Faculty Spotlight
Holli Seitz
By: Caitlin Doyle, PR student intern
Dr. Holli Seitz, a native of Tuscaloosa, Ala., has been a faculty member in MSU’s Department of Communication for over seven years. Seitz received a bachelor’s degree from MSU, a master’s from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and a doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania.
As part of the Communication & Media Studies faculty, Seitz has taught undergraduate students Communication and Research Methods, as well as Seminar in Communication Research for graduate students. She says nothing is more fulfilling for her than knowing she has helped a student reach a life goal.
Favorite memory in the Department of Communication?
Some of my most cherished memories are from my time as a student. The late Dr. Sid Hill was one of the people who inspired me to become a professor, and his classes were legendary. I remember being scared of his Elements of Persuasion class and pouring many early morning hours into my final assignment (an analysis of a Subway advertising campaign using Elaboration Likelihood Model). In the end, the project earned an A and praise from Dr. Hill, and it remains one of my most formative academic experiences.
Best advice for communication students?
Stay curious and compassionate, and always do the reading.
Any funny stories from McComas?
The Reflector once published a report of a suspicious white powdery substance found near a chalkboard in McComas. It turned out to be chalk.
If you didn’t work in communication, what could you see yourself doing?
If I hadn't become a professor, I think I would have enjoyed being a librarian.
Favorite part of working in the communication field?
It's never boring! The complexity of human behavior and the ever-evolving landscape of media provide endless opportunities for investigation.
If you could only watch one film for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
Love Actually. I already have a tradition of watching it annually, and I believe that "love actually is all around."
What’s your favorite spot in Starkville?
The Drill Field never ceases to make me smile!
Do you have any human or furry children?
I have one human child (Ellie, age 8) and one furry child (Georgie, almost 2 years old, lab mix)
What is your favorite location you have ever traveled to and why?
I adore London! I studied abroad there as an undergraduate and fell in love with the historic buildings, excellent art museums, theater, and proximity to so many other wonderful English cities.
Describe any research projects you’re currently working on.
I'm currently involved in developing and testing messages for two major health communication campaigns: HappyHealthy (a Supplemental Nutrition and Assistance Program Education campaign on nutrition and physical activity) and EXCITE (an adult vaccine education program supported by the Extension Foundation). Both allow me to flex my expertise in message effects while serving the community and promoting public health.