Spring 2026 Great Things are Happening in the OC Communication Department
Distinguished Professor of Mass Communication Dr. Philip Patterson’s textbook receives longevity award
Distinguished Professor of Mass Communication Dr. Philip Patterson’s textbook “Media Ethics: Issues and Cases” has been awarded the 2026 Textbook & Academic Authors Association McGuffey Longevity Award! This award is given to works that have proved their value over an extended period of time. His co-authored textbook was originally published in 1991 and is now in its 11th edition. “Media Ethics” is only the second media book honored in the history of the award. Congratulations, Dr. Patterson!
Eagle PR students host Media Madness Campaign
OC’s student-run PR firm, Eagle PR, recently hosted Newsroom Draft Night to promote their spring campaign, Media Madness! The event took place in The Brew on Feb. 17 to promote ACCESS Newswire’s EDU program to OC faculty as a part of the Public Relations Student Society of America’s annual Bateman competition. We are so glad our students are applying their coursework to a real client with real audiences, reinforcing OC’s commitment to hands-on, career-focused education. Way to go, Eagle PR! Learn more about Eagle PR’s campaign and their event from OC’s student-led newspaper, The Talon, here: tinyurl.com/EPRevent
Professor of Communication Dr. David Lowry named as faculty instructor for the Educator’s Leadership Academy
Did you know Professor of Communication Dr. David Lowry is also a faculty instructor for the Educators’ Leadership Academy? Based out of the University of Oklahoma, ELA provides opportunities for professional growth, mentoring, and the building of collaborative networks among college educators. Dr. Lowry is one of five ELA faculty who mentored 14 higher education professionals from across the state this year. Congratulations, Dr. Lowry! Read more about the academy here: tinyurl.com/ucoacademy
Eagle PR Co-Director Madeline Roberts chosen as semi-finalist for Washington Media Scholars Media Case Competition
Our students are soaring to success at OC! Madeline Roberts, a Communication student and Co-Director of OC’s student-run PR firm Eagle PR, was chosen as a semi-finalist for the Washington Media Scholars Media Case competition! This national competition encompasses three rounds, ending in a finale where the top teams present their case in Washington, D.C. What an incredible achievement! Learn more from OC’s student-led newspaper, The Talon: tinyurl.com/WMSFsemifinalist
Journalism alumna and Oklahoma Journal Hall of Fame member Dawn Shelton interviewed by The Talon
OC’s student-led newspaper, The Talon, recently interviewed Dawn Shelton, a member of the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame and an OC Journalism alumna! Dawn was the News Director for KOCC, OC’s own radio station, and graduated from OC in 1990. She went on to work for KTOK and then transitioned into PR and news. She now runs the Luther Register News so that her neighbors can know what is going on in their community. Keep up the great work, Dawn! Read the full interview from The Talon here: tinyurl.com/Talon-Shelton
Communication major Alyx Logan wins state award at Oklahoma Collegiate DECA Competition
Congratulations to Communication major Alyx Logan for winning a state award at the Oklahoma Collegiate DECA Competition and qualifying for the DECA International Career Development Conference this November! We’re proud to see students using their skills to succeed at the state level and move on to a national competition. Way to represent OC, Alyx! Read more from OC’s student-run newspaper, The Talon, here:tinyurl.com/alyxaward