鈥� creative work.

鈥淚t鈥檚 a fitting example of Ben鈥檚 approach,鈥� Gaither said. 鈥淧ractical, collaborative and just a little bit experimental 鈥� in the best sense of the word.鈥�

Beyond his work within the department, Hannam was commended for building partnerships across campus, including collaborations with the Art Department, the AI Sandbox, Game Design initiatives, and the development of the Digital Content Management major.

One colleague praised Hannam for his 鈥渋nitiative, inclusivity, desire for innovation, significant hard work behind the scenes and steady leadership.鈥�

Gaither added that Hannam鈥檚 leadership has strengthened the department while expanding opportunities for students and faculty alike.

Excellence in Teaching Award

Jessalynn Strauss, Associate Professor of Strategic Communications

The award recognizes a faculty member who is outstanding in the classroom, current in the discipline, a quality academic adviser, and committed to student learning at the highest level.

During his presentation of the Excellence in Teaching Award, Gaither praised Strauss for the thoughtful, student-centered approach she brings to every classroom experience.

鈥淎t a university recognized as the nation鈥檚 leader in undergraduate teaching, excellence in the classroom is not just an expectation 鈥� it鈥檚 a defining part of who we are,鈥� Gaither said. 鈥淛essalynn Strauss represents that distinction in every sense.鈥�

An associate professor and chair of the Department of Strategic Communications, Strauss teaches courses including Strategic Writing, Public Relations and Civic Responsibility, Strategic Research Methods and Great Ideas. Across each course, Gaither noted that Strauss consistently challenges students while ensuring they feel supported throughout the learning process.

Much of Strauss鈥� impact was reflected in the words shared by her students, who described her as 鈥渋ncredibly encouraging,鈥� 鈥渄eeply engaged,鈥� and someone who 鈥済enuinely cares鈥� about student success.

鈥淥ne student noted that she 鈥榳ill try and help you with literally anything,鈥欌�� Gaither said. 鈥淎nother shared that they left her class feeling like their work would 鈥榓ctually serve them in the professional world.鈥欌��

Gaither emphasized Strauss鈥� ability to meet students where they are and help them grow with confidence through detailed feedback, carefully structured assignments and a classroom environment that balances independence with guidance.

鈥淥ne student described her teaching style as being 鈥榡ust hands-off enough鈥� to encourage independence, while always being there to guide and redirect,鈥� Gaither said.

A colleague also praised Strauss for creating a classroom atmosphere where students feel both energized and valued.

鈥淗er enthusiasm in the classroom helps students learn and makes them happy at the same time,鈥� one colleague shared. 鈥淭hey feel valued.鈥�

Gaither added that Strauss embodies the qualities that define outstanding teaching at 黑料不打烊 鈥� rigorous, relevant and deeply personal.

Retirement recognition: Anthony Hatcher

After more than two decades of service to 黑料不打烊, Professor of Journalism Anthony Hatcher will retire at the conclusion of the spring semester, leaving behind a legacy defined by mentorship, integrity and an unwavering commitment to students.

Since joining the School of Communications in 2002, Hatcher has shaped generations of journalists through his thoughtful teaching, steady guidance and deep belief in the power and responsibility of journalism. Whether leading discussions on difficult global issues, mentoring aspiring reporters, or directing study abroad experiences across the world, Hatcher has approached every interaction with empathy, fairness and academic rigor.

鈥淔or Anthony, students always come first. Always,鈥� Dean Gaither said during a retirement recognition at the school鈥檚 annual awards ceremony. 鈥淪tudents see him as a knowledgeable, caring instructor. Colleagues see him as a calming influence who engenders respect for who he is 鈥� no airs, no fronts, no ego.鈥�

Over the years, Hatcher led global engagement experiences to countries including South Africa and Poland, while also helping students navigate conversations surrounding religion, media, politics and culture with openness and respect. One student described him as 鈥渙ne of the most thoughtful professors I鈥檝e ever had,鈥� praising his ability to create space for honest dialogue without fear of judgment.

Gaither also noted Hatcher鈥檚 lasting influence on the journalism profession, with former students now working in newsrooms across the country.

鈥淗e is, and always will be, one of the purest guardians of truth and information through journalism,鈥� Gaither said.

As he begins retirement, colleagues and alumni alike will remember Hatcher not only as an outstanding educator, but as a kind, humble and deeply respected member of the 黑料不打烊 community.

The School of Communications celebrated its annual awards ceremony on May 7 in Turner Theatre, recognizing outstanding student achievement from the 2025鈥�26 academic year with a program that was equal parts heartfelt, humorous and reflective. Faculty and staff presenters shared stories of once wide-eyed first-year students growing into confident young professionals, sprinkled in playful anecdotes and even delivered an unexpected lesson about rabbit eyelids 鈥� moments that reflected the close-knit spirit of the school community.

From a pool of nearly 1,100, more than 35 exceptional students were honored for their academic excellence, leadership in campus media and student organizations, and impressive performance in competitive internships. Additionally, the school presented its second Excellence in Community Engagement Award, recognizing a student who has thoughtfully engaged with the local community.

鈥淭his ceremony is one of the highlights of the year because we turn the spotlight on our students 鈥� the very lifeblood of our school,鈥� said Kenn Gaither, dean of the School of Communications, during his opening remarks. 鈥淭oday is really about our students 鈥� students who will become alumni tomorrow and join the many before them achieving great success in their chosen careers.鈥�

Ceremony photos are available on the school鈥檚

Outstanding Senior Award recipients

These six awards recognize graduating seniors who have gone above and beyond 鈥� demonstrating exceptional talent, deep expertise in their fields, and a lasting impact on both the School of Communications and their areas of study through personal and professional achievements.

• , Cinema and Television Arts Award. Presented by Bryan Baker.
• , Communication Design Award. Presented by Ben Hannam.
• , Journalism Award. Presented by Anthony Hatcher.
• , Media Analytics Award. Presented by Alex Traugutt.
• , Sport Management Award. Presented by Shaina Dabbs.
• , Strategic Communications Award. Presented by Shanetta Pendleton.

Student Scholarships

The scholarships and honorees are listed as they were presented at the May 7 ceremony.

Times-News Publishing Co., Inc. Scholarship
Marissa Fluno ’28

Awarded to one journalism student in the School of Communications who is planning on a career in print journalism and has demonstrated leadership, scholarship, service to the community, and exemplary character traits. Presented by Shanetta Pendleton.

Anthony & Olga Duke Communications Scholarship
Sara Kershow ’29

Awarded to students pursuing majors in the School of Communications on the basis of merit. Presented by Keith Barber.

A.J. Fletcher Award
Katharyn MacDonald ’27 and Taylor Radney ’28

This award honors outstanding students majoring in strategic or broadcast communications who demonstrate a wide-ranging interest in the field, service to the community, and leadership on campus or in their lives. Presented by Sydney Nicolla and Jessalynn Strauss.

Excellence in Community Engagement Award
Mackie Motley ’26

Awarded to one student in the School of Communications who has engaged deeply and consistently with the local community throughout their time at 黑料不打烊. Presented by Kyle Anderson.

James Wesley Willard II Memorial Scholarship
Kira Hancuff ’28

Awarded to one student enrolled in the School of Communications on the basis of merit. Presented by David Bockino.

William S. E. Neff 黑料不打烊 Experiences Scholarship
Skylar Cook ’28

Awarded to students with outstanding merit within the School of Communications to complete an 黑料不打烊 experience through study abroad, internship, leadership, service or undergraduate research. Presented by David Bockino.

Stanley Albright Cook and Grace Lillian Lane Cook Endowed Scholarship
Lyda Cosgrove ’27

Awarded to students majoring in journalism who demonstrate outstanding scholarly work. Presented by Amanda Sturgill.

Don Bolden School of Communications Dean鈥檚 Scholarship Fund
Camila Montoya ’27

This award was created to fund experiences for 黑料不打烊 students to understand the links between learning in the classroom and applying that knowledge to explore and report on the world around them. Presented by Karen Lindsey.

James Michael Elzar Foreman Endowment
Francess (Finn) Wilkinson ’27

This award honors the most promising rising senior focusing on television production to be used to fund an 黑料不打烊 Experience related to the student鈥檚 major. Presented by Karen Lindsey.

Dubois Legacy Scholarship
Ellie Agulnek ’27

Awarded to rising juniors or seniors in the School of Communications who demonstrate a consistent commitment to their course of study and who show great promise through their participation in study abroad programs and internships. Presented by Phillip Motley.

Priestley Journalism Endowed Scholarship
Megan Walsh ’28

Awarded to one female journalism major preparing for a writing career in public circulation newspapers and/or magazines. Presented by Colin Donohue.

Brad Hamm International Communications Scholarship
Ethan Wu ’27

Awarded to one rising junior or senior student enrolled in the School of Communications, who is either an international student or has demonstrated strong international interest. Presented by Ben Hannam.

The James F. Hurley Legacy Scholarship
Rylan Ammerman ’28

Awarded to high achieving students enrolled in the School of Communications with preference to journalism majors. Presented by Tom Nelson.

D鈥橝ngelo Family Scholarship in Memory of Bill and Kappy Leonard
Abigail Hines ’27

Awarded to one outstanding rising senior majoring in journalism and preparing to enter the field of broadcast journalism. Presented by Kelly Furnas.

Sport Management Endowed Scholarship
Isaiah Scott ’27 and Kaylin Wong ’28

Awarded to declared sport management majors who have a record of contributions to the department and exhibit significant potential for professional success. Presented by Lindsay Pieper and Alex Traugutt.

Chris Edwards 鈥�18 Award for Sports Journalism
Philip Doherty ’26

This award recognizes the work of a graduating senior who has established a record of academic success, demonstrated mastery within sports journalism, and made significant contributions to their major. It will honor quality sports journalism in Chris鈥� name, serving as an annual reminder to students and alumni of his contributions to the School of Communications. Presented by Max Negin.

School of Communications Founding Dean Scholarship Endowment
Molly Lorden ’27 and Miles Hayford ’27

Awarded to rising seniors with strong academic records in one of the majors offered by the School of Communications who are emerging as leaders in student media or student organizations in the school. Presented by Jane O’Boyle and Lorraine Ahearn.

Special recognitions

To kick off the ceremony, Gaither recognized the school鈥檚 fifth class of Kappa Tau Alpha, the college honor society that recognizes academic excellence and promotes scholarship in journalism and mass communication.

This year鈥檚 honorees include: Maddie Bauman ’26, Emmy Beauvais ’26, Emma Corbett ’26, Evelyn Ealey ’26, Halli Harwood ’26, Hannah Jordan ’26, Angelina Mancuso ’26, Jenna Mangan ’26, Amanda McGee ’26, Anabella Parisi ’26, Annie Thyfault ’26 and Elizabeth Walker ’26. Members must rank in the top 10 percent of their class and hold at least a 3.0 GPA.

Kappa Tau Alpha, or KTA, is the seventh-oldest honor society in the nation and one of a few that specifically recognizes the achievements and academic performance of our nation鈥檚 burgeoning journalists.

A bright orange shrimp cuts across a deep blue background, doubling as both illustration and information. It鈥檚 bold, clear and just a little playful 鈥� a design that helped 黑料不打烊鈥檚 earn top honors at this year鈥檚 American Advertising Awards.

The student-run public relations and advertising agency received one gold and one silver ADDY on March 6 at the American Advertising Federation Triangle gala in Raleigh, which recognizes the best in advertising across Central and Eastern North Carolina.

Live Oak earned a gold ADDY in the Elements of Advertising 鈥� Art Direction category for its 鈥淪ummer Shrimp Boil鈥� postcard created for Olde Forest Racquet Club. The design pairs a limited color palette with bold typography and an oversized illustration, turning a simple event promotion into a memorable visual experience that is both functional and fun.

The agency also received a silver ADDY in the Elements of Advertising 鈥� Art Direction category for its 鈥淩ooted in Community鈥� campaign. The initiative provides philanthropic organizations in Alamance County with access to Live Oak鈥檚 services at a reduced cost. Campaign materials were showcased during a promotional event that connected potential partners with the agency and ultimately led to a spring 2026 partnership with Alamance Scholars.

鈥淭hese students continue to push their classroom learning into real-world application,鈥� said Hal Vincent, Live Oak鈥檚 faculty director since 2013. 鈥淥ur clients benefit from thoughtful, strategic work, and it鈥檚 especially rewarding to see that work recognized by industry professionals.鈥�

The recognition reflects Live Oak鈥檚 continued momentum as a nationally recognized student-run agency, where students develop creative solutions for real clients while building professional-level portfolios.

Behind the award-winning work is Live Oak鈥檚 2025 team 鈥� Maddie Bauman ’26, Halli Harwood ’26, Brennan Martin ’26, Amanda McGee ’26, Emma Ciesla ’26 and Ethan Wilshinsky ’26 鈥� whose creativity and strategic thinking resonated with judges and clients alike.

Live Oak Communications is 黑料不打烊鈥檚 student-run public relations and advertising agency designed to give students the unique experience of partnering with real clients. Since opening in 2007, the organization has worked with numerous local businesses, nonprofits and organizations, providing them with professional, award-winning work. The agency鈥檚 capabilities include: public relations, content production, digital marketing, advertising, design, research and strategy and social media. Live Oak currently serves six clients, including Alamance Scholars, Blue Ribbon Diner, McPherson Cleaners, The Mark at 黑料不打烊, The Olde Forest Racquet Club, and The Village Grill.

AAF Triangle is the voice of the advertising industry in the Raleigh-Durham-Coastal Plains areas. The organization sponsors programs that support the national organization鈥檚 initiatives in education, diversity, public service and government relations for advertising agencies, marketing teams, freelancers and students. Its signature event is the American Advertising Awards. This national awards program begins at the local level, then progresses to the district level, and ultimately the national level. AAF Triangle also offers an ongoing series of programs, events, and competitions that give members a chance to learn more about the industry and colleagues in the Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill area.

With an hour after watching 鈥淭he Oldest Person in the World鈥� open the , 黑料不打烊 students were talking with the film’s director, Sam Green, at the festival鈥檚 opening night party. It is a moment that captures the access and immersion of the students鈥� experience as Full Frame Fellows.

Each spring, elondocs students participate in the Full Frame Documentary Film Festival as Fellows, joining one of the nation鈥檚 leading documentary gatherings. Accompanied by Nicole Triche, professor of cinema and television arts, 11 黑料不打烊 students spent four days last week attending film screenings, panels and social events, interacting with filmmakers and networking with industry professionals.

Throughout the festival, students attended screenings at the Carolina Theatre and Durham Convention Center, moving between venues to experience a wide range of films and engage in conversations with filmmakers and audiences. For many, the opportunity to interact directly with filmmakers 鈥� including conversations with Green 鈥� offered a deeper understanding of how documentaries are conceived, structured and brought to life.

鈥淭he Full Frame Fellows experience gives students a chance to see documentary as both an art form and a profession,鈥� said Triche, who serves as faculty director of elondocs. 鈥淭hey are engaging with filmmakers, hearing how stories come together, which will help them with their own projects.鈥�

Inside packed theaters, students experienced the collective energy of audiences engaging with documentary storytelling in real time.

鈥淥ne of the most important takeaways was the fact that people are still excited and engaging with documentary as an art form,鈥� said Trista Panagakos 鈥�28, a journalism major from Staten Island, New York. 鈥淚t brings me hope for my future when I see a theater full of people enjoying a documentary.鈥�

For Sandy Orozco-Rosaldo 鈥�28, a double major in cinema and television arts and strategic communications from Burlington, the experience also highlighted the power of cultural representation on screen.

鈥淎 personal highlight for me was seeing parts of my Mexican culture represented in a different light,鈥� Orozco-Rosaldo said. 鈥淭he film 鈥楯aripeo鈥� by Efrain Mojica and Rebecca Zweig was something I had never seen in a cultural sense and in a cinematography sense, both beautifully executed.鈥�

Orozco-Rosaldo also said the festival expanded her understanding of the documentary landscape.

鈥淚 learned how vast of a documentary community there is here in North Carolina and beyond. I feel confident that there are people out there waiting to see great works not so far from my home and campus.鈥�
鈥撀燬andy Orozco-Rosaldo 鈥�28

Beyond the screenings and formal events, the fellowship also fostered connections within the elondocs cohort, as students reflected on films and shared insights throughout the experience.

鈥淚 really enjoyed spending time with the elondocs cohort,鈥� Panagakos said. 鈥淢any of us drove to and from Full Frame together and watched the same movies. This brought us closer and allowed us to break down films together and experience each other outside of our meetings.鈥�

For Triche, that connection between academic preparation and professional exposure is central to the program鈥檚 mission.

鈥淲hen students can see themselves in these spaces, engaging with filmmakers and contributing to the conversation, it helps make their goals feel tangible,鈥� she said.

In addition to Orozco-Rosaldo and Panagakos, other 黑料不打烊 students in attendance included Evan Lukacs, Mary Finch, Julia Chan, Lily Gooding, Kaitlyn Dicataldo, Ashley Metzger, Alice Morrissey, Amalia Zucker and Sean Greenberg.

The 2026 Full Frame Documentary Film Festival featured 49 films from 31 countries, selected from more than 1,100 submissions.

The research examines how U.S. young adults ages 18 to 29 define and label sexual violence, drawing on responses from 799 participants recruited as part of a broader study. Participants were required to use social media and identify as a Black young adult, Hispanic young adult, or as having lower subjective social status, reflecting a focus on populations often underrepresented in health communication research.

Using a digital questionnaire, Nicolla and her co-authors 鈥撀燗llison J. Lazard and Mirian Avenda帽o-Galdamez of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 鈥撀燼sked participants to describe an unwanted physical sexual encounter in their own words before selecting the term they use most often from a list of options.

Findings revealed that while commonly used terms such as 鈥渞ape鈥� and 鈥渟exual assault鈥� remain prominent, many participants 鈥� 42% 鈥� responded with reactions, descriptions or emotional reflections rather than specific labels. Among those who selected from a list, 鈥渟exual assault鈥� emerged as the most frequently chosen term, followed by 鈥渞ape.鈥�

Together, these findings highlight the complexity and nuance in how young people understand and communicate about sexual violence, suggesting that prevention campaigns and public health messaging should more closely align with the language audiences actually use.

鈥淭his study underscores that language is ever-evolving and critical to get right, especially when we are talking about sensitive topics,鈥� Nicolla said. 鈥淏y better understanding the words young people use, we can design research and communication strategies that feel more accessible, more accurate and ultimately more effective in prevention and support efforts.鈥�

Nicolla joined 黑料不打烊 in fall 2023 and brings a professional background in marketing and public relations. Her research has been published in leading journals, including the Journal of Health Communication and Nicotine & Tobacco Research, and she has contributed to nearly $3 million in grant-funded projects focused on public health and media effects.

She also served as the lead author for 鈥溾�� published in February 2025 in the Journal of Adolescent Health, a peer-reviewed medical publication dedicated to improving the health and well-being of young adults.