Launching a legacy for student excellence and success through dynamic state-of-the-art experiential learning experiences for career readiness

ATLANTA - Oct. 10, 2023 - PRLog -- Atlanta native and class of 2001 alumna Shavonne Reed joins the inaugural Professional Advisory Board (PAB) for the University of West Georgia's School of Communication, Film, and Media (SCFM).

The PAB is a diverse group of leading communication, film, and media professionals committed to supporting and realizing the School's vision and goals. As an established industry leader, Reed has experience across all media platforms, including television broadcast news, radio, newspaper and digital media. She has worked for WSB TV Channel 2, one of the nation's top ABC affiliates, and Cox Media's Atlanta Journal-Constitution. During college, she was afforded many opportunities to explore the major media hubs, beyond Atlanta to include Los Angeles and New York in her career planning.

Reed was the recipient of the Thomas R. Luck, Jr Scholarship in 2000, a student research assistantship, a finalist in the highly competitive Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Student Internship in 2000, and a participant in the IRTS NY Summer fellowship program. She also completed internships at Fox 5 Atlanta, and Atlanta's Audacy Radio WVEE/WAOK. She was recognized at Media Day 2001 for her outstanding accomplishments in broadcast journalism and was invited back as a 2005 Media Day panelist.

"When I received the invitation from Dean Yates, I was hesitant, because I have so many initiatives going on right now. However, I am so glad I embraced this opportunity to give back to the next generation of eager students trying to find their way in the communication, film, and media industries," says Reed.

Reed will bring her expertise to the PAB and will work closely with senior administration to guide, advise, and facilitate positive change in the School's curriculum, experiential learning opportunities, and partnership activities so students graduate with portfolios that showcase their professional knowledge and skills, giving them a competitive edge in the industry.

"It was an alumna–Shanya Chaivs-Rucker–who provided mentoring to me as I embarked on my college education. I valued her advice and input so much, and now I am motivated to do the same, especially when I see my ambition in the eyes and hearts of students like 2023 graduate London Hornsby," further explains Reed.

The PAB gathered on the vibrant UWG campus on Friday, October 6, embarking on a thrilling day filled with immersive experiences. Their journey began with a dynamic kick-off meeting, setting the tone for what was to come. Reed took the news desk for old times sake. Check out her trip down memory lane feature <iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/872773597?h=aa4c3cb4c6" width="640" height="564" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowfullscreen></iframe>.

With curiosity as their compass, they embarked on a fascinating tour of the Schools' state-of-the-art multimedia facilities, where innovation knows no bounds. The pulsating energy of the School became palpable as they interacted with the esteemed faculty, dedicated staff, and talented students. Each encounter was a window into the rich tapestry of the university's culture of excellence.

The day culminated with the eagerly anticipated Media Night, an intimate gathering that would etch itself into the memories of all of the attendees. Among the luminaries who graced the evening stage were the charismatic UWG President, Dr. Brendan Kelly, the visionary Dean Bradford Yates, and the accomplished alumnus, Darryl Forge, who now shines as an anchor at WDSU, NBC News in New Orleans. The gathering also highlighted the generous donor and proud alumna, Amanda Lucy, a prominent local business owner, and the lifeblood of the university–current students.

In the spotlight, Daisy Gonzales Castaneda, a recipient of the prestigious Amanda Lucey Endowed Scholarship, shared her heartfelt journey. She illustrated how the SCFM had empowered her to break new ground, becoming the first in her family to achieve such heights. Her remarkable achievement? Hosting the inaugural Hispanic newscast for WUTV, the beloved local student-run cable television station.

For Reed, these stories resonated deeply. She vividly recalls her own transformative journey at UWG, which laid the foundation for her successful career and the flourishing marketing firm she now leads. She hosted a talk show and was a regular on the local news. "Access to equipment and software gave me and my classmates a competitive advantage. It is important to continue to evolve the available resources with the latest technology for students to continue to be competitive. I currently host the Future Health NOW podcast and to see the studio set up for this on campus was a breath of fresh air," explains Reed.

In the heart of this bustling campus, the PAB found not just an institution but a vibrant tapestry of stories, ambitions, and dreams—a place where past, present, and future intersect, forging a legacy of excellence that continues to inspire.

The school offers two bachelor of science degrees – one in mass communications and another in film and video production – and four concentrations in the general degree of convergence journalism, digital media, and communication, film and video production, and public relations. The school also offers three minors, a Nexus program, and two certificates–Communication in the Workplace and Health Communication.

Experiential learning is an integral part of earning a communications credential at UWG, with students gaining real-world experience in a variety of settings: the Bluestone Student Public Relations Firm; The West Georgian student newspaper; the WOLF Internet Radio; and WUTV.

Reed currently runs a OPUA Agency, a global marketing communications and media firm and is a professional speaker, coach, author and education advocate. She is enthusiastic about playing a vital role in advancing the mission of establishing UWG as the top-choice destination for students. Learn more about her on LinkedIn and <iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/678823375?h=a09c4f2632" width="640" height="564" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Learn more about Reed's purpose driven mission <iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/828260017?h=49d0857d54" width="640" height="564" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowfullscreen></iframe>.