Rikki K. Carter281.777.3348 | Rikki.Carter@gmail.com | RikkiCarter.wordpress.com

EDUCATION

Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TexasBachelor of Arts Degree in Public Relations, May 2012Minor: Business Administration

RELATED EXPERIENCE

The Woodlands United Methodist Church – Children’s Ministry The Woodlands, TexasAdministrative Assistant Jan. 2013-Present

Manager of the Children’s Ministry budget, expenses and offering Manager of the Children’s Ministry social media outlets and communications Purchaser of all ministry supplies, including office supplies, curriculum and teaching aids Assisted in planning and executing special events including Vacation Bible School and summer camps Curriculum writer for Pre-k and Kindergarten Sunday school and Chapel services

Office of Communications and Marketing, Texas Tech University Lubbock, TexasWeb and Emerging Media/Writing Intern June 2011-May 2012

News writing, editing and web production of Texas Tech Today and Texas Tech Monthly news stories Experience in Dreamweaver, Photoshop, and WordPress Edited and web produced the Texas Tech University Experts Guide

Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Southwest Lubbock, TexasPublic Relations Campaign Team Member Jan. 2012-May 2012

Worked to develop a strong Spring/Fall public relations awareness campaign plan Presented client pitches and proposals, creating SWOT analysis and conducted extensive primary research Created public relations campaign book, detailing campaign strategies, social media presence and solutions

KOHM –FM and Texas Tech Public Media Lubbock, TexasDevelopment Intern Aug. 2010-Dec. 2010

Developed monthly KOHM-FM, KTXT-FM and KNCH-FM radio programming guides Answered listener phone calls and participate in bi-annual membership campaign Assisted with promotion efforts, including donor and underwriting calls in order to develop contacts

AmeriCorps Lubbock, TexasJumpstart Corps Member Aug. 2008-May 2009

Worked one-on-one to prepare preschool children from low-income neighborhoods for school success Implemented early childhood curriculum, supported family involvement, and promoted skill building Coordinated and led various community service and volunteer projects

WORK EXPERIENCE

Kids R Kids Legends Spring, TexasTeacher Aug. 2012-Dec. 2012

Carver Early Learning Center Lubbock, TexasTeacher’s Assistant Feb. 2011-May 2011

Rikki K. Carter281.777.3348 | Rikki.Carter@gmail.com | RikkiCarter.wordpress.com

WORK REFERENCES

Patrick Gonzales, Associate Director of the Office of Communications and MarketingTexas Tech University Patrick.Gonzales@ttu.edu

P: 806.742.2136 C: 806.441.8078

Chris Cook, Director of the Office of Communications and Marketing Texas Tech UniversityChris.Cook@ttu.edu

P: 806.742.2136

Lisa Low, Director of Multimedia Communications of the Alumni AssociationTexas Tech UniversityLisa.Low@ttu.edu

P: 806-742-3641 ext. 242

CHARACTER REFERENCES

Aleesa Ross, Career Center Director in the College of Mass CommunicationsTexas Tech UniversityAleesa.Ross@ttu.edu

P: 806-742-6500 ext. 266

Melanie Hess, Graduate Writing Intern of the Office of Communications and Marketing Texas Tech UniversityMelanie.Hess@ttu.edu

P: 972-978-2401

Rikki K. Carter281.777.3348 | rikki.carter@gmail.com | RikkiCarter.wordpress.com

Portfolio Websites:

http://rikkicarter.wordpress.com/

http://www.behance.net/gallery/Rikki-Carters-Portfolio/2643753

Texas Tech Today News Release Samples:

http://today.ttu.edu/2012/04/faculty-honored-for-excellence-in-teaching-and-research/

http://today.ttu.edu/2012/04/mentor-tech%E2%80%99s-tenth-annual-banquet-hosts-actor-activist/

http://today.ttu.edu/2012/03/university-to-host-veterans-higher-education-summit/

http://today.ttu.edu/2012/02/students-do-you-know-your-rights/

http://today.ttu.edu/2011/11/oscar-nominee-to-speak-at-diversity-dinner/

http://today.ttu.edu/2011/12/fourth-annual-sibling-weekend-quickly-approaching/

http://today.ttu.edu/2011/11/universities-rally-to-honor-the-fallen-on-veterans-day/

http://today.ttu.edu/2011/11/countdown-to-carol-of-lights-christmas-tree-lights-up-broadway/

Mass Communicator Magazine Features:

http://www.depts.ttu.edu/masscom/Publications/Mass%20Communicator/spring2012/passion-for-investigation.php

http://www.depts.ttu.edu/masscom/Publications/Mass%20Communicator/gradstudents.php

News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEDATE: Nov. 22, 2011CONTACT: Rikki Carter, rikki.carter@ttu.edu

(806) 742-2136

Terrence Howard to Speak at Diversity Dinner

Oscar nominee Terrence Howard will speak at the Celebrate Diversity Scholarship Dinner, hosted by Texas Tech University’s Division of Institutional Diversity, Equity and Community Engagement, at 7 p.m. on Nov. 30 at the Merket Alumni Center.

Terrence Howard has starred in several praise-worthy films including “Ray,” “Crash,” “The Princess and the Frog,” and the film that earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor in 2006, “Hustle and Flow.”

The actor will speak on the importance of education, personal discipline, overcoming adversity and striving for excellence in everything one undertakes.

Juan Muñoz, vice president of the Division of Institutional Diversity, Equity, and Community Engagement said he sought to identify a significant personality that has grappled professionally with topics of education, diversity and excellence.

For Muñoz, Howard was an ideal guest for the Texas Tech campus.

“This prominence offers Texas Tech the opportunity to bring among the most recognizable talents to Lubbock and the university,” Muñoz said.

Dinner tickets are $70 and $110 for a VIP reception ticket. Students who present a valid Texas Tech ID may purchase a dinner ticket for $45.

For more information about the event, contact the Cross-Cultural Academic Advancement Center at 742-8681 or crosscultural@ttu.edu.

Find Texas Tech news, experts and story ideas at www.media.ttu.edu and on Twitter @TexasTechMedia.

CONTACT: Jobi Martinez, director, Cross-Cultural Academic Advancement Center, Texas Tech University, (806) 742-8681, or jobi.martinez@ttu.edu.

News ReleaseFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEDATE: April 10, 2012CONTACT: Rikki Carter, rikki.carter@ttu.edu

(806) 742-2136

Mentor Tech’s Annual Banquet Hosts Actor, Activist Hill Harper

Actor, author and activist Hill Harper will give the keynote speech for Texas Tech University’s Lauro Cavazos & Ophelia Powell-Malone Mentoring Program (Mentor Tech) tenth annual Celebration Banquet. The event starts at 7 p.m. April 27 at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center.

Harper, who has a recurring role on the hit television show “CSI: New York,” is known for his roles in shows including “Soul Food,” “The Sopranos,” “ER,” “NYPD Blue,” and “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.”

Graduating magna cum laude from Brown University and later earning graduate degrees in law and public administration from Harvard University, Harper does not take education lightly.

To Harper, education is a stepping stone in achieving goals and opening doors of opportunity. As a voice of encouragement, his platform is built on enlightening youth, particularly African-American men, who are committed to achieving success.

Cory Powell, associate director for Mentor Tech, said each year Mentor Tech leaders bring in speakers who will inspire students to strive for their full potential. Past banquet speakers include Lauro Cavazos, former Texas Tech president; Christopher Gardner whose life was the basis for the hit film “The Pursuit of Happyness;” and Chef Jeff Henderson from the Food Network, amongst others.

Mentor Tech, which is part of the Division of Institutional Diversity, Equity, and Community Engagement, seeks to improve the retention and graduation rates of Texas Tech students, with a special focus on those from underrepresented groups. The program is named after Cavazos and Powell-Malone, the first African American to graduate from Texas Tech.

“With this being our tenth year, we wanted someone who has achieved academic success, name recognition and cross appeal,” Powell said. “We are excited to have Hill Harper coming, as he is not only an accomplished actor and author, but he is also devoted to service and mentoring.”

Mentor Tech began in 2002 with 46 students and more than 100 university faculty and staff mentors. The program has grown to more than 500 participants today.

Tickets for the banquet are $60 each or $75 for a pass to a VIP reception with Harper. Tables of eight costs $550 and $750, which also includes passes to the VIP reception. Proceeds benefit the Mentor Tech scholarship fund.

Find Texas Tech news, experts and story ideas at www.media.ttu.edu.

CONTACT: Cory Powell, associate director, Mentor Tech, Texas Tech University, (806) 742-8687 or cory.powell@ttu.edu.

News ReleaseFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEDATE:  April 25, 2012CONTACT: Rikki Carter, rikki.carter@ttu.edu

       (806) 742-2136  

Faculty Honored for Excellence in Teaching and Research Dozens of faculty members received awards April 24 for their quality teaching and research during the annual Faculty Honors Convocation.   The President’s Academic Achievement Awards go to faculty members who have demonstrated distinction in teaching, research and service. President’s Excellence in Teaching Awards: 

         David Doerfert, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources         Clifton Ellis, College of Architecture         Lars Christensen, College of Arts and Sciences         Erin Hardin, College of Arts and Sciences         Mayukh Dass, Rawls College of Business Administration         Robin Lock, College of Education         Ranadip Pal, Whitacre College of Engineering         Elizabeth Trejos-Castillo, College of Human Sciences         Jarod Gonzalez, School of Law         Robert Wernsman, College of Mass Communications         William Gelber, College of Visual and Performing Arts

 President’s Academic Achievement Awards: 

         Lee Cohen, College of Arts and Sciences         Aretha Marbley, College of Education         Jennifer Bard, School of Law

 President’s Book Awards: 

         Sean Cunningham, College of Arts and Sciences         Kanika Batra, College of Arts and Sciences         Cristina Garcia, College of Arts and Sciences

 Texas Tech Alumni Association New Faculty Awards: 

         David Rogowski, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources         Maria-Rita Perbellini, College of Architecture         Laura Calkins, College of Arts and Sciences         William Buslepp, Rawls College of Business Administration         Changzhi Li, Whitacre College of Engineering         Kelly Phelan, College of Human Sciences

         Josh Grimm, College of Mass Communications         Ali Duffy, College of Visual and Performing Arts

 Texas Tech Parents Association Barnie E. Rushing Jr. Faculty Distinguished Research Award (STEM disciplines): 

         Eric Hequet, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources Texas Tech Parents Association Barnie E. Rushing Jr. Faculty Distinguished Research Award (Social Science, Humanities, and Creative Arts disciplines): 

         Patricia DeLucia, College of Arts and Sciences Outstanding Researcher Awards: 

         Maria-Rita Perbellini, College of Architecture         Guigen Li, College of Arts and Sciences         Aretha Marbley, College of Education         Jason Whiting, College of Human Sciences         Victoria Sutton, School of Law         Shannon Bichard, College of Mass Communications         Susan Brumfield, College of Visual and Performing Arts

 Emeritus Faculty Certificates: Carlton Britton                           Shelley Harp                          Rosslyn SmithBryce Conrad                                      Marilyn Phelan                      Thomas SteinmeierSue Couch                                           Ron Pigott                              Harlan ThorvilsonZane Curry                                          Ronald Rainger                      Elizabeth WattsMary Alice McCreary Denham          Ralph Ramsey                        David Williams Horn Professor Graduate Achievement Award: Lauri Anderson, Doctoral student in English Recognition of Paul Whitfield Horn Professors: Linda Allen                              Clyde Hendrick                     Sunanda MitraVivien Allen                             Susan Hendrick                      Markus MillerRobert Baker                            Shelby Hunt                            W. David NesLoretta Bradley                         Eileen Johnson                        Janet PérezWilliam Casto                           Kenneth Ketner                      Frits RuymgaartSankar Chatterjee                      David Knaff                            Sindee SimonBruce Clarke                             Magne Kristiansen                  Henry ShineWilliam Conover                      Allan Kuethe                           Victoria SuttonStefan Estreicher                       David Larmour                       James WatkinsHafid Gafaiti                             Clyde Martin                           Peter WestfallMichael Galyean                       Greg McKenna                       William Westney                                      Kishor Mehta Teaching Academy Departmental Excellence in Teaching Award: 

         Department, Communication Studies Chancellor’s Council Distinguished Teaching Award: 

         Janice Killian, College of Visual and Performing Arts Chancellor’s Council Distinguished Research Award: 

         Dimitri Pappas, College of Arts and Sciences         Stacy Carter, College of Education         Brandon Weeks, Edward E. Whitacre Jr. College of Engineering         Christie Blizard, College of Visual and Performing Arts

 Texas Tech Parents Association Faculty Awards: 

         William Gustafson, Faculty Distinguished Leadership Award         Ryan Rathmann, Hemphill Wells New Professor's Excellence in Teaching Award         Scott Burris, Spencer A. Wells Faculty Award for Creativity in Teaching         Gloria Lyerla Memorial Library Research Travel Grants:         Cordelia Barrera, College of Arts and Sciences         Karlos Hill, College of Arts and Sciences         Brett Houk, College of Arts and Sciences

 The script will be read by Provost Bob Smith. The reception, hosted by RHIM students, following the Convocation will be held in Human Sciences Canyon Room.  

Find Texas Tech news, experts and story ideas at www.media.ttu.edu. CONTACT: Pam Roberson, executive administrative associate, Office of the Provost, Texas TechUniversity, (806) 742-2184, or pam.roberson@ttu.edu. 

AdvisoryFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEDATE: Nov. 9, 2011CONTACT: Rikki Carter, Rikki.Carter@ttu.edu

(806) 742-2136

Texas Tech and Other Schools Rally to Honor the Fallen

WHAT: Texas Tech will honor American service men and women at the Remembrance Day National Roll Call ceremony.

WHEN: 9 a.m. Nov. 11 (Veterans Day)

WHERE: Memorial Circle

EVENT: Texas Tech University has joined a nationwide effort to honor American service men and service women who paid the ultimate sacrifice in Iraq and Afghanistan during the past decade.

Texas Tech, along with more than 100 colleges and universities, will collaboratively read the names of the 6,200-plus casualties of Operation New Dawn, which includes Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The names will be read in chronological order by Texas Tech students, faculty and staff over a period of eight hours.

There will be a National Moment of Silence at 1 p.m. and the closing ceremony will begin at 4:30 p.m.

Find Texas Tech news, experts and story ideas at www.media.ttu.edu and on Twitter @TexasTechMedia.

CONTACT: Ryan Van Dusen, associate director, Military & Veterans Programs,Texas Tech University, (806) 742-6877 ext. 299, or ryan.van-dusen@ttu.edu.

AdvisoryFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEDATE: April 10, 2012CONTACT: Rikki Carter, rikki.carter@ttu.edu

806-742-2136

Texas Tech to Host West Texas Veterans Higher Education Summit

WHAT: Texas Tech University is hosting the West Texas Veterans Higher Education Summit.

WHEN: 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday (April 11)

WHERE: McKenzie-Merket Alumni Center

EVENT: This event will feature keynote speaker David DiRamio, associate professor of higher education administration at Auburn University and co-author of “Veterans in Higher Education” and “Creating a Veteran-Friendly Campus.”

A panel of educational leaders from colleges in the region will discuss military educational benefits, academic impact and the student experience, and transition and well-being.

Lunch will be provided at the event, which is organized by the Military and Veterans Programs and the Division of Institutional Diversity, Equity, and Community Engagement.

During breaks and at the conclusion of the event, there will be a resource fair to highlight some of the services and agencies available to veterans in West Texas.

To contribute to the morale of the service men and women deployed overseas, bring a used cell phone to the event to be donated through the Cell phones for Soldiers Drive.

For event schedule and registration form go tohttp://www.tlpd.ttu.edu/content/asp/conferences/veteransummit/index.asp.

Find Texas Tech news, experts and story ideas at www.media.ttu.edu and on Twitter @TexasTechMedia.

CONTACT: Ryan Van Dusen, assistant director, Military & Veterans Programs,Texas Tech University, (806) 742-6877 ext. 299, or ryan.van-dusen@ttu.edu

AdvisoryFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEDATE: Feb. 6, 2012CONTACT: Rikki Carter, rikki.carter@ttu.edu

(806) 742-2136

Texas Tech Hosts Sibling Weekend

WHAT: Texas Tech University will host its fourth annual Sibling Weekend.

WHEN: Feb. 10-11

WHERE: Texas Tech campus

EVENT: Sibling Weekend is an event designed to be fun, educational and spirit filled as youth between the ages of 8-15 experience life as a Red Raider.

Participants will live on campus with their brother or sister, experience a Texas Tech basketball game, interact with faculty in a classroom, and have access to the Robert H. Ewalt Student Recreation Center.

The primary goals of the weekend are to create bonds between Red Raiders and their siblings and to showcase the various opportunities Texas Tech provides to its students.

The cost to attend Sibling Weekend is $45 per participant, which includes meals, a ticket to the Texas Tech vs. Oklahoma men’s basketball game at 7 p.m. Saturday, an official Sibling Weekend shirt, a Double T drawstring bag and much more.

Find Texas Tech news, experts and story ideas at www.media.ttu.edu and on Twitter @TexasTechMedia.

CONTACT: Christine Self, unit coordinator, Parent and Family Relations, Texas Tech University, (806) 742-3630, or christine.self@ttu.edu.

Mass Communicator Magazine Spring 2012

A Passion for Investigation: Ioanna Makris

Whether becoming an investigative reporter for the Daily Toreador, earning American citizenship or being published in the New York Times, Canadian born Texas Tech University journalism student Ioanna Makris does not let anything stand in her way.

But what makes someone an outstanding mass communications student? Do you have to be extremely intelligent or talented? Do you have to go over and beyond on projects or class assignments? Do you have to spend countless hours in the library, glued to a computer screen?

For Makris, being outstanding is about fulfilling a passion. It is about doing what she loves: investigative reporting. She is dedicated not only to her classroom work, but also dedicated to work outside of the College of Mass Communications walls.

Makris said she has many life goals and is achieving them one at a time.

But achieving many goals does not happen overnight. From a young age, Makris knew what she wanted to do in life and that opened her eyes to many career possibilities. She discovered her passion in 10th grad, and says she is blessed to have known her career choice at such a young age.

Makris did not know where she fit in at her school in Plano, Texas, but all that changed when her fine arts teacher suggested she work for the high school television station.

She was hesitant at first, but decided to give the job a try.

“I did it in 10th grade, and I found that I kind of found my voice,” Makris said. “I kind of figured out where I belong. I would walk in the classroom and I found that it was home. I didn’t feel left out.”

In the 11th grade she joined the newspaper staff and once again felt right at home. From that moment on, Makris said it was a no brainer: journalism became her passion.

The College of Mass Communications, she said has only fueled that passion.

“The college helped me find my niche,” Makris said. “I found that I liked reporting the daily stuff, the crime beat, whatever beat it may be. But it’s the investigative reporting that gets my adrenaline pumping, my heart going. That’s what I just fell in love with. And I don’t think I would have fallen in love with that without this university and this college.”

Makris said the mass communications professors push you to do better and push you to achieve goals that you do not think are possible. She said that she stuck with journalism because of the faculty members.

As a freshman at Texas Tech, Makris thought of changing her major from journalism to public relations. There was a fear of not making as much money as others, being that journalism is known as a career that does not pay the big bucks. But she received key advice from journalism instructor Robert Wernsman.

“I sat down with Mr. Wernsman,” Makris said, “and he told me the best thing I could do was learn how to write. He said, ‘Learn how to write like a journalist and that will open so many doors for you, you will be surprised.’”

Makris said she knew Wernsman was right. She said being a journalist, knowing how to write in that style, and knowing how to track down a story has, indeed, opened up a number of doors for her.

But Makris attributes her preferred choice of journalism to assistant professor Pete Brewton.

As she sat in the back of Brewton’s advanced reporting class, talking to a friend, rather than paying attention, she suddenly heard Brewton mention Texas Tribune. Being that Makris was interning with the Texas Tribune at the time, her curiosity was sparked.

The assignment was to work with the Light of Day Foundation, focusing on off-campus crime in relation to the Clery Act on on-campus crime, which was in partnership with the Texas Tribune.

She said it was not just her association with the Texas Tribune that peaked her curiosity, but also the ideals and what she could potentially uncover that built her enthusiasm.

Upon hearing the assignment, she turned to her friend, Henry Ramos, and said, “Henry, we’re going to do that.”

Because of this opportunity, Makris’ eyes were opened to investigative reporting.

As they took on this task, Makris and Ramos went on to dig and uncover many truths and for that reason, Brewton nominated Makris for a Freedom of Information Foundation award. And soon, Makris found out that she won the President's Future Journalist Award.

As he spoke about her accomplishments and characterizations, Brewton said what sets Makris apart from other mass communications students is the fact that she is street smart, mature and personable, which puts people at ease.

“Inside she’s very determined and resolute and persistent,” Brewton said, “and she doesn’t suffer fools gladly. I characterize her as a pit bull in a poodle costume.”

But Makris said in general she does not feel like she does anything over and beyond what a typical mass communications student does.

“I have this high expectation for myself,” Makris said, “and so for me it’s going for that goal, going for that dream. I will do whatever I need to do to get there. If I have to work two jobs just to make ends meet, but I get to do what I want to do in life then that is okay for me because that’s my expectation. That’s my goal for myself and my dream.”

Of her many goals, one was to earn American citizenship. Makris, who is Greek, is originally from Canada.

In September of 2011, Makris earned U.S. citizenship, a goal she did not think she would accomplish. She was asked to write a story for the Daily Toreador about her journey to citizenship, which was used to inform the student population, but also diffused much of her anxiety.

Makris said not many knew she was Canadian and did not know the process one must go through to earn citizenship. And even though she does not enjoy writing about herself, Makris decided the process was worth documenting.

“We agreed that I would write one prior, leading up to the interview, and one after,” Makris said. “And I actually had a lot of nightmares that I wouldn’t get my citizenship, so I wouldn’t be able to write a follow-up, or my follow-up would be I failed, but it all worked out in the end.”

Doing the impossible and achieving goals that you do not think you are capable of achieving is something that Makris strives for and something that she says all incoming students should strive for.

“My advice would be don’t let anyone tell you, ‘No,’” Makris said, “and if they do, know that you can probably still do it. Don’t let anyone tear you down. You go for what you want, you go for your dreams, you go for your goals, and you fight as hard as you have to fight to be able to get what you want out of life.”

One thing that Makris wanted more than anything was the honor of being published in the New York Times. This was a dream that recently came true.

Makris was interning at the Texas Tribune when she received information about a new tax being enforced in strip clubs. Makris said she wanted to go deeper into the story, possibly write a story through the eyes of a stripper. It was in her nature to begin investigating.

Weeks later, she ended up sitting in a strip club in Dallas with the owner, a public relations specialist, a fellow reporter and a freelance photographer, all waiting for the interview to begin.

As they waited, the owner asked Makris where the story would be published. Makris told the woman the story would only be published in the Texas Tribune, but then the photographer revealed exciting news Makris was not expecting.

“The photographer goes, ‘And the New York Times,’” Makris said, “and I was like, ‘What?’”

She said she could not believe she would actually be published in the New York Times until the next week when her boss confirmed it. For her, it was surreal.

“I did it and didn’t even realize I was doing it,” Makris said.

But she isn’t stopping there. She said she wants to continue getting published in the New York Times. Once is not enough.

“For me,” Makris said, “and as a journalist, and I think a lot of journalists probably feel this way, you do one thing, but it’s not good enough. You want to keep going to the next level and reaching that next goal, attaining it.”

She said these expectations and accomplishments have driven her life, in that she dedicates most of her time to journalism related work.

“I put so much work into it that it kind of takes over my life a little bit,” she said. “I’m no longer just a student here. I consider myself more of a journalist now than just a Tech student.”

But despite all of her many accomplishments, Makris said what she will miss most after she graduates is being on the university campus.

“You can walk down one hallway and there’s a memory that pops up,” Makris said. “It’s the good times with your friends. It’s game day. It’s the day before game day. It’s seeing Will Rogers wrapped. It’s being in this building. It’s everything.”

Makris’ success gives hope to all incoming freshmen and mass communications students. Anything is possible and with hard work, much will be achieved.

“I find I’m so happy,” Makris said. “And it’s not the recognition of getting in the New York Times or the recognition of being published in this magazine. It’s more so that I like telling people the truth or figuring out what is the truth. I like being the one that gets to tell people what is going on.”

Makris has reported many stories in her four years at Texas Tech University, but for her, uncovering the truth is not only her passion, it is her way of giving back.

(Rikki Carter is a senior public relations major from Houston, Texas.)

Mass Communicator Magazine Fall 2011

Foreign Graduate Students Bring Diversity and Culture

The foreign graduate students in the College of Mass Communications at Texas Tech University bring a fresh learning perspective and diversity to the mass communications curriculum within the college.

According to the mass communications admissions procedure, all graduate students must be accepted by both the College of Mass Communications and the Graduate School at Texas Tech. As long as the students are within 12 hours of completing their undergraduate degree, they can apply to the graduate program and take graduate courses.

Admission is not solely based on GPA, Graduate Record Examination scores or letters of recommendation, but it seems as if a student’s potential is also very valuable in the decision-making process.

Ashik Mohammed Shafi, a graduate student from Bangladesh, said education is a main focus and priority in his country. He said the opportunity to come to the U.S. is considered an honor and is appreciated; therefore he mapped out his steps in preparation for studying overseas.

Shafi studied mass communications and journalism at Dhaka University in Bangladesh. Although Bangladesh and Lubbock seem worlds apart, Shafi said the concepts he learned at Dhaka are similar to those at Texas Tech.

“It was a good college,” Shafi said, “so academically I learned many journalism theories and production techniques like writing and editing, news editing, news writing, that sort of thing that is kind of similar here.”

One obstacle foreign students may face is cultural differences. Shafi said his first semester at Texas Tech he stayed quiet and learned the new environment he had been exposed to.

“I think the people are a lot different in the whole world,” Shafi said, “but the culture and the etiquette, the way of talking and living is a lot different. So it takes some time to learn the differences in how to communicate and express myself.”

Like Shafi, Patrick Merle, a graduate instructor and student from Privas, France, also said language and communication poses a challenge to students who choose to study abroad. However, even with the language barriers studying abroad may present an opportunity for Texas Tech students to gain knowledge and respect for different cultures.

“It’s a social benefit,” Merle said, “not just a work benefit.”

Coy Callison, the associate dean for graduate studies, echoed Merle’s perspective toward the language barrier.

“I think it’s important to have a variety of perspectives,” Callison said, “and I believe the international students bring those perspectives.”

The foreign graduate students in the College of Mass Communications not only bring different perspectives, they also enhance classroom structure, bring a variety of new ideas, and they also have the capability to endorse Texas Tech abroad.

Merle said he is the first Western European and French student at the College of Mass Communications. He said he helps bring different viewpoints to the classroom and with his professional career in journalism in France he can promote Texas Tech abroad to enhance the university’s reputation.

Merle said his main focus at Texas Tech is to research cross-cultural agenda setting. He said cross-culture research is vital to the university because it creates new opportunities in research not yet discovered.

Merle received his master’s degree in history in Ireland and received his master’s degree in journalism at the French Institute of Press in Paris, France. He arrived at Texas Tech in August 2010.

One of the differences between France and the U.S., Merle noticed, were the methodological approaches. He said in France they focus on a more qualitative style, and in the U.S. they have a quantitative way of approaching education.

Graduate students Shafi and Merle both agree the professors in the College of Mass Communication are helpful, supportive and available for questions and concerns the students may have.

Associate Dean Callison said he and the other faculty members take pride in making students feel comfortable in the new environment. He said one of their goals is to make the transition as smooth as possible.

Callison said he will never forget Merle’s hardships when coming to Lubbock and how the faculty strived to help him.

“One of our grad students that moved here from France came over and the airport lost all his luggage and furniture,” Callison said. “So he came over without any clothes and no furniture.”

Callison said the faculty didn’t delay in providing help to Merle.

“One faculty member said she had a spare bed, another said they had a spare coffee table,” Callison said. “The faculty really came together to help this student.”

The Texas Tech faculty made a conscious effort to rally together in support of Merle. They not only bring support to the foreign graduate students when needed, they also encourage and accept the diverse opinions that the graduate students bring to the college.

Dane Kiambi, a graduate instructor and student from Kenya, Africa, said in Kenya people are very conservative and are less accepting of people’s different opinions. However, when Kiambi came to Texas Tech he noticed people here were more open to ideas and opinions.

Kiambi said in his classroom he likes to use examples from abroad such as Africa, Europe and South America. He said he had students speak with him after class to thank him for his examples because they believe it gave them a well-rounded viewpoint of the topic discussed. Kiambi said it prepares students to be sensitive to different cultures when they enter the work force.

Kiambi also said he hopes the school will incorporate intercultural studies and associations within the College of Mass Communications because it would be beneficial for the future of the university.

“The world is now becoming smaller and smaller,” Kiambi said. “I realized that when I noticed how many American corporations are coming to Kenya.”

Although the college does not have a formal program to help international student’s transition to the U.S., Associate Dean Callison said most of the help the college provides is at an informal level.

“We just try to be there for the students,” Callison said, “to be available for questions and to just be a friendly face.”

Callison said it is important to be there for the students outside the classroom because he believes the main struggles for international happen outside the classroom.

Callison said when it comes to performance in the classroom, the international students are very successful. He said he has noticed the main obstacle is performing day-to-day activities.

“Something as easy as going to the grocery store and asking the attendant for a toothbrush can be difficult for someone who is not accustomed to the language and culture,” Callison said.

Callison said he has always liked working with the international students, and he said their presence enhances the College of Mass Communications.

“They make the college a better college, and the program a better program,” Callison said, “and we are honored to have them here.”

(Rikki Carter is a junior public relations major from Houston, Texas. Andrew Hudson is a junior public relations major from Colleyville, Texas. Lisa Hyndman is a senior public relations major from San Antonio, Texas.)