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Theatre MSU debuts spring semester with ‘Medea’ and ‘She Kills Monsters’

Mississippi State University’s Theatre MSU opens its spring season with productions of “Medea” and “She Kills Monsters,” showcasing the two most popular genres of theater—tragedy and comedy. “Medea,” running Feb. 26 through March 1, 7:30 p.m., and March 2, 2 p.m., is directed by senior Kylie Alyse Dowd of Clinton in her directorial debut. Dowd, a fine arts major, brings a fresh perspective to a bold reimagining of the Greek tragedy.

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CO Connection: Quentin Smith

Mississippi State University Broadcast & Digital Journalism Instructor Victoria Bailey interviews WLBT "On Your Side" Multimedia Journalist Quentin Smith. Smith reflects on his undergraduate experience at Mississippi State University and his early career as a news reporter in Columbus Mississippi. Smith talks about transitioning into teaching Journalism and his current role as a state capital reporter. Smith offers advice for Broadcast and Digital Journalism students ahead of graduation and talks about the importance of storytelling.

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Two CMST faculty members win MCA awards

Two Communication faculty members were recognized for teaching and research excellence at the annual Mississippi Communication Association Conference. Gil Carter and Carrie McCormick earned top awards for their papers and presentations, respectively.

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Thorn named station manager of MSU’s 91.1 The Junction

A former news and music director of a college radio station in the Blue Ridge Mountains is now at the helm of Mississippi State’s 91.1 The Junction. Becca Thorn began her role as radio station manager Feb. 1 to plan, organize and supervise the station’s day-to-day broadcasting operations.

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CO Connection: Laken Laird

Mississippi State University's Broadcast & Digital Journalism Instructor Victoria Bailey interviews Laken Laird, who reflects on her early time as a Mississippi State University student, transitioning into public relations, and her current role as a graduate assistant to the award-winning student-led newscast, Take 30 News. Laken is also an instructor and works on Ph.D.-level courses. Laird is also the Communication Department's Graduate Assistant of the Year for 2024. Laird offers advice to journalism and PR students ahead of graduation. Laken also discusses how communication, accepting all challenges, and storytelling are vital to any profession.

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Theatre faculty earn prestigious awards

Leaders in Mississippi State University’s theater program, part of the Department of Communication, are adding to their faculty awards this academic year, showcasing the program’s outstanding achievements in theater arts and dedication to creative excellence.

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B&DJ students claim top awards at national media convention

Four Mississippi State University students have been recognized for their outstanding contributions to college media at the College Broadcasters, Inc. National Student Media Convention in Seattle. Competing against top programs from across the country, these MSU communication students showcased excellence in broadcasting and storytelling.

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MSU shines at public relations Lantern Award ceremony

Mississippi State University faculty, staff and students brought home top awards at the recent Southern Public Relations Federation Lantern Awards ceremony in Biloxi. The Lantern Awards annually recognize outstanding public relations achievements across Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and the Florida panhandle.

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MSU wins Best of Show — twice! — at National College Media Convention; Reflector named co––finalist for coveted award

Mississippi State University won two first-place “Best of Show” awards at the Associated Collegiate Press National College Media Convention held in New Orleans last month, continuing a string a dominance from MSU’s Department of Communication.

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CO Connection: Greg Thorn

Mississippi State University Department of Communication Head, Dr. Terry Likes, interviews CO assistant teaching professor, Greg Thorn, who shares information about the season for TheatreMSU which features a wide array of performances such as Charlotte’s Web, Medea – a classic Greek Tragedy, A Piece of My Heart, and She Kills Monster with a theme from Dungeons and Dragons. Thorn discusses his role as lighting designer, accolades he has earned for performances such as Legally Blonde and how plans to pass along this knowledge to students via experiential learning opportunities.

Image Alternative Text: Mary Kathryn Kight is interviewed for Communication Connection

CO Connection: Mary Kathryn Kight

Mississippi State University Broadcast & Digital Journalism Instructor Victoria Bailey interviews Mary Kathryn Kight, who reflects on her early career as a Magnolia State reporter, transitioning into public relations and her current role here at Mississippi State University. Kight is the Senior Communications Manager for the Vice President's Office, Division of Agriculture, Forestry, and Veterinary Medicine. Kight offers advice for journalism and P.R. students ahead of graduation, and she talks about how important communication and storytelling are a vital part of any profession.

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Charlotte's Web

Charlotte's Web, based on E.B. White’s novel, enchanted young audiences through the touching friendship between Charlotte, the spider, and Wilbur, the pig.

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Jacob Uithoven

Mississippi State University student Jacob Uithoven loves acting, singing and performing. When he was cast as the lead, he said he was “super excited.” “I’ve never played a lead role before, so this is a whole new experience for me,” he said. The 22-year-old from Belden, is taking center stage as Wilbur in Theatre MSU’s upcoming production of “Charlotte’s Web,” premiering Friday [Sept. 27].

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MSU remains well represented at Mississippi Book Festival

Mississippi State is well represented at the upcoming 10th annual Mississippi Book Festival in Jackson. This year’s “Literary Lawn Party” features more than 50 panelists and workshops open to the public in Jackson’s historic State Capitol building and grounds. Running from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday [Sept. 14], the Mississippi Book Festival is going big for its 10th anniversary.

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Beloved children’s classic ‘Charlotte’s Web’ opens 2024 Theatre MSU season this month

Mississippi State’s Theatre MSU—the production division of the Department of Communication—is launching its 2024-2025 season with a heartwarming classic, “Charlotte’s Web.” Part of the department’s Theatre for Young Adults program, the play based on E.B. White’s novel will enchant young audiences through the touching friendship between Charlotte, the spider, and Wilbur, the pig.

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