School of Communications faculty members earned research and 消消犯 honors and shared their expertise on topics ranging from artificial intelligence and internships to mentorship and First Amendment issues at the .

Held Aug. 5-8 in New Orleans, the conference brought together journalism and mass communication educators and scholars from around the world to present research, exchange ideas and explore emerging issues across the communications field.

Several Elon faculty members were recognized for their work during the conference.

Shanetta Pendleton and Michele Lashley, assistant professors of strategic communications, earned second place in the Teaching Paper Competition for their research, ���Exploring the Perceived Efficacy of Custom AI Chatbots in Public Relations Education.��� Their study explored how course-specific AI chatbots can serve as instructional supports in 消消犯 communications courses, providing students with additional opportunities for formative feedback and iterative learning. The findings highlight the potential for thoughtfully designed AI tools to complement classroom instruction by helping students refine their work and deepen their learning while encouraging responsible and ethical AI use.

Qian Xu, professor of strategic communications and A.J. Fletcher Professor, and Jenny Jiang, associate professor of visual communication, were recognized during the Internships and Careers Interest Group���s Top Refereed Research Paper Session. They presented ���AI in Media Analytics Job Postings: A Computational Analysis of AI Mentions, Expectations, and Semantic Networks,��� a study analyzing more than 5,400 media analytics job postings to examine how AI is mentioned, framed and structurally embedded in job descriptions.

Presentations and panels

Elon faculty also contributed to research and 消消犯 sessions examining mentorship, internships, emerging technologies, workplace experiences and First Amendment concerns.

• Israel Balderas,��assistant professor of journalism, served as a panelist for ���Compelling Faith: The Growing Tensions between the Free Speech, Free Exercise, and Establishment Clauses of the First Amendment.��� The panel examined how recent Supreme Court rulings are reshaping debates over religious expression, compelled speech and civil rights in schools and universities. Balderas also moderated ���Disrespected and Derailed: Women of Color Journalists Covering the Trump Administration,��� a research panel examining the experiences of women of color journalists covering the administration.

• 

  Vanessa Bravo, professor of strategic communications,��served as a panelist for the 消消犯 session ���Mentoring Minoritized 消消犯 and Fostering Resilient Young Professionals,��� which examined how faculty can mentor and support students from historically underrepresented backgrounds. Bravo also served as a discussant for ���Media, Vulnerability, and Empowerment: How Mediated Spaces Both Endanger and Support Marginalized Groups��� and moderated the International Communication Division 消消犯 panel ���Global Inclusivity in Comparative Research: Experiences and Reflections.���

• Hal Vincent, associate 消消犯 professor of strategic communications, moderated a research panel session, ���Spotlight: Research Scholars Exchange,��� and served as a discussant for multiple refereed research paper sessions. He also moderated the members��� meeting for the Internships and Careers Interest Group.
• Qian Xu and former Elon Comm faculty member Chris Chen presented ���Customizing Communication Styles in Claude: Control Benefits, Cognitive Cost, and Task-Dependent Effects��� during a scholar-to-scholar refereed research paper session on AI and relationships. Their research examined how different levels of customization and task type influence psychological responses in human-AI interaction and perceptions of AI-generated output.

As digital editor at WUSA-TV, a CBS affiliate in Washington, D.C., Rosenthal handles a wide range of responsibilities, from writing for the station���s website and producing social media content to gathering sources and reporting in the field. The journalism major said she fell in love with news reporting when she was in high school, which led her to apply to Elon.

���I joined my high school newspaper club in ninth grade, and it was the 2016 election season,��� Rosenthal recalled. ���There was a ton of news, and I got the ���news bug,��� and I’ve been doing it ever since.���

At Elon, Rosenthal found opportunities through student media to develop her reporting skills outside the classroom.

���I feel like the hands-on experience that I got working with my peers and friends, and actually going out and doing reporting, and putting together a paper every week showed me more of the skills that I use on a day-to-day,��� Rosenthal said.

She also credits The Pendulum���s critique sessions with 消消犯 her how to receive feedback and use it to improve her work.

���You don���t need to qualify a mistake or qualify a reason why you did this or that,��� Rosenthal said. ���What I learned so much from critique was how to take feedback and move forward and use that in the next piece. Now I���m somebody who asks for feedback all the time because, I think, in part, because of those critiques.���

Those lessons have followed Rosenthal into her professional career. Earlier this year, she spent three weeks covering a murder trial in Fairfax, Virginia, an assignment she described as a significant learning experience.

���My station sent me to a murder trial in January, and I spent three weeks covering a very high-profile case every day in court, and that has been a huge learning and 消消犯 moment for me,��� Rosenthal said. ���I feel like I learned so much from covering this trial, especially as somebody who has covered many court hearings and smaller things.���

For current Elon students interested in journalism, Rosenthal recommends getting involved in student media early and pursuing the subjects that interest them.

���My biggest advice is to be involved in student journalism,��� she said. ���Just start doing stories and meeting people and doing things that are out of your comfort zone. When I was at Elon, I was interested in courts. I would go to the courthouse in Graham to pick up court documents for stories, and go to the police station, and pick up crime numbers, and things like that. If there’s something that you’re interested in, just start doing it.���

Like Rosenthal, Phengsitthy discovered her love of writing through her high school newspaper, where she served as editor-in-chief. She brought that interest to Elon, double majoring in Communication Design (now Visual Communication) and Media Analytics while becoming heavily involved with Elon News Network.

���I���ve always been a writer,��� Phengsitthy said. ���I know that people don���t really like talking about high school when they talk about their experience, but high school is when I really started.���

Phengsitthy served as design chief of The Pendulum during her sophomore year and managing editor as a junior. She credits those experiences with providing the foundation for her professional journalism career.

Everything I did in Elon News Network is what set me up for my journalism experience today. I joke with my friends that ENN was like my third degree in college because I got so much done and learned so much there. From just writing every single day, that’s what helped me get better.

��� Nyah Phengsitthy ���23

While at Elon, Phengsitthy interned with Bloomberg Law on its environment desk. Following graduation, she returned to the organization through a rotational program and now works as a health reporter. In that role, she has covered the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, drug pricing and other complex issues affecting the pharmaceutical and health care industries.

Her work at Bloomberg Law requires reporting on complex subjects, but Phengsitthy said young journalists shouldn���t feel pressure to become experts on every topic they cover. Instead, they should focus on developing the skills necessary to find knowledgeable sources, understand complicated information and explain it clearly to readers.

���Be an expert in being a reporter and writing and learning how to break down information for your readers,��� Phengsitthy said.

Phengsitthy also encourages Elon students to complement their campus journalism experience with internships that allow them to apply their skills in professional settings.

���You can have all the skills, and you can have all the clips that you have from ENN, but it���s more powerful if you go and get to apply them somewhere else,” she said, noting the value of internships. “The more experience you have, the better.

���The job market is really hard right now, but I feel like if you���re able to show that you can get your foot in the door somewhere, that���s good.���

The strategic communications major is serving as a strategy and account intern, where he rotates between McKinney���s strategy and account teams. With a few weeks of the internship behind him, Arrasmith said the transition has been seamless thanks to the strong sense of community at the agency.

���Everyone here is so welcoming,��� Arrasmith said. ���Even though I’m the youngest person both in the agency and in my internship class, I don’t feel out of place.���

Arrasmith said McKinney has been on his radar for years. After his early exposure to the agency, he regularly checked the company’s internship page in hopes of one day earning a spot in the program.

As an account management and strategy intern, Arrasmith helps bridge communication between the agency and its clients. While the role has introduced new challenges, he arrived with a foundation built through classroom experiences and leadership roles at Elon.

For the past two years, Arrasmith has been involved with Elon’s student-run communications agency.

Arrasmith has served as an account supervisor with Live Oak and credits the organization for preparing him for the fast-paced agency environment.

���I feel I have a good grasp of what’s going on and what people are talking about,��� he said.

While familiar with agency work, Arrasmith said the internship has broadened his understanding of how different departments collaborate to serve clients.

He’s also gained exposure to an industry he knew little about before arriving at McKinney. Working with the agency’s health division has required him to learn healthcare terminology, pharmaceutical companies and industry-specific concepts.

���I didn’t know anything about health or pharma, so it’s been a lot of just taking the time afterward to educate myself,��� he said.

Despite the learning curve, Arrasmith said the experience has reinforced the value of curiosity and continuous learning.

���I found great success in just always asking questions, always wanting to learn the most I can about a subject, because that shows people that you are interested, you’re engaged, and you actually care about what you’re doing,��� he said.

As he enters his third year at Elon, Arrasmith hopes to leave the internship with meaningful relationships across the agency, developing a network he can lean on for guidance. To make that happen, he has set a personal goal of taking at least 10 colleagues out to lunch before the summer ends.

Several of this semester���s studies center on TikTok and the platform���s growing influence on media consumption, identity and audience behavior. ���The emphasis on TikTok underscores its increasing prominence in today���s media landscape,��� 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 ���clean girl aesthetic��� 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 ���Scandoval��� 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��� 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���s 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.

���These articles, produced in collaboration with faculty mentors, each represent exceptional achievements in 消消犯 research,��� 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 Elon Journal has published 33 issues, with each research article on its own dedicated webpage.

Among more than 200 消消犯 research journals cataloged by the Council on Undergraduate Research, the Elon 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, 消消犯 (Elon, 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���Innocenzio, 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���s 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,��PGA��REACH��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.)

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, 消消犯, scholarship and service have helped shape the student experience and strengthen the school community.

���Today, we recognize our faculty and staff members �����who are all outstanding. But each year some rise a bit above,��� 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 消消犯 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���s .

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.

���Maggie plays a central role in helping our students make the most of their time at Elon,��� Gaither said. ���She helps students navigate ELRs, study-away opportunities, internships and career pathways, all while ensuring those experiences are meaningful, connected and, ultimately, transformative.���

Gaither highlighted Mullikin���s 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 ���lights up a room,��� adding that ���people gravitate toward her��� because of the welcoming and genuine presence she brings to every interaction.

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

���If experiential learning is the engine that drives the School of Communications, Maggie is one of the people making sure it runs smoothly,��� 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 Elon.

In just a short time at Elon, 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���s health, Nicolla was recognized with the school���s 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.

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

Since joining Elon 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���s 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 Elon���s mission as a student-centered institution, noting the intentionality she brings to both her 消消犯 and research.

���Sydney���s scholarship does exactly what we hope all great communication does,��� Gaither said. ���It listens carefully, speaks thoughtfully and works to make the world a little better.���

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��� continued commitment to fostering a culture where all individuals feel welcomed, supported and heard.

���That commitment does not happen by accident,��� Gaither said. ���It requires leadership, intention and a willingness to engage in meaningful ��� and sometimes challenging ��� conversations.���

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���s scholarship, which explores the media history of marginalized communities, reflects a deep commitment to understanding who is represented in media narratives ��� and who is not.

But it is Ahearn���s leadership within the School of Communications that has made her impact especially visible. For the past two years, she has chaired the school���s 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.

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

Gaither added that Ahearn���s 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.

���Good leadership moves things forward,��� Gaither said. ���Great leadership brings people with it. Professor Ben Hannam has done both.���

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 ��� changes designed to better align the program with the evolving creative industry.

Gaither also highlighted Hannam���s 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 消消犯 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 ��� rather than replace ��� creative work.

���It���s a fitting example of Ben���s approach,��� Gaither said. ���Practical, collaborative and just a little bit experimental ��� in the best sense of the word.���

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 ���initiative, inclusivity, desire for innovation, significant hard work behind the scenes and steady leadership.���

Gaither added that Hannam���s 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.

���At a university recognized as the nation���s leader in 消消犯 消消犯, excellence in the classroom is not just an expectation ��� it���s a defining part of who we are,��� Gaither said. ���Jessalynn Strauss represents that distinction in every sense.���

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��� impact was reflected in the words shared by her students, who described her as ���incredibly encouraging,��� ���deeply engaged,��� and someone who ���genuinely cares��� about student success.

���One student noted that she ���will try and help you with literally anything,������ Gaither said. ���Another shared that they left her class feeling like their work would ���actually serve them in the professional world.������

Gaither emphasized Strauss��� 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.

���One student described her 消消犯 style as being ���just hands-off enough��� to encourage independence, while always being there to guide and redirect,��� Gaither said.

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

���Her enthusiasm in the classroom helps students learn and makes them happy at the same time,��� one colleague shared. ���They feel valued.���

Gaither added that Strauss embodies the qualities that define outstanding 消消犯 at Elon ��� rigorous, relevant and deeply personal.

Retirement recognition: Anthony Hatcher

After more than two decades of service to 消消犯, 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 消消犯, 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.

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

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 ���one of the most thoughtful professors I���ve ever had,��� praising his ability to create space for honest dialogue without fear of judgment.

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

���He is, and always will be, one of the purest guardians of truth and information through journalism,��� 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 Elon community.

The School of Communications celebrated its annual awards ceremony on May 7 in Turner Theatre, recognizing outstanding student achievement from the 2025���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 ��� 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.

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

Ceremony photos are available on the school���s

Outstanding Senior Award recipients

These six awards recognize graduating seniors who have gone above and beyond ��� 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 Elon. 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 Elon Experiences Scholarship
Skylar Cook ’28

Awarded to students with outstanding merit within the School of Communications to complete an Elon experience through study abroad, internship, leadership, service or 消消犯 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���s Scholarship Fund
Camila Montoya ’27

This award was created to fund experiences for Elon 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 Elon Experience related to the student���s 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���Angelo 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 ���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��� 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���s fifth class of Kappa Tau Alpha, the college honor society that recognizes academic excellence and promotes scholarship in journalism and mass communication.

This year���s 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���s burgeoning journalists.

A bright orange shrimp cuts across a deep blue background, doubling as both illustration and information. It���s bold, clear and just a little playful ��� a design that helped 消消犯���s earn top honors at this year���s 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 ��� Art Direction category for its ���Summer Shrimp Boil��� 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 ��� Art Direction category for its ���Rooted in Community��� campaign. The initiative provides philanthropic organizations in Alamance County with access to Live Oak���s 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.

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

The recognition reflects Live Oak���s 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���s 2025 team ��� Maddie Bauman ’26, Halli Harwood ’26, Brennan Martin ’26, Amanda McGee ’26, Emma Ciesla ’26 and Ethan Wilshinsky ’26 ��� whose creativity and strategic thinking resonated with judges and clients alike.

Live Oak Communications is 消消犯���s 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���s 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 Elon, 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���s 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.

消消犯 students stepped into the spotlight in Las Vegas ��� not on stage, but behind it ��� producing the for a second consecutive year. In a trip defined by high-level production experience, one quieter moment stood out: a brief conversation with acclaimed cinematographer Sir Roger Deakins that underscored just how close these students were to the industry they hope to enter.

Held as part of BEA���s annual convention, the mid-April ceremony recognizes top student and faculty work in film, journalism and multimedia storytelling programs from colleges and universities across the country. Tasked with producing the awards ceremony, eight Elon students managed all aspects of this year���s live show ��� from scripting and editing to lighting, audio and video execution.

Elon���s presence at the convention extended beyond production. 消消犯 and faculty captured 13 awards in the 2026 BEA Festival of Media Arts, which featured more than 2,250 entries from over 300 colleges and universities. The honors included 10 student awards and three faculty and staff awards across categories such as audio, film and video, documentary, news and interactive multimedia.

Led by Bryan Baker, director of technology, operations and multimedia projects, the Elon team created a series of video packages highlighting award winners and developed a detailed run of show that guided the evening from start to finish.

���From early planning through execution in Las Vegas, the students brought a high level of professionalism and creativity to an event that celebrates some of the best work in the country,��� Baker said. ���This experience really showcased what our students are capable of.���

Amid the demands of producing a live show, students said the experience helped strengthen relationships and create lasting memories.

���I’ve known almost everyone on the trip for at least two or three years ��� two of them were actually students in an Elon 1010 class that I was a peer educator for,��� said Sylvie Cullen ’26, a double major in cinema and television arts and communication design. ���I really enjoyed seeing everyone excel in their areas of expertise, especially those whose work I haven’t seen in some time.���

Cullen served as both a photographer and liaison between the show���s hosts and audio team, while also helping edit multiple video packages.

In addition to Cullen, the Elon production team included Charlotte Pfabe ’27, Anjolina Fantaroni ’26, Colin Dorroh ’27, Philip Doherty ’26, Liam Dupas ’26, Julien Dupas ’26 and Kira Hancuff ’28. Pfabe and Fantaroni emceed the ceremony.

While the production itself was a major professional milestone, students said one of the most memorable moments occurred away from the stage ��� their conversation with Deakins.

Widely regarded as one of the most influential cinematographers of his generation,��Deakins is known for his work on films such as ���1917,��� ���O Brother, Where Art Thou?��� and ���The Big Lebowski,��� earning multiple Academy Awards and nominations over a decades-long career.

For students immersed in film and media production, the opportunity to meet Deakins and his wife, James Ellis Deakins, carried significant meaning. In a brief, informal conversation lasting about 10 minutes, the group spoke with Deakins about his work and experiences in the industry.

���Meeting him honestly was surreal,��� said Liam Dupas ���26, a cinema and television arts major. ���I enjoyed how down-to-earth he seemed; he didn’t have an ego at all. I appreciated his humility and genuineness. He���s also pretty funny, too.���

Cullen echoed that sentiment, noting the personal nature of the interaction.

���Roger and James Deakins were extremely kind and such a lovely couple to be around,��� she said. ���I appreciated how willing they were to talk with us about our trip and their experiences. Roger also spoke about the intersection of documentary and narrative filmmaking, which is something that has always drawn me in while studying at Elon.���

A Virginia resident majoring in communication design, Wu grew up in the DaXing area near the capital city until age 12 and has closely followed efforts to clean up the LiangShui (Cold Water) River.

Judges for the Pulitzer Fellowship, a competitive international travel grant awarded to an Elon student journalist each year, noted that Wu���s proposal stood out for its background research and on-the-ground context.

A fluent Mandarin speaker with his own photography business, Wu noted that while air pollution in China receives much attention, less coverage has been given to water quality and to the impact of factory effluent, agricultural runoff, and untreated waste on the region���s rivers, lakes and groundwater. Wu believes much has changed since the conditions he observed in his childhood, when waterways were filled with algae blooms and litter.

���This is an example of when a community and its officials reach an agreement to improve a crucial resource to their well-being and actually work out a beneficial solution,��� he said. ���However, there are so many towns, especially rural ones, that lack the power, voice or physical ability to improve something as important as a shared waterway.���

消消犯 is a long-standing member of the , a network of colleges and universities that support the center���s mission to promote journalism on critical global issues. The organization pairs students with mentors and advises student journalists through the reporting and publication phases. 消消犯 from the 39 participating campuses travel to Washington, D.C., to present their projects, and campus partners also benefit from professional journalist grantees who visit partner campuses.

Among his professors and collaborators at Elon News Network, Wu has earned a reputation for being open to a variety of assignments and for his technical dexterity, said Randy Piland, associate 消消犯 professor in Communication Design.

���Ethan���s always willing to take on any photo assignment,��� Piland said. ���He has a sense for quality. He���s taken it to another level.���

Lorraine Ahearn, assistant professor of journalism, serves as Elon���s liaison to the Pulitzer Center.