Media Mentors

Media Mentors, a learning and development series hosted by the Roy Howard Community Journalism Center at The University of Southern Mississippi, is designed to connect students with experienced professionals in journalism, broadcasting, public relations and digital media. Each session provides valuable career advice, industry insights and an opportunity to engage directly with professionals who have been in your shoes.

If you have questions, contact Joshua Wilson at 601-266-4265 or email [email protected].

Why Join Media Mentors?

— Learn from Experts: Gain firsthand knowledge from journalists, PR specialists, broadcasters and media leaders.

— Build Your Network: Make industry connections that can help shape your future.

— Get Career Advice: Learn the skills and strategies needed to succeed in today’s media landscape.

— Engage & Ask Questions: Participate in Q&A discussions and hear real-world experiences.

Upcoming Sessions

— Friday, April 11 at 11 a.m. in Stout Hall B (Hattiesburg campus): Emily Wagster Pettus, a journalist who has covered Mississippi-based politics and courts as well as civil rights, will be the speaker. Pettus worked for The Associated Press from 2001 until 2025 and previously worked for The Clarion-Ledger, The Vicksburg Evening Post, The Oxford Eagle and The Daily Mississippian. After her retirement from the AP, she was recognized by the Mississippi Legislature for her years of reporting. To RSVP, click here.

— Friday, May 2 at 11 a.m. in Stout Hall B (Hattiesburg campus): Speakers include Sean Trcalek and Jacob Wallace. Trcalek, a veteran media executive with more than 40 years of experience, is vice president and general manager of KATC in Lafayette, Louisiana. He has held leadership roles at multiple stations, including KADN, KLAF, KTVE and WVLT, and began his career as a morning show co-host and sportscaster for KXKW Radio. Wallace, a creative services leader with a background in journalism and marketing, is the regional creative services director for The E.W. Scripps Company, overseeing these efforts at KATC in Lafayette and WTXL in Tallahassee, Florida. He began his career as an editor and photographer and has led successful rebranding initiatives in multiple markets. The RSVP link for this session will be available on April 14.

— Friday, June 13 at 11 a.m. in Stout Hall B (Hattiesburg campus): Speaker to be announced.

— Friday, July 11 at 11 a.m. in Stout Hall B (Hattiesburg campus): Speaker to be announced.

— Friday, September 12 at 11 a.m. (Hattiesburg campus): Location and speaker to be announced.

— Friday, October 10 at 11 a.m. (Hattiesburg campus): Location and speaker to be announced.

— Friday, November 4 at 11 a.m. (Hattiesburg campus): Location and speaker to be announced.

— Friday, December 5 at 11 a.m. (Hattiesburg campus): Location and speaker to be announced.