The Communication Studies Society is a brand new, student-led professional development society. The idea was presented last year by department head Dr. Brian Ott. Ott was inspired by a similar group at his previous university, Texas Tech, and felt the society would be an asset to Missouri State’s communication department. The goal of the Communication Studies Society is to offer professional development opportunities for majors and minors through programming and networking with alumni.

The society has only had one meeting so far, one of two set up by Ott for students to elect their president and vice president. Kayla Thayer has been elected as president and will help shape the group once the elections end. It will then be up to the students to structure any further meetings. Thayer’s focus as society president is largely on strengthening the personal and professional relationships between professors and students. She plans to hold a faculty get-to-know-you session at a future meeting. Thayer reports that the turnout for the first two meetings was great and she hopes to continue that momentum.

The Communication Studies Society does not currently have a social media presence, but anyone interested in joining is encouraged to reach out Kayla Thayer for more information.