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Reporting What Matters

RHCJC

Reporting What Matters

RHCJC

Reporting What Matters

RHCJC

Media Mentors

Longtime Mississippi journalist Emily Wagster Pettus addresses students during the Media Mentors session on April 11, 2025.

Inside the Media Mentors Program

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:

Participate in Q&A discussions and hear real-world experiences.

Upcoming Sessions

All sessions are held from 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. in Stout Hall, Room B on the Hattiesburg campus.

Friday, September 12
Geoff Pender

Geoff Pender

Politics and Government Editor, Mississippi Today

Learn More

Friday, October 10
Amanda Fontaine

Amanda Fontaine

Executive Director, Mississippi Association of Broadcasters

Learn More

Friday, November 14
Damien Richard

Damien Richard

News Director, KATC Lafayette

Learn More

Friday, December 5
Layne Bruce

Layne Bruce

Executive Director, Mississippi Press Association

Learn More

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6
Brett Kenyon

Brett Kenyon

“Papa Mississippi” Digital Storyteller

Learn More

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27
Maggie Wade

Maggie Wade

News Anchor, WLBT Jackson

Learn More

FRIDAY, MARCH 27
Taylor Graham

Taylor Graham

Meteorologist, WLOX Biloxi

Learn More

FRIDAY, APRIL 10
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J.T. Mitchell

News Director and Host, SuperTalk Mississippi Media

Learn More

FRIDAY, APRIL 24
Dr. Bev Smallwood

Dr. Bev Smallwood

Psychologist and Founder, The Hope Center

Learn More

FRIDAY, MAY 1
Lauchlin Fields

Lauchlin Fields

Chief Visionary Officer, LF Voices Collective

Learn More

Past Sessions

Friday, July 11
Nicole Ruhnke

Nicole Ruhnke

Chief Communication Officer, USM

Learn More

Friday, June 13
Melissa Scallan

Melissa Scallan

Director of Communications, Port of Gulfport

Learn More

Friday, May 2
Sean Trcalek

Sean Trcalek

VP/GM KATC

Learn More

Friday, May 2
Jacob Wallace

Jacob Wallace

Regional Creative Director, E.W. Scripps

Learn More

Friday, April 11
Emily Wagster Pettus

Emily Wagster Pettus

Journalist, The Associated Press

Learn More

Friday, March 14
Cody Smith

Cody Smith

Author, Coach, U.S. Air Force Officer

Learn More

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