Mississippi State’s humanities series highlights power of local journalism
Contact: Sarah Nicholas
STARKVILLE, Miss.—The Institute for the Humanities, part of Mississippi State University’s College of Arts and Sciences, continues its annual lecture series this month with “Building Community: The Humanities as Social Glue.”
“This academic year, the Institute for the Humanities is exploring the idea of community and the role of the humanities in strengthening social ties,” said Morgan Robinson, institute director and associate professor of history. “Local journalism is a crucial avenue for social and political engagement, and our spring semester discussions will focus on the work of journalists on campus, in Mississippi and beyond.”
On Thursday [Feb. 27], the institute hosts the panel discussion “As It Happens: Covering the News in Mississippi,” 3:30-5 p.m. in Old Main Academic Center Room 3070. It features working journalists discussing the current state of local journalism at the community, state and national levels.
“What role does journalism play in today’s society? What are journalists’ hopes—and concerns—for the future? And how should aspiring reporters prepare for the evolving media landscape? These are just a few of the questions our panelists will address,” Robinson said.
Panelists include:
—Philip Poe, associate professor, Department of Communication; and sports editor, The Commercial Dispatch
—Heather Harrison, reporter, Mississippi Free Press; and MSU alumna
—Joey Barnes, news director and anchor, WCBI-TV
The discussion will be co-moderated by Robinson and Wade Leonard, communications and marketing manager for MSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine.
The series concludes on March 5 with a second panel discussion “Covering Campus: News and Communication at Mississippi State,” from 4:30–5:30 p.m. in Old Main, Room 3030.
This event will explore journalism, communication and community engagement on campus, featuring:
—Josh Foreman, instructor, Department of Communication; and advisor of The Reflector student newspaper
—Student reporters, The Reflector
—Sid Salter, vice president for strategic communications; and director of MSU Office of Public Affairs
For more information about the event, contact Robinson at humanities@msstate.edu.
Part of MSU’s College of Arts and Sciences, the Institute for the Humanities promotes research, scholarship, and creative performances in the humanistic disciplines while raising their visibility within the university and wider community.
For more details about the college or institute for the Humanities visit www.cas.msstate.edu or www.ih.msstate.edu.
Mississippi State University is taking care of what matters. Learn more at www.msstate.edu.