Media Mentors
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 at 601-266-8783 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 on Fridays at 11 a.m.
Summer sessions: Intermezzo at Woods Gallery in Marsh Hall (School of Music) — 124 Golden Eagle Avenue.
Fall sessions: TBD
Crystal Scretching
Creative Marketing Director, Gulf Coast Woman Magazine
More Than Content: Building a Brand That Connects and Converts
Joshua Hodge
Creator, ‘Hattiesburg Civil Discourse’, YouTube
Curiosity as a Public Service: How One Citizen Uses Transparency Tools to Hold Power Accountable
Dr. Beverly Smallwood
Psychologist and Founder, The Hope Center
Leading Through the Storm: Building Resilience and Purpose in a Chaotic World
Rita Brent
Comedian, Writer, Musician, and Host, Late Night with Rita Brent
From Local Mic to National Stage: Expanding Your Media Career Beyond the First Platform
Kimberly Nastasi
Vice President, Integrated Communications and Stakeholder Engagement, Ingalls Shipbuilding
Relationships First: Building Trust Before You Have the Title
Wilton Jackson II
Sports Journalist, Podcast Host and Producer, Professor, Jackson State University
More Than One Skill: How to Stand Out in a Competitive Media Industry
Marcus Riley
Senior Director of Content Strategy and Inclusive Journalism, The E.W. Scripps Company
Back to the Block: Why Neighborhood News is the Future of Local Journalism
Donna Elwin
Co-Hosts, ‘A Paranormal Chicks’ Podcast
‘Creep’ It Real: How to Launch a Podcast and Build a Loyal Audience
Kerri West
Co-Hosts, ‘A Paranormal Chicks’ Podcast
‘Creep’ It Real: How to Launch a Podcast and Build a Loyal Audience
Courtney Ann Jackson
News Anchor/Multi-Media Journalist, WLBT-TV, Jackson
Reporting After the Vote: Covering Elections, Accountability and What Happens Next
Roderick Red
Filmmaker and CEO, Red Squared
Narrative is Power: Using Story to Shift Culture and Build Trust
Past Sessions
Jamie Patterson
Publisher and Editor, Yazoo Herald
Small Town, Big Impact: Why Community Journalism Still Matters
Lauchlin Fields
Chief Visionary Officer, LF Voices Collective
Beyond the Scroll: Strategic Storytelling for a Digital Audience
J.T. Mitchell
News Director and Host, SuperTalk Mississippi Media
Mastering the Mic: Strengthen Your Voice, Sharpen Your Impact
Taylor Graham
Meteorologist, WLOX Biloxi
Forecasting Trust: Communicating Urgency, Accuracy, and Empathy in Weather Reporting
Maggie Wade
News Anchor, WLBT Jackson
Staying Power: How Credibility and Ethics Build a Career That Lasts
Brett Kenyon
“Papa Mississippi” Digital Storyteller
The New Face of Credibility: Building Trust in the Age of Personality-Driven News
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