Vaun Monroe: Bolstering Directing & Screenwriting

Marking a transformative addition to Southern Oregon University’s major in Digital Cinema, the Communication, Media & Cinema program is thrilled to announce the arrival of Vaun Monroe on campus. Newly hired as an assistant professor, Monroe begins in the Fall of 2022 as the program’s third full-time faculty member in Digital Cinema.

Esports Matter: Precious Yamaguchi, Competitive Video Gaming, Booming Market

A few years ago, the economic value of watching other people play videogames might have seemed like a losing proposition. But the global esports market exceeded $1 billion in 2019, and by some accounts is expected to grow at an average rate of 24 percent for the rest of the decade.

From Oregon to Ghana and Back: Erik Palmer’s 2019–20 year in West Africa

Just where was Erik Palmer last year? Instead of his usual gig serving as the Communication Program’s chair and teaching courses such as Strategic Social Media, Creative Industries and Design Thinking, Dr. Palmer completed a sabbatical year in Ghana, supported by a Fulbright award from the U.S. State Department.

Student Spotlight: Mattie Motz

Southern Oregon University Communication major Mattie Motz has been named captain of the Raiderettes dance team for the second year in a row.

Faculty Focus: Melissa Matthewson Book Launch

Communication program instructor Melissa Matthewson celebrated the release of her new book, Tracing the Desire Line, with readings in Jacksonville and Ashland earlier this month.

Faculty Focus: Jess Columbo Teaches Strategic Social Media

The Communication program at Southern Oregon University has offered a course in Strategic Social Media since 2015, but our section of COMM323 in the Spring of 2019 added a new twist: prominent Portland-based social media strategist Jess Columbo joined our faculty to teach an online version of the popular course.

Creative Entrepreneurship: COMM424

Here’s what Southern Oregon University’s course in Creative Entrepreneurship boils down to, nurturing passionate and creative entrepreneurs who want to make a difference.

Communication Studies Minor Degree: Now Offered Fully Online!

Starting in 2019, SOU students can complete a minor in Communication Studies fully online! These online courses provide flexibility as you complete your SOU degree, while also helping you to navigate your career and family life.

Cool Courses: Advanced Broadcast Journalism Production

Picture a course so compelling that students never want it to end. That happened last term as student journalists came together to make three live newscasts in Advanced Broadcast Journalism Production.

Creative Careers Bootcamp: Get the Inside Scoop on Portland’s Best Employers

For the fifth consecutive year, Communication program professor Erik Palmer will be leading SOU students on a wide-ranging career safari to Portland.