From left, Nathan Maze, Kendall Deas, Julia Fuller, and Joshua Hall
Four students in the Communication Studies, MA program at Bob Jones University were asked to present their research papers at the Carolinas Communication Association’s conference at Furman University. However, Hurricane Helene’s aftermath forced Furman University to postpone the annual meeting.
In the weeks leading up to the conference, Julia Fuller said, “Coming into grad school, I wanted opportunities to stretch my skills and be able to get out of my comfort zone.” Julia’s research looked into the Ukrainian perspective on the ongoing war. Julia said, “While I am nervous, I love getting to know other people and have been looking forward to this for several months!”
All four students wrote academically rigorous papers addressing questions of communication studies. Joshua Hall, whose paper explored how Gen Z college students think about the future, said, “Learning to see communication biblically really just means learning to see people biblically.”
Kendall Deas, who looked at how German expatriates express their cultural identity, said, “When seeking to build Christlike relationships, one cornerstone is understanding where someone comes from and knowing about their struggles.” He sees that communication research is more than an academic study because it can benefit the body of Christ.
The students will share their findings with students and academics from different universities. Hall said, “I’m excited to share my findings with friends and faculty from both BJU and other places. It’s exciting to see my research actually go somewhere!”
Nathan Maze, who wrote about Christian values in the filmmaking industry, said, “Even though it’s been a hard and tedious process, I feel hopeful and optimistic about my presentation!”
Fuller said, “I look forward to meeting professors and students in the communication field.” Asked how the MA in Communication Studies program prepared her for writing research and presenting, Fuller pointed to Dr. Jeffrey Miller. “I learned so much about how to apply what I was learning in the classroom.
Maze said, “The opportunity to present my research last semester to peers and faculty gave me the support and confidence to discuss my research effectively.”
Deas added, “When you have complex ideas you need to get down on paper, Dr. Mendoza is always an amazing help.”
The students hope the conference goes forward. Deas said, “I am looking forward to presenting, but I also hope the audience will have intriguing questions.”
These students are learning to be skilled communicators and to glorify God through their academic discipline. Whatever the conference outcome, Hall said, “I’m glad I’m able to ‘study people’ from a perspective that promotes people and sees them as being made in the image of God.”
Are you interested in learning more about the MA in Communication Studies? Please reach out to Dr. Mary Mendoza, program coordinator, at [email protected].
