Taylor Bembery
Associate Editor
Building your personal brand in the media industry but still maintaining your personal image is what media students were encouraged to do at Jackson State University’s Department of Mass Communications annual Mass Comm Day Celebration held on April 16 at the MS e-Center.
The event began with a breakfast roundtable with media practitioners. Students were able to converse one-on-one with experts and get critiques on their resumes and portfolios.
Vivian Brown, on-television meteorologist at the Weather Channel, was the guest speaker.
Brown is no stranger to her alma mater and served as the keynote speaker for JSU’s 136th Annual Founders’ Day Convocation.
Brown, a native of Jackson, Miss., graduated from Jackson State in 1986 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Meteorology and joined the Weather Channel soon after. She was also a member of the track team with a full scholarship and earned her place in the JSU Sports Hall of Fame. She currently co-hosts “Day Planner” on the Weather Channel every Monday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Her advice to the students showed how to maintain your individual image while protecting their corporate brand. She also talked about how JSU prepared her to go above and beyond in her field for the past 25 years.
“The Weather Channel provides an accurate forecast around the world; that’s the corporate brand. For over 25 years I have supported that corporate brand but all the while maintaining my individual image by providing those forecasts with the style, education, and experience that I got from Jackson State University and from God who has blessed me,” said Brown.
She added: “Becoming a professional, know that representing yourself to the highest level and holding true to your beliefs will always maintain your image and by doing that the company you work for will be a better company.”
After Browns speech, students were able to ask her various questions about career, time management, and tips for life after JSU for graduating seniors. There was also a showcase of student projects and portfolios.
The Department of Mass Communications, University Communications, The Blue and White Flash, WJSU-FM, JSU TV, and Tiger TV gave award certificates and cash prizes to students to appreciate their hard work and dedication. The 23 graduating seniors were also honored for their completion of the mass communications program.
Tenesha Hughes, a mass communications major from Columbus, Miss., was inspired by the entire event.
“Seeing someone like Vivian Brown, who has come from Jackson State and that is actually applying what she learned and being successful actually gives me hope to know that I too one day can become successful. It’s just great to see my fellow colleagues and classmates also win awards and I think it was a special day for the department,” said Hughes.
John Clark, a mass communications major from Jackson, Miss., was happy to see more student participation at this year’s event.
“I enjoyed seeing students who won awards and seeing the work they’ve done and actually participating in the programs JSU has to offer. Everything from Tiger TV to The Blue and White Flash, seeing them shine is what I enjoyed the most.”
He added: “Vivian Brown’s speech was also great. I liked how she highlighted how to maintain your individuality at the same time your moral ethic and work ethic,” said Clark.
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