Although we may be limited in our interactions, we definitely do not want to be strangers. Our Meet the Department series hopes to introduce you to our faculty and staff that support our undergraduate and graduate students in the Department of Communication.

Meet: Ashley Pikel

The next faculty member we would like to introduce you to is Ashley Pikel, Lecturer in the Department of Communication.

Professor Pikel teaches public speaking and loves being able to help her students conquer their fears of the subject. She is able to cultivate a low stress environment that includes no dress code and frequent visits from her cat so her students can learn to feel comfortable speaking in front of others. Additionally, Professor Pikel is always there for her students when they need help.

Professor Pikel has found many positive aspects of online learning. The chat function has been especially useful as it has allowed introverted students who may not normally speak up in class to participate through the chat. Even so, she is excited for when things get back to normal and she can experience walking over a crowded library bridge once more.

Professor’s advice to communication students is to not give up and to keep working towards their goals! She believes her students are capable of great things.

Watch the video below to learn more about Ashley Pikel!

https://youtu.be/C1BNeI71IOs

On behalf of the department we would like to congratulate all of this year’s award recipients. These students have worked tirelessly to be the best at what they do and deserve recognition.

Outstanding Academic Achievement Award (Sports Comm):

Spencer Peltz     

This award is presented to a senior with an outstanding academic record in Sports Communication. This award is given annually to a student in recognition of their outstanding performance in the classroom, academic achievement, involvement in the program, creative effort, and character.

Spencer is a Rising Senior in the Sport Communication major. Since he was a freshman, he has been working in the Clemson Athletics Communication Department with a keen focus on the baseball program where he helps to manage the social media platforms. Spencer believes that he has achieved excellence in the classroom because his professors at Clemson have taught him what it means to truly learn and have an enriching academic experience. To Spencer, excellence is not just about earning high grades, but is also about being able apply what is learned to his future career. Congrats Spencer, we are excited to see the great things you will accomplish in the world of sports in the future!

Learn more about Spencer in this video!

Outstanding Academic Achievement Award (Communication)

Brooke Tannehill

This award is presented to a graduating senior with an outstanding academic record in Communication. This award is given annually to a student in recognition of their outstanding performance in the classroom, academic achievement, involvement in the program, creative effort, and character.

Brooke is a graduating Senior Communication student who has always been a people person. When she was looking at Clemson, she was deciding between marketing and communication and the communication department’s exclusive program that utilized a small classroom style stood out to her. From her time at Clemson, Brooke has come to realize that communication is her strength and music is her passion which has led her to pursue a career path in the music industry. Brooke believes that the best way to learn communication is to actually experience in a work environment. For this reason, Brooke has had a variety of internships while at Clemson and is currently a student worker for Clemson online, Press intern for Chuff Media in London. Congrats Brooke, we are glad that you could use communication to follow your passion and are excited to see what you do in the future!

Learn more about Brooke in this video!

Award for Excellence in Diversity and Communication

Tahj Robinson

This award is given annually to an undergraduate or graduate student who has demonstrated excellence in engaging diversity in their personal, academic, and/or civic endeavors. Particular consideration is given to candidates who have addressed timely and critical issues in their communities or on a global scale.

Tahj is a graduating Senior Communication student. Tahj chose to be a part of Clemson’s Communication program because he loves talking to people and studying culture and has always wanted to be a Clemson student. Tahj seeks out opportunities to accept people in the Clemson community who are similar and different than him and has done this with the Connections program and as a Resident Assistant on campus. One of Tahj’s favorite parts about being a student at Clemson has been being able to meet people from across the world. To him, it is so amazing that he has been able to meet so many people that are very different from him but still have grown to be his best and lifelong friends. Congrats Tahj, we can’t wait to see where your future takes you!

Learn more about Tahj in this video!

Award for Excellence in Civic Leadership
Brooke Fletcher

This award is given annually to an undergraduate or graduate student who has demonstrated excellence in engaging topics relevant to the quality of public life in their personal, academic, and/or civic endeavors. Particular consideration is given to candidates who have addressed timely and critical issues in their communities through applied research or service learning.

Brooke is a rising senior communication major. Brooke loved working on the yearbook in high school which initially drew her to graphic communication. She soon realized she was missing writing and interviewing and switched to communication. Brooke is passionate about creating spaces where people feel comfortable to share their story with her and then using her abilities and resources to broadcast it. In addition to her work in the department, Brooke is involved with the Community Outreach Servent Team of FCA where she partners with different non-profit organizations in the area to help with whatever they might need. This gave her an opportunity to listen to the stories of people who have lived in the area all of their lives and make a deeper connection with the community. Brooke advises prospective students to put themselves out there with professors, classmates, and friends and get to know people. Congrats Brooke, we are excited to see the great things you do in the future!

Learn more about Brooke in this video!

The Doreen Geddes Memorial Award for Excellence in Women and Communication

Na-Dya Gamble

Dr. Doreen Geddes was one of the first female chairs to serve at Clemson University. Dr. Geddes was actively involved in issues related to student civic and academic engagement and was particularly interested as a researcher in the lived experiences of women. To honor Dr. Geddes’ memory, the Department of Communication annually recognizes an undergraduate or graduate student who has demonstrated excellence in engaging issues relevant to women’s lives in their personal, academic, and/or civic endeavors. Particular consideration is given to candidates who have addressed timely and critical women’s issues in the communities or on a global scale.

Na-Dya is a senior pursuing a Communication major and Political Science and Sociology minors from Greeleyville, South Carolina. During her tenure at Clemson, Na-Dya has been a volunteer for Tigerama planning committee, a member of the Clemson Pursuit planning committee, is the president of her sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha, and is an intern with Clemson Athletics. 

Na-Dya chose to pursue a degree in communication because she saw it as a springboard that could launch her into a variety of different professions later on in life. One thing that stands out to Na-Dya about Clemson’s Department of Communication is how the professors allow students to be creative in all of their endeavors. When Na-Dya found herself in the hospital for a month, it was her communications professors who were constantly checking on her and emailing her. While this was to ensure she was aware of any upcoming coursework, her professors were also concerned about her physical and mental well-being. It is this consideration and empathy of the professors that sets the Department of Communication apart from other majors for Na-Dya. 

The Communication Outstanding Graduate Teacher Award

Hannah Chumley

This award recognizes the graduate student who has demonstrated excellence in classroom instruction, advising, and mentorship, supporting the Department of Communication and Clemson’s land-grant mission.

Hannah is a graduate student in the Masters in Communication, Technology and Society (MACTS) program. Throughout her pursuit of the MACTS program here at Clemson, Hannah’s initial reluctancy towards teaching became one of her greatest strengths. She has taken the challenge as an opportunity to grow her skillset and engage her undergraduate students. After graduation this May, Hannah hopes to go on to work for a non-profit and continue her studies of health communication. During her time at Clemson, Hannah has worked in the Pearce Center for Professional Communication. Congratulations Hannah, and best of luck in your future endeavors. 

Learn more about Hannah in this video!

The Communication Outstanding Graduate Researcher Award

Sai Mikkilineni

This award recognizes the graduate student who has demonstrated excellence in conducting original research, assisting on faculty research projects, presenting at conferences and/or publishing scholarship, bringing recognition to our program, department, and university.

Sai is a graduate student in the Masters in Communication, Technology and Society (MACTS) program. In India, Sai earned his B.A. in Mass Communication, Conversational English, and Political Science. Additionally, he earned a M.A. in Mass Communication and Journalism. His passion is research, and he will be continuing to research sport communication as he begins the Doctoral program in Communication at the University of Alabama following graduation this May. During his time at Clemson, Sai was a senator on Graduate Student Government, a member of the College of Behavioral, Social, and Health Sciences Student Advisory Board, and a member of the E-Sports Club. Congratulations Sai, and we cannot wait to see all the amazing things you will continue to achieve. 

Learn more about Sai in this video!

The Communication Award for Outstanding Communication in Practice

Tanisha Tak

This award recognizes the graduate student who has demonstrated excellence in communication in applied and business contexts, has fostered community relationships in for profit and/or non-profit contexts, and who has prioritized stakeholder relationships.

Tanisha is a graduate student in the Masters in Communication, Technology and Society (MACTS) program. After earning her Bachelor’s degree in Communication and Media from Arkansas State University, Tanisha was offered the Assistant Director position in the Communication Center at Clemson. Tanisha’s advice for undergraduate students is to go ahead and apply for graduate school. After seeing gender inequality first-hand growing up in India, Tanisha has developed a passion for women’s education and feminism. She hopes to use her education and research to help find the intersection between communication and women’s movements. Congratulations Tanisha, and we cannot wait to see all the amazing things you will continue to achieve. 

Learn more about Tanisha in this video!

Although we may be limited in our interactions, we definitely do not want to be strangers. Our Meet the Department series hopes to introduce you to our faculty and staff that support our undergraduate and graduate students in the Department of Communication.

Meet: Jumah Taweh

The next faculty member we would like to introduce you to is Jumah Taweh, Lecturer in the Department of Communication and Faculty in Residence through the Department of Student Affairs.

Professor Taweh is passionate about being a teacher and putting her students’ needs first. She not only loves delivering information to her students, but also receiving information back from her students. She also loves getting to know her students and their unique personalities.  Professor Taweh keeps her students engaged with group work, class discussions and pop culture examples. She also knows that students learn in a variety of ways so she tends to vary how she delivers information on a day to day basis.

Professor Taweh is looking forward to the excitement that comes with being in a full, lively classroom as opposed to a virtual space. Although she has found ways to keep students immersed in online learning, she cannot wait until she can stand face to face with her students and experience live interactions once again.

Watch the video below to hear all about Jumah Taweh and her love for all things communication and Clemson.

Although we may be limited in our interactions, we definitely do not want to be strangers. Our Meet the Department series hopes to introduce you to our faculty and staff that support our undergraduate and graduate students in the Department of Communication.

Meet: Dr. Bryan Denham

 The next faculty member we would like to introduce you to is Dr. Bryan Denham, Professor of Sports Communication.

Dr. Denham has been a proud member of Clemson’s Department of Communication for the past 20 years. While at Clemson, he has studied performance enhancing substance abuse in sport, how the media portrays the issues, how the portrayal by the media can affect policy, and how the policies sometimes work and sometimes do not, all in great depth. Additionally, Dr. Denham recently published the faculty open forum “On the Cancelation of Men’s Track and Field at Clemson”.

Dr. Denham hosts highly participatory discussion based classes. By doing so, Dr. Denham not only keeps his students engaged, but also enables others in the class to hear different perspectives on sports issues. I had the pleasure of experiencing this first hand in Dr. Denham’s Sports Media Criticism class and found the technique to be very effective. In order to succeed in Dr. Denham’s classes, one must participate and engage with the class as well as respond in great depth to essay exams.

Learn more about Dr. Denham and the experience he has gained in the department in the last 20 years!

Although we may be limited in our interactions, we definitely do not want to be strangers. Our Meet the Department series hopes to introduce you to our faculty and staff that support our undergraduate and graduate students in the Department of Communication.

Meet: Dr. James Gilmore

The next faculty member we would like to introduce you to is Dr. James Gilmore, Assistant Professor of Media and Technology Studies in the Department of Communication.

Dr. Gilmore uses low stakes participation elements as opportunities to reflect on how they connect their personal experiences to the materials they are learning. In Dr. Gilmore’s class, you get what you give. Students who are willing to share their ideas and be a part of the system of the class will do much better than those who do not.

Dr. Gilmore misses the moments before class started where he could chit chat with his students and get to know more about their personal lives. He also misses students and colleagues coming into or even just passing by his office. Dr. Gilmore looks forward to all of the moments he used to take for granted that help build a classroom community when everyone is back on campus.  

Learn more about Dr. Gilmore and all he has to offer in the department below!

Linnea Bacon graduated from Clemson in December 2019 with a dual degree in Psychology and Sports Communication. While at Clemson Linnea worked for Clemson football in recruiter and player development which piqued her interest in the sports side of research and academia. Her work with Clemson football as well as a talk she attended given by Dr. Mazer on research in the Social Media Listening Center are what lead her to add a Sports Communication major. In the department, Linnea developed close relationships with her professors due to theirintentionality and the small class sizes. Her classes were very discussion based which allowed her to further develop her critical thinking, material application and verbal communication skills. In particular, Dr. Cramner had a great influence on Linnea and made her realize that there were more opportunities to work in sports besides the traditional on the field and reporting jobs.

While at Clemson, Linnea produced a thesis about Mental Health and Student-Athletes who had recovered from concussions. She surveyed over 100 Student-Athletes at the high school and college level. Linnea found that athletes with a history of concussion were more likely to have anxiety, depression, and sport anxiety as well as lower perceived social support. Dr. Cramner was instrumental as a member of her thesis committee and was able to draw from his previous research on concussions. Linnea’s Psychology advisor, Dr. Kowalski, also served on her thesis committee and had great influence on her success at Clemson.

Linnea got involved with Fulbright through a fellowship information session in the Office of Major Fellowships. She found that Fulbright had a Health Science and Sport fellowship at the University of Sterling in the UK and immediately applied.  If she is granted this fellowship, Linnea will live in the UK for a year, conducting research on mental health and athletes. At the conclusion of the year, she would graduate with a Master’s of Science in Sports Psychology.

Currently, Linnea is working at the University of Michigan as a research assistant in the Department of Psychiatry. She is researching how social media can be used to deliver psychological interventions for young adults who may be at risk for substance abuse.

Linnea aspires to work as a clinical or sports psychologist. She wants to work with athletes that struggle with mental health since she understands that athletes are under intense pressure, much more than normal students, and often do not get the support they need. She also plans to research athlete pressures and culture and how to mitigate some of the risks that athletes take and the consequences of said risks.

Linnea suggests that current Communication students get to know their professors. Students can utilize professors and their research and experience to help and support them on their path. Later on, students can also use the relationships for recommendations, thesis help and research assistance and guidance. Linnea also advises students to get involved on campus so they can apply the experiences that they are learning in classroom. Finally, Linnea recommends developing public speaking, Interviewing, relationship building and research skills.

Best of luck to Linnea on her Fulbright journey!

Although we may be limited in our interactions, we definitely do not want to be strangers. Our Meet the Department series hopes to introduce you to our faculty and staff that support our undergraduate and graduate students in the Department of Communication.

Meet: Leland Fecher

The next faculty member we would like to introduce you to is Professor Leland Fecher, Senior Lecturer and Director of Basic Courses in the Department of Communication.

Professor Fecher’s teaching philosophy centers around creating well-rounded members of society. As the Director of Basic Courses, he equips his students with the tools, information, and exercises necessary to develop their public speaking skills. 

Professor Fecher interested in ludology, the study of games. Here at Clemson, he is able to participate in research projects regarding ludology in terms of communication. He is also the faculty supervisor of Clemson’s ESports Club.

His advice for Department of Communication students is to “never stop asking questions.” 

Learn more about Professor Fecher and his teaching philosophy below!

Although we may be limited in our interactions, we definitely do not want to be strangers. Our Meet the Department series hopes to introduce you to our faculty and staff that support our undergraduate and graduate students in the Department of Communication.

Meet: Dr. Andrew Pyle

The next faculty member we would like to introduce is Dr. Andrew Pyle, Associate Professor, and Researcher in the Department of Communication.

Dr. Pyle’s research area includes Crisis Communication, something that has been of increasingly heightened importance with the development of social media use. One of the main skills Dr. Pyle hopes students leave his classes with is resiliency. 

As a Faculty in Residence here at Clemson, Dr. Pyle and his family have been able to experience the Clemson community tenfold. Some of his favorite memories include walking down to the stadium on game days and participating in programming or passing out baked goods for students in the Stadium Suites. 

The advice Andrew Pyle gives to students is to make meaningful connections with their professors. He believes it makes the classroom experience more meaningful for students and professors alike.

Learn more about Dr. Pyle in the video below!

Although we may be limited in our interactions, we definitely do not want to be strangers. Our Meet the Department series hopes to introduce you to our faculty and staff that support our undergraduate and graduate students in the Department of Communication.

Meet: Marianne Glaser

The next faculty member we would like to introduce you to is Professor Marianne Glaser, Senior Lecturer.

Professor Glaser grew up in Clemson, graduated with two degrees from Clemson University, met her husband at Clemson, and still loves everything about Clemson, especially the Clemson family. The thing Professor Glaser loves the most about Clemson is the students. She looks forward to helping her students not only improve academically, but also  improve their self confidence. When teaching, she looks for a student’s willingness to learn and their critical thinking skills. To succeed in her class students need to be involved, ask questions, and communicate.

When talking about online classes Professor Glaser likes facing the challenge of online classes but is ready for in person classes to start. Professor Glaser loves teaching in person because she likes to have a very active class.

If a student needs a little more help than others Professor Glaser will reach out to help the student as long as they will put effort in as well. Professor Glaser is not only interested in supporting her students academically but also ensuring they are supporting in their personal lives.

Finally, some advice that Professor Glaser gives to students is to be engaged in whatever club or activity Clemson has to offer and to branch out of their comfort zone.  Professor Glaser thinks Clemson is a special place and students need to take advantage of everything it has to offer. 

Learn More about Professor Glaser below!

Although we may be limited in our interactions, we definitely do not want to be strangers. Our Meet the Department series hopes to introduce you to our faculty and staff that support our undergraduate and graduate students in the Department of Communication.

Meet: Dr. Travers Scott 

The next faculty member we would like to introduce you to is Dr. Travers Scott, Associate Professor, and researcher in the Department of Communication.

After earning his graduate degrees on the west coast, Dr. Scott began teaching here at Clemson in 2010. Throughout his tenure, Dr. Scott has done research in many aspects of communication such as cultural, American, history, feminist, gender, and sexuality studies. 

Dr. Scott’s most recent book, Gay Men and Feminist Women in the Fight for Equality: “What Did You Do During the Second Wave, Daddy?” (Cultural Media Studies), was published in November 2020.

In the classroom, Dr. Scott likes to employ various teaching methods such as experiential learning. He does this by utilizing field trips, study abroad, activities, debates, and so forth to create meaningful experiences for his students. 

Learn more about Dr. Travers Scott and the Communication Department below!