Department of Communication
If you’re looking for hands-on, professional-level experiences that start on your first semester, look no further than the Department of Communication at Otterbein University. Host your own radio show, run a camera for live coverage of a sports event, write for a campus magazine or news website, plan an event, execute a campaign for a real client, and so much more. Classes, practicum, and internship opportunities, as well as leadership roles in student media and pre-professional organizations prepare you for careers in media and communication.
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Student, Faculty, & Alumni Spotlights
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
I came into Otterbein as an undeclared major very unsure of what to do with my life. I eventually stumbled on public relations and communications and really enjoyed the classes I was taking. I participate in a variety of activities on campus, including Otterbein University Student Government, Sigma Delta Phi fraternity, Otterbein Deaf Culture Club and more. I work as a receptionist and as the diversity recruitment assistant in the Office of Admissions, at the Center for Community Engagement community garden, and as an orientation leader. Otterbein has given me a variety of opportunities that have made my time here great!
Timmy Wotring ’23
Communication Studies and Public Relations double major with minors in Women, Gender & Sexuality Studies and Race & Ethnic Studies.
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
I knew I would have a meaningful college experience at Otterbein. Towers Hall was calling my name. I have realized that everyone on campus wants to see me succeed. My internship with the Office of Marketing and Communications has made me realize that I am passionate about media relations and I look forward to growing my skills over the next few years..
Madelyn Nelson ’23
Public Relations major with Communication Studies and Marketing minors
Get your own byline. Learn to write, design, edit, and package a story with print, audio, and video components. Broadcast live while learning the talent of on-air announcing or camera operation. Be part of a team that engages broadly with the campus community and reports on news, arts, and sports. Build your editorial portfolio and connect with local journalists who help advise aspiring writers.
Join Otterbein’s PRSSA chapter and be one of more than 7,000 students from across the country who are finding internships, scholarships, and careers through their connections. Guest speakers, professional mixers, and tours of local agencies are some of the activities you’ll enjoy as you learn more about the growing field of public relations.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
Sposato held double majors in Public Relations and Journalism & Media Communication. She completed internships with Otterbein University, OhioHealth, and Huntington and wrote an article for the New York Times. “I feel really fortunate and grateful for the way everything turned out for me,” Sposato said. “It all started with that valuable internship experience.”
Aselya Sposato ’20
Corporate Communications Specialist, Huntington National Bank
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
Wallace oversees communication, marketing, and public relations for three animal hospitals. Her major and internships in public relations prepared her for this opportunity as well as her previous role as communication coordinator for Red Roof Inns. “The experience I had from internships and working on campus set me apart from my competition,” she said. Currently an Otterbein MBA student, she creates and implements strategic plans for the three MedVet hospitals.
Jenese Wallace ’18
Regional Marketing Partner, MedVet
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
A Journalism & Media Communication major, González took on any job that gave him experience particularly in sports writing and calling games for WOBN-FM. “All of the hands-on opportunities Otterbein offered gave me the knowledge and skills that I used to seize every opportunity that led me to my career.” Prior to Stanford, González was the director of video and network production in the Holy Cross University athletics program. “Otterbein students need to focus on building connections,” he said. “…the people at Otterbein are there to help you succeed beyond the classroom.”
Elijah González ’17
Assistant Director of Technical Operations, Stanford University Athletics.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
Travis pictured himself in clinical health care until he took communication classes and discovered the Health Communication major. Today he is an associate attorney with Marshall Dennehey law firm in Cleveland representing hospitals, health care systems and physicians. His passion for the health care industry led him to pursue health-care law at Capital University. “Relationships with your professors and advisors really go a long way in helping you find a path forward,” he said.
Travis Huffman ’17
Associate Attorney with Marshall Dennehey Law Firm
Love to speak? Find yourself persuading others about important topics? Consider joining either the speech or debate team. Hone your presentation skills and then enjoy traveling to other campuses to meet other students in friendly, but sometimes fierce, competition! All along the way, build a skill employers desire—effective public speaking!
Students at WOBN-FM learn how to do remotes and live airshifts on the NexGen Automation system. Enjoy producing your own radio show, inviting guests to provide on-air insight, or editing your own podcast.
“Use college as your laboratory. Make mistakes and keep learning. Try something different. Don’t dismiss it if it’s not your first choice.”
Dr. Eric Jones
Associate Professor & WOBN-FM adviser
“I worked on the student magazine and eventually become editor-in-chief. I think it is a really great community builder and I have learned leadership skills in the process.”
Julia Grimm ’22
Public Relations and Journalism and Media Communication Major
FACULTY SPOTLIGHT
Eric Jones sees the boundaries of the Otterbein community extending far beyond Otterbein’s property lines. Jones’ idea of community reaches deep into Columbus neighborhoods wherever Jones feels he can make a difference.
Eric Jones
Associate Professor
FACULTY SPOTLIGHT
Otterbein University is not only filled with amazing students, but it is also filled with amazing faculty. Every faculty member deserves recognition for their amazing work that they have done and will continue to do. To highlight just one, professor Mike Moon has accomplished honorable things, and deserves recognition.
Michael Moon
Instructor
Department Features & Student Opportunities
Scholarships
Communications majors can receive a wide range of scholarships and awards, including our department’s Communication Abilities scholarship, which ranges from $4,000 to $12,000 over four years.
Internships
Our students find internships as event planners, social media content producers, video creators, media liaisons, internal communication specialists, and more. These hands-on experiences often lead to successful job placements.
Facilities
The Department of Communication building is always buzzing with active student learning in classrooms, organization offices, informal study spaces, industry-standard production studios and computer labs, including a fully equipped video studio and a student-run radio station.
Communication Department News
Speech and Debate Team Shows Strong Return to In-Person Competition
News - October 31, 2022
Otterbein’s Speech and Debate Team returned to in-person competition with an exciting weekend of wins. The tournament, held at Otterbein on Oct. 8, had 11 schools participate with a total of 45 debates and 35 speech competitors. Otterbein’s speech and debate competitors had a strong performance, according to Professor of Communication Susan Millsap, Otterbein’s team coach. “Sophomore Emma Chapman went 2-2 in her first time debating in the varsity division. Senior Evyenia Smith participated in her first tournament ever and won…
National Teaching Award Recipient Eric Jones Wants Otterbein Students to “Learn by Doing”
News - May 6, 2022
Otterbein Associate Professor of Communication Eric Jones recently received the Exemplary Teaching Award, a national honor by the United Methodist Church’s General Board of Higher Education. His work at Otterbein to create an inclusive, equitable, and understanding learning environment has been impactful beyond measure. His colleagues note that he “teaches, mentors and influences in a quiet, unassuming manner that generates the trust and respect of each and every student with whom he works.” Outside the classroom, Jones has offered his…
Otterbein Professor Connects Alumna with Internship that Turned into Full-Time Job
News - March 11, 2022
Bridget Oder ’23 Rachel Fish '21 Rachel Fish graduated from Otterbein in December 2021 with a major in public relations. Staying in touch with her professors led to an internship and, eventually, a full-time position. Senior Instructor Dan Steinberg knew Fish was interested in working in graphic design. He sent her a job posting for an assistant graphic designer with Sports Imports, a volleyball equipment and design firm. She applied, interviewed, and got the position. While working as an…Programs of Study in Communication
B.A.
Communication Studies
B.A.
Health Communication
B.A.
Journalism & Media Communication
B.A.
Public Relations
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conley6@otterbein.edu
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