Unity in Communications
Unity in Communications
The School of Communications’ on-campus initiative supports students interested in enhancing diversity and inclusion in the communications and sport management industries. With support from the dean’s office, the student-run program organizes lectures, discussions and other special activities.
Mission Statement
Elon University’s Unity in Communications program aims to support students of color and LGBTQ students, while promoting diversity and inclusion within the School of Communications.
Student Application for Diversity & Inclusion Conferences
The School of Communications is committed to providing financial support and opportunities for students with diverse backgrounds. One such avenue for support is attending national conferences that allow students to network and learn from minority professionals who are engaged in meaningful work related to communication and sport.
The school offers limited funds to support students from diverse backgrounds to attend an affinity conference related to a school-related discipline. For more information, read the Student Application for Diversity & Inclusion Conferences.
Photos
Examples of Affinity Communication/Sport Management Organizations
- National Association for Multi-Ethnicity in Communications
- ColorComm
- National Association of Black Journalists
- Asian American Journalists Association
- National Association of Hispanic Journalists
- Native American Journalists Association
- South Asian Journalists Association
- Vision Maker Media (Native Storytelling for Public Broadcasting)
- Rada Film Group
- International Communication Association
- Association for Women in Sports Media
- The Emma Bowen Foundation
- T. Howard Foundation
- Women in Cable Telecommunications
- Walter Kaitz Foundation
- National Black Public Relations Society
- NLGJA (National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association)
- Athlete Ally’s Student Athlete Activism Summit
- ADCOLOR
- Hispanicize
Past events
- March 4, 2021: Adam Pawlus, who serves in the top staff post of the National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association, addressed the history of LGBTQ news coverage, intersectionality in newsrooms, and how the organization can support student journalists.
- Jan. 19, 2021: Ross Wade, senior associate director of career services in the School of Communications, hosted an informational session titled “Taking Advantage of Virtual Internships.”
- Oct. 22, 2020: Adam Giardino, a broadcaster with the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, spoke to students about his start in the broadcasting industry and his role as president of the Black Play-by-Play Broadcaster Grant and Scholarship Fund.
- Oct. 20, 2020: Cornelius Muller ’93 participated in a virtual dinner, discussing his inspiration and the challenges he overcame to start his North Carolina-based film company.
- Sept. 15, 2020: Kari Taylor ’09, Elon University’s deputy chief of staff, spoke to students during an online meeting about her experience as a woman of color in the television and film industries.
- March 31, 2020: Media relations expert Cathy Renna, the first national news director of GLAAD, visited with students virtually, discussing diversity in the media industry and having a voice in the workplace.
- Feb. 26, 2020: Mike Fernandez, recently named CCO of energy company Enbridge, served as the guest speaker at a February Unity in Communications dinner.
- Nov. 11, 2019: Kim Hunter, one of the PR industry’s strongest advocates for diversity, spoke to students at a Unity in Communications dinner.
Adviser