20. Wild Card

SAU Mass Communications Professor Attends Prestigious Seminar in New York City

    On Friday, November 15, Professor James E. Reppert, Associate Professor of Mass Communications at Southern Arkansas University (SAU), attended the International Radio and Television Society (IRTS) Faculty and Industry Seminar titled ‘Media Insiders 2024: Today’s Opportunities and Tomorrow’s Challenges.’ (BANNER-NEWS) The event was held at NBCUniversal’s Rockefeller Plaza in New York City, specifically at the 11th Floor Talent Lab, a venue known for hosting influential gatherings of media professionals.

 

(SAU News Release) Thanks to Mass Communication students and alumni in Broadcast Journalism and Mass Media for their hard work and creativity through the years - Without it, such recognition would not be possible - Thanks! | https://t.co/ATw1iikrGU

— James E. Reppert | Southern Arkansas University (@ProfJReppertSAU) November 13, 2024

    

    Professor Reppert was selected to attend this prestigious seminar, a testament to his distinguished career and contributions to the field of Mass Communications. This marks a return to the seminar for Professor Reppert, who first attended the event in 1993, further underscoring his long-standing dedication to staying at the forefront of media education and industry trends.

My first International and Radio Television Society Foundation Faculty/Industry Seminar (Media Educators) was February 1993 in New York City, with my most recent two weeks ago - NYC selfies then and now pic.twitter.com/xFq9JiJBaG

— James E. Reppert | Southern Arkansas University (@ProfJReppertSAU) December 2, 2024

    

    Professor Reppert has made over 160 presentations at regional and national conventions of professional associations and authored 80 publications. With over 20 years of experience as a manuscript reviewer for college-level mass communication and speech textbooks, he has consistently contributed to the academic community. Notably, he has been competitively selected for participation in 24 faculty media seminars, including prestigious programs organized by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, C-SPAN in the Classroom, and The Poynter Institute for Media Studies. His achievements include leading a case study team appraising Curriculum 2000, which won the Stephen H. Coltrin Award for Excellence in.

    Communications Education ($2,500) at the 1999 IRTS Faculty/Industry Seminar in New York City. A three-time Kentucky Communication Association (KCA) Teacher of the Year (2000, 2006, 2016), Professor Reppert (Professor Reppery's Website) has received numerous accolades, including recognition as Scholar of the Year (1997) and Undergraduate Mentor of the Year (2007). His other KCA awards include Outstanding Scholarship in Mass Media Studies (2013) and Outstanding Instruction in Mass Media (2014). In 2009, he received the KCA Presidential Award for Distinguished Service, celebrating his career achievements in teaching, scholarship, and service.

    Professor Reppert’s teaching philosophy centers around equipping students with hands-on experience and professional-grade portfolios. Students in his courses create comprehensive projects that serve as tangible evidence of their skills, hosted on personalized websites they develop throughout their studies. Remarkably, after the introductory mass media course, textbooks are not required in his classes, a practice that reflects his commitment to innovative and accessible education. “Flexibility is key to a student’s long-term success in Mass Communication,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of adapting to the dynamic nature of the field.

    The seminar provided a full day of engaging sessions, beginning with registration at 9:30 AM and concluding at 3:30 PM. Attendees, including Professor Reppert, heard from prominent media professionals such as Craig Melvin, TODAY Show Anchor, and Robert Friedman, CEO of Bungalow Media + Entertainment. Sessions addressed a wide range of topics, including strategies for early career recruitment, insights into marketing campaigns like HBO’s True Detective, and discussions on managing the evolving media landscape.

    One highlight of the day was the panel on ‘Managing the Media Landscape,’ featuring experts from top organizations such as Fox Corporation, NBCUniversal, and ABC News. This session provided actionable advice for preparing students for careers in diverse media roles, offering Professor Reppert valuable insights to bring back to his students at SAU. Additionally, the final session, led by Robert Friedman, delved into storytelling's power in an era dominated by streaming platforms, further enriching the seminar’s focus on innovation and creativity.

NBC Universal

    A member of the SAU faculty since 1987 (and a college professor since 1985), Professor Reppert holds an M.A. in Communication Studies from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and a B.U.S. in University Studies from North Dakota State University. He also graduated from the Brown Institute in Minneapolis with a focus on Radio-Television Broadcasting and holds a First Class Radiotelephone Operator License from the Federal Communications Commission.

    Professor Reppert’s participation in the seminar highlights his dedication to providing SAU students with cutting-edge knowledge and opportunities, ensuring their readiness for successful careers in Mass Communications. By attending this prestigious event, he gained fresh perspectives and industry insights to enhance his already exceptional teaching practices.

This was written with the help of A.I.