August 14, 2023
I am honored to be stepping in as Gaylord’s interim dean with the retirement of Ed Kelley. I know some of you from classes I’ve taught over the years such as Journalism Ethics and News Editing, or from my time as director of graduate studies and later associate dean. As the longest-serving current faculty member in Gaylord, I’ve been part of great change and growth in the college. Through it all, I remain in awe of the talent, innovation and creativity of our students and faculty – and the outstanding accomplishments of our alumni.
August 14, 2023
When you read this, I will be retired from Gaylord College and The University of Oklahoma. Some thoughts on the subject. Little did I know that returning to my hometown and The University of Oklahoma in 2015 – after being away 28 years – would be so rewarding. Thank you, Ed Kelley, for making that happen. After much deep reflection, and the passing of a best friend, I have decided to retire effective, May 15th.
August 14, 2023
It’s bittersweet that I announce I’m leaving Gaylord College after nearly two years. If you told me when I was graduating with my journalism degree in 2015 that I would have the opportunity to work for the best college on campus years later, I wouldn’t have believed it.
Hello to all Gaylord Students and faculty! As you may know, the purpose of the Gaylord College Alumni Association board (formerly the JayMac board) is to support our students and to engage with our alumni. We strive to evolve and improve in all we do, and part of that improvement involved a review of our board structure and goals.
The board is made up of the following members: Greg Bilbrey, Sundee Busby, Will Cornelius, Kari Dawkins, Drake Diacon, Katelyn Foster, Maci French, Kelley Gann, Kristin Hincke, Addison Kliewer, Katy Koontz, Erin Lewis, Matt Marks, Rachel Meltzer, Quinlan Parrish, Lee Reynolds, Caeli Rice, Chante Sexton, Lauren Szmutko, Curt Watson, Kelly Watson, and Ryan Welton, who became president of the board this summer.
The board has been divided into two working committees: Internal Communications, headed by Kristin Hincke, and External Communications, led by Katy Koontz (past president of the board). This new plan will engage all members of the board with meaningful duties and responsibilities. We are energized and looking forward to growth and much success. Boomer Sooner!
Sundee Busby
Class of 2000
Sundee.Busby@obi.org
August 14, 2023
“Everyone has a story to tell; some are just better at telling it than others.” This sentiment guides many Gaylord students as they hone their craft during undergrad. For Jackson Conner, it led him to be named Gaylord College’s 2022 Outstanding Senior.
August 14, 2023
Jensen Moore, Ph.D., has been elected the 2023 Chair of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Educators Academy. The Educators Academy is a group of 300-plus public relations educators who dedicate their time to improving public relations instruction and training, conducting research that contributes to the understanding of public relations practice, and advancing the profession through educator resources and events.
August 14, 2023
If you're a fan of all-things Oklahoma Sooners-related, there is a 100 percent chance you've seen SoonerVision at work. Created 26 years ago, SoonerVision is the video production arm of OU Athletics. They run the video boards for multiple OU sports, but they also produce coaches shows, weekly magazine shows, and press conferences. To top it off, they're responsible for a myriad of on-demand sports video on SoonerSports.tv as well.
August 14, 2023
Workplace superlatives abound for Oklahoma-based Paycom Software, Inc., innovators of easy-to-use HR and payroll technology, from a recent most-trusted company accolade, a top-workplace ranking, and a spot on Newsweek’s list of best workplaces for diversity. Gaylord College is well-represented at Paycom, too. We recently asked several Paycom employees to talk about their time at Gaylord, the college’s impact on their careers thus far and what Gaylord students and alumni should know about Paycom.
GCAA CONTACT
Ryan Welton
President
ryanwelton@gmail.com
Kristin Hincke
Internal Communications Chair
kristin@hinckeconsulting.com
Katy Koontz
External Communications Chair
katykoontz@ou.edu
LEADERSHIP
David Craig
Interim Dean, Gaylord College
Ryan Welton
President, Gaylord College Alumni Association
Breann Miller
Director of Development, Gaylord College
GIVING
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