STEPHENVILLE, Texas — Tarleton State University’s Department of Communication Studies within the College of Liberal and Fine Arts welcomed dozens of two-year college journalists to the Stephenville campus Oct. 3-4 for the annual Texas Community College Journalism Association (TCCJA) Convention.
“Hosting this convention at Tarleton State brought dozens of talented and energetic participants from across the state,” said Dr. Emran El-Badawi, Dean of the College of Liberal and Fine Arts. “Participants undertook different journalism exercises, competitions and discussions; and they engaged creatively with experts to explore cutting-edge subjects shaping the industry, including news writing, design and AI. Our focus on community journalism made TCCJA the ideal partner, and the conference a great success.”
Tarleton State faculty members provided sessions and training for the approximately 75 community college students from Tarrant County College, Amarillo College, Tyler Junior College, Del Mar College, Dallas College Brookhaven, Dallas College Eastfield, Dallas College Northlake and Dallas College Richland.
“The array of programming and depth of experience at the convention in Stephenville was amazing,” said Robert Muilenburg, Executive Director of the Texas Community College Journalism Association. “We appreciate Tarleton State’s hospitality and look forward to coming back.”
The TCCJA convention is held at a different four-year institution each year, creating opportunities for students to explore different universities where they can further their education.
“This was a wonderful recruiting opportunity for Tarleton State Communication Studies,” said Dr. Chris Gearhart, Department Head of Communication Studies. “These students are already producing wonderful journalism. We have a place for them at Tarleton State, and we hope a four-year degree here is something they consider when determining their next move.”
Training sessions held during the convention covered topics such as news writing, news photography, broadcast news, layout and design, policymaking, and production. Each session was taught by a special guest speaker from the journalism profession or a faculty member from the communication studies department.
“I can’t say enough about our colleagues,” said Austin Lewter, Tarleton State Journalism and Broadcast Instructor and Faculty Advisor for Texan News Service. “I put out the call and they answered. In the end, these students got a first-hand glimpse at what a Tarleton State communication studies course looks like.”
Faculty members who volunteered, along with Lewter, at the convention included Dr. Liza Benedict, Winston Dawson, James Hinson, Kirk Wise and graduate assistant Lizzie Guajardo.
Sessions were also presented by retired student newspaper adviser, and frequent Texas Center for Community Journalism writing coach, Robert Bohler, and broadcast industry professional Andrew Tanielian.
During the convention, attendees were invited to participate in a live contest where they turned in a news update covering a mock press conference about a fictitious policy banning cell phones in classroom areas. Each student had a few hours to put together an article, broadcast or radio segment about the press conference which was then judged by advisers and professionals.
“The press conference was a great success,” said Lewter. “It was realistic and compelling. The students took it seriously. At times, it was easy to forget that the event was mock.”
Tarleton State hosted participants for lunch in the Dining Hall, and campus tours were offered for those interested. On Friday evening, an awards dinner was held to announce the contest winners.
The Tarleton State Department of Communication Studies focuses on providing real-world experiences students need to get a communications job in any industry, government, business, nonprofit, education and more. Faculty are dedicated to helping students build portfolios of work that shine for future employees. Students can choose from five concentrations when pursuing a bachelor’s degree in communication studies at Tarleton.
Degree concentrations include journalism and broadcasting, sports communication, public relations and social engagement, travel, event and activity management, and professional and relational communication.
For more information on the Department of Communication Studies at Tarleton State, visit www.tarleton.edu/communications or contact Dr. Gearhart at gearhart@tarleton.edu.
A founding member of The Texas A&M System, Tarleton State University is breaking records — in enrollment, research, scholarship, athletics, philanthropy and engagement — while transforming the lives of approximately 18,000 students in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Bryan and online. For 125 years, Tarleton State has been committed to accessible higher education opportunities for all while helping students grow academically, socially and professionally through programs that emphasize real world learning and address regional, state and national needs.