Ohio University-Zanesville students present at Ohio Communications Association convention

            Shawn Crist of Nashport, and Lacey Higgins from Roseville, Communications majors at Ohio University-Zanesville, recently presented at the Ohio Communications Association (OCA) convention. The conference invites scholars and educators to address the changes experienced within the discipline of communications, identify the challenges that have resulted from these changes, and explore opportunities for teaching and researching these issues.

            “Among the 100 presenters were professors, graduate assistants and undergraduate students,” explained Dr. Sheida Shrivani, Communications professor. “To have two of our undergraduate students selected to present full papers among all of the graduate student and professional proposals, is very significant.”

            Higgins, a junior, presented her research on relationship discrimination with an emphasis on lesbian and gay culture. Crist, who will graduate this year, spoke about her research on women in the Middle East being “voiceless” in their own culture.

            Both students are members of Omicron Alpha, a professional organization for those pursuing a career in the field of Communications.  As part of their undergraduate experience at Ohio University-Zanesville, the pair had the opportunity to research their topic, submit proposals for consideration and present among scholars who teach and work in the field in which they plan to pursue careers.

            “After sitting in on the session where opponents were debating the legitimacy of the communications program or whether it is best to dissolve the program into various other disciplines such as Psychology or English, I was even more committed to my field,” said Crist about participating in the conference. “I strongly believe that communication is the key to success and without the essential learned and practiced communication skills, the limit to which a person can truly succeed is greatly affected.  I am proud to be a Communications major and look forward to a bright future."

            Communication majors can seek employment in a wide variety of careers upon graduation including public relations, sales, marketing, sales, public administration and more. To learn more about the Communications bachelor degree program at Ohio University-Zanesville contact Shirvani at 740.588.1499 shirvani@ohio.edu  or Dr. Rita Ng at 740.588.1518 or via email at ng@ohio.edu.