In its third academic year of awarding graduate degrees, the UTM Department of Communications graduated five students with a Master of Arts in Strategic Communication, a program that Communications faculty members say is growing fast.
These five students were given their master’s hoods at a ceremony in the department offices before the fall commencement on Dec. 14. Three of the five are UTM employees. They are Jeanna Curtis-Swafford, interim vice chancellor for University Advancement; Melanie Young, a career counselor in the Career Planning and Development Office; and Chris Gunlefinger, assistant director for Student Life.
Another is Jennifer Horbelt Bonds, a well-known and longtime evening anchor on WPSD Local 6 in Paducah, Kentucky. She also earned a bachelor’s degree from UTM in 2007.
These five graduates joined about 10 undergraduate Communications majors who received their degrees Saturday at the Elam Center. According to University Relations, 348 students participated in the commencement ceremony – 310 who received bachelor’s degrees and 38 who received master’s degrees. Overall, about 520 bachelor’s degrees and about 60 graduate degrees were awarded to both summer and fall graduates.
UTM Chancellor Keith Carver said the graduates represented 63 Tennessee counties, 24 states and five countries.
The Communications students who received bachelor’s degrees have a wide variety of plans after graduation. Some will stay in the local area, and some plan to move.
Jake Chappell of McKenzie, Tennessee, said he is seeking employment in either West or Middle Tennessee, preferably in public relations for the automotive industry. Mariah Purcell of Paris, Tennessee, said she plans to work in retail in Paris.
Chambry Callicott of Union City, Tennessee, said she will work in social media for Discovery Park of America, also located in Union City. Callicott has been an intern with Discovery Park.
Devon Coble of Martin, Tennessee, is the only one with plans to move far away. He said he hopes to work in Oregon for a media design company.
The Dec. 14 commencement was broadcast live on facebook.com/UTMartin. For more information, contact University Relations at 731-881-7612.
