by Cory Woodroof | May 6, 2014 | News Slider
Update: A celebration of life for Ms. Sloan was held in the Ezell Swang Chapel Wednesday night at 7 p.m. Former Lipscomb University student Anastasia Sloan died in a highway accident late Monday night. Ms. Sloan was driving on Interstate 40 West when her vehicle went off the right shoulder. She over-corrected and crossed both lanes of traffic before going into a guardrail. The vehicle overturned and rested in the middle of the road, and Ms. Sloan was ejected, according to the Tennessee Highway Patrol’s report. The report says she was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident. Ms. Sloan, 23, graduated from the university in May 2013 with a degree in organizational communication and public relations. She was also a member of the Pi Delta social club during her time as a student. The university released a statement on Ms. Sloan’s passing, sharing their condolences to all impacted by the loss. “The Lipscomb community is saddened by the sudden loss of alumna Anastasia Sloan, as we are with the loss of any of our alumni across the country and around the world,” the statement read. “Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends as they navigate this difficult time.” Aerial Ellis, one of Ms. Sloan’s teachers, spoke to the kind of person she was. “Anastasia was an awesome person,” Ellis said. “She was very bold and confident. I can always depend on her to be a leader and to stand out. “She always had a heart for community, and she loved learning about public relations and was really excited about the career ahead...
by Crystal Davis | Mar 30, 2011 | News Slider
Lipscomb’s communication department prepares its students to be successful professionals, which is evident in Jenny Barker, APR– a Lipscomb alum and public relations practitioner who headed up Gaylord Opryland’s post-flood public relations campaign. On Monday, March 28, the communication department held its regular COMMA (Communications Majors and Minors Association) meeting with Lipscomb alum Jenny Barker as the guest speaker for the night. Barker majored in public relations here at Lipscomb and was a part of the 2004 graduating class. She started her career at Atkinson Public Relations working in crisis management positions. Barker finally landed at Centennial Medical Center where she stayed comfortably as Director of Public Relations until a rare opportunity came her way. In October 2010 she got a call from Gaylord Opryland to assist them with PR in the aftermath of the May 2010 flood. Barker saw this as a “once in a career opportunity” to work with a company in this type of crisis. At the COMMA meeting Barker gave detailed background information about the hotel during the flood and its resurgence. “The biggest fear was that the hotel would lose power,” Barker said. Hotel workers feared that the “miles of tunnels under the hotel that contained the IT and the power supply” would fill up with water and the main power source for the hotel would be lost. Before power was lost, and before water even reached the building, the hotel decided to activate the Alert Pyramid for Gaylord Opryland, a plan set in place in case of some kind of evacuation emergency. Hotel officials realized the severity of the situation and decided to...
by Hunter Moss | Nov 11, 2010 | Uncategorized
On November 9, PRSSA (Public Relations Students Society of America) members were invited to have breakfast with Katie Paine, CEO and founder of KDPaine & Partners LLC, at the Pancake Pantry – a Nashville tradition. The consultancy measures the effectiveness of social media and traditional public relations. Paine’s insight into social media encouraged students to investigate its power. Paine discussed several topics about social media. She answered the questions with substantial evidence saying public relation practitioners must engage their clients in social interaction. Twitter and Facebook navigates the ability for companies to reach an entire new audience. “CEOs engaging in a social media presence must participate in the conversation,” comments Paine. “Ignorant company executives will fall quickly behind competitors already ahead.” The nationally renowned social media expert (twitter: KDPaine) offers expert guidance for using various metrics to better understand the value of any communications programs and social media efforts. “Social media is becoming very important in public relations,” says Marlee Vogel, freshman communication major from Kingsport, Tenn. “Public relations majors and minors will find [that] measuring their client’s social media presence [will be] crucial in the future.” Later in the day, the same PRSSA members attended a professional luncheon where Paine gave a speech on her social media measurement methods. This professional development opportunity is one of many benefits of PRSSA membership. The chapter held its monthly meeting in the Ezell Building. Select students gave a report of the day’s events. Monica Wentworth, director of the Career Development Center, was November’s speaker and provided insight the importance of utilizing social media for finding a job. LinkedIn was given as an...
by Hunter Moss | Oct 8, 2010 | News Slider
Students interested in pursuing careers in public relations should attend the next PRSSA meeting (Public Relations Student Society of America) at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday in Ezell 109. This second meeting of the revamped chapter is designed to help students get a taste of their chosen professional field before graduating and seeking employment. “In an increasingly competitive job market, students need to explore every possible way to become stronger candidates,” said Kay McDowell, internship director for the Department of Communication and Journalism. “Professional organizations offer a wonderful opportunity to learn the latest industry trends, network with seasoned professionals and gain practical resume-building experience.” PRSSA offers professional development, resume enhancement sessions and networking opportunities. This year, the chapter is focusing on strengthening the students’ resumes by supplementing experiences and professional development outside of the classroom. The chapter brings in professionals and public relations practitioners for its monthly meetings covering specific topics. Past speakers include Jimmy Chaffin from Dye, Van Mol and Lawrence, and Julie Davis, the communications director for Cracker Barrel. October’s special guest is News Channel 5 reporter Rodney Dunigan who will explore the topic “From Pitch to Placement: Understanding a PR Practitioner’s Role in News.” PRSSA membership receives exclusive access to internship opportunities before the department publicly announces them. Members will also visit local agencies and corporate offices throughout the year. Academic portfolios will be developed for a student’s future internship and employment interview. Professionals will review and advise members of current trends in the industry, and professional development workshops will be offered to provide insight on becoming a successful practitioner. For more information about membership and dues, please contact Hunter...
