By: Lindsy Smith
UM Seniors graduating with a communication studies degree will be presenting at the Senior showcase on Oct. 28, 2021, in the Center for the Arts building. These seniors will be discussing their achievements and how the communication department at Montevallo has impacted their college experience.
Here are a few featured seniors who are participating in the communications department showcase:
Yeldray Perkins
Yeldray Perkins is majoring in communication studies with a minor in public relations. With hopes to one day have a career in social media management.
“I want to do something in social media management because the world is evolving and social media is a part of our everyday lives and is a demanding career,” said Perkins. “Right now I manage two Instagram accounts for organizations I am a part of, which is why I want to continue to work with social media in the future.”
Starting off as an art major her freshman year, Yeldray found her interest in communication studies in her first communication class with Dr. Ozley.
Perkins said, “As an extrovert, I loved learning different forms of communicating and while growing in the department, I found that the major offers such a variety of communication classes to expand your knowledge.”
Yeldray advises incoming freshmen who want to be a part of the communication department at Montevallo to get to know the professors. “Don’t be shy, ask questions and schedule office hours. The better the professors know you on a personal level, the more eager they are to help you in the long run”, said Perkins.
Holly Dunn
Holly Dunn is majoring in communication studies. Holly says she has been in the major for a short period of time and declared her major fall of 2020.
“My experience has really helped me in a lot of other aspects of my life like I didn’t really have the courage to do a lot of the things that I’ve done this past year without coms,” said Dunn. “I was an orientation leader this summer and I worked as recruitment chair for my chapter. I would have never done that it wasn’t for the tools and the skills I’ve gained from my coms classes.”
Holly has held leadership positions in her college career as Director of New Member Education, Chapter Engagement and Recruitment Analyst for her sorority, Alpha Delta Pi.
Holly is also a member of Lambda Pi Eta, which is a chapter amongst the communication department for students with outstanding scholastic achievement.
Holly feels proud that she is more of a solution-orientated person after taking Dr. Ford’s interpersonal communication course.
Holly advises incoming students to get to know their professors as soon as possible. Dunn said; “I think that was something I struggled with because I came in during the pandemic and felt disconnected from my peers and professors. I encourage you to pop in, knock on their door and say hi. Having that interpersonal relationship with them will help you better in your classes.”
Joseph Honeycutt
Joseph Honeycutt is also being featured at the communication showcase. He is majoring in communication studies and has a minor in public relations. “I’ve really enjoyed my time here at the University of Montevallo,” said Honeycutt.
Before attending Montevallo, Joseph went to Jefferson State Community College and served as Zeta Chapter President of Sigma Chi Eta, participated in an eight-month internship and competed on the speech and debate team. Joseph Honeycutt shares his experiences and resumes as an undergrad at the showcase. Courtesy: Madison Kirkland
Honeycutt said, “The facility here in Strong Hall all work together cohesively and create an atmosphere that’s inviting whether that in person or at home.”
Joseph gave his first conference presentation at Montevallo during the Alabama Communication Association Convention in 2021. He did a research analysis on Demi Lovato’s 2021 Instagram post and how fans’ para-social relationships contribute to social media influencers.
Joseph advises freshmen who are entering the department to check their email and ask questions to professors and peers. “I think one of the best things about communication is the practice and to make a point to go out and talk to people you don’t know,” said Honeycutt. “The more people you talk to, the better you get at it and as communication scholars, we should be able to carry the lessons we’ve learned in class and apply that in every part of our lives.”
Ana Kate Andrasko
Spotlight senior, Ana Kate Andrasko is a communication studies major with a minor in biology. Starting off as a biology major her freshman year, Ana Kate switched to communication her sophomore year. “I switched majors because I felt like I could really apply what I learned to everyday life situations,” said Andrasko.
Ana Kate is a member of Lambda Pi Eta, Student Government Association President, and has had the opportunity to do an internship at Children’s of Alabama hospital working as an informational desk clerk.
Andrasko said, “Being a communications major has really helped me with this job because I give updates to parents, I help with patients with directions and I deal with a lot of aspects of crisis communication and interpersonal communication with this job since I’m usually the first one they see.”
Ana Kate advises freshmen to know their options in communications and reach out to peers and professors to find the perfect avenue for them. “If you learn what kind of communication you would like to go into in your freshman and sophomore year then you can tailor your classes what you’ll want to do later on in life,” said Andrasko. You can find more information about the seniors and their portfolios on the University of Montevallo’s communication studies webpage.
Vallo Vision News 