Academic Writings
By Andrea Rakushin Lee,Farinaz Dastpish, Monique Freemon & Jalesa Parks
Abstract: The aim of this phenomenological study was to explore South Korean university students’ views of the importance of intercultural communication. It also sought to obtain participant recommendations on how to improve awareness of intercultural communication in their personal lives, on campus, and in society. Intercultural communicative competence is becoming increasingly important as the world becomes more interconnected online and through intercultural exchanges that take place in a variety of capacities. This study was conducted during the spring semester of 2020 at a university in central South Korea. Participants included 14 South Korean university students who were enrolled in an intercultural communication class that was conducted online and designed for English language learners. Data comprised individual interviews, a focus group, and essays. Data analysis centred on examining commonalities and key statements made by participants. In terms of why it is important to study intercultural communication, results highlighted the need for people to be understanding and knowledgeable about diverse cultures, have respect for other people and cultures, and ensure that past intercultural conflict does not happen in the future. Students provided a wide range of recommendations for improving their awareness of intercultural communication. This paper concludes with practical implications.
By Monique Freemon & Lori Amber Roessner
Abstract: This manuscript seeks to recover and properly recognize the public relations efforts of social justice crusader Daisy Gatson Bates (1914–99), the co-owner of the Arkansas State Press and a state-level NAACP organizer, during the early years of the civil rights movement. The purpose of this study is to intervene in the “Great (White) Man’s” account of public relations history by documenting the public relations tactics that Daisy Bates implemented in her advocacy campaign for school integration, analyzing the motivations behind her deployment of the tactics, and evaluating the successes and failures of her strategies. To engage in that endeavor, we analyzed available archival sources, including correspondence between Bates and the NAACP housed at the University of Arkansas and the Library of Congress. We also examined other primary sources, such as official records of the Associated Press, published memoirs of Bates and Melba Pattillo Beals, published editorials in the local Arkansas State Press, and newspaper coverage in White mainstream national news outlets and the Black press, including circulation leaders such as the New York Times and Chicago Defender.
Abstract: The purpose of this dissertation was to explore the experiences of Black/African American undergraduate journalism students with in predominantly White institutional (PWIs) journalism classrooms and student newsrooms. By fusing Critical Race Theory (CRT) and phenomenology, this study examined the essence of Black/African American undergraduate journalism students lived experiences while attending a PWI journalism program in the southeastern region of the United States. I conducted qualitative phenomenological interviews and observations twice with 10 Black/African American undergraduate students enrolled in four PWI journalism programs in the Southeastern Conference and engaged in reflective memoing/journaling while conducting a thematic analysis. Moreover, this study considered how the dominant (not superior) White race may affect students’ experiences and how Black/African American students experience Whiteness and covert and overt racism in the journalism classroom and student newsroom. Through an exhaustive qualitative thematic analysis, I interpreted one theme, five subthemes and 16 categories. The overarching theme of the data corpus is called “Living in the Bubble.” This holistic theme provides a framework and a deeper insight into the collective experience of how Black/African American undergraduate journalism students construct their reality based on experiences within these PWI journalism schools, classrooms, and student newsrooms. There were many overlapping factors affecting their experiences such as the need for better financial support and work/life balance; increased promotion of Black student-run publications; provide safe spaces for Black students to be themselves, to belong, and to embrace creative freedom; hiring more Black faculty members, who could be eventual mentors; and for White faculty members to understand their experiences and be allies. Overall, their experience is a performance to survived this predominantly White environment. The students are simply adapting to their situated environments; thus, it is not their fault for wanting to survive, thrive, and be successful post-graduation. The findings of this study provide a deeper perspective about the experiences of Black/African American undergraduate journalism students and offering long-term solutions to better the experiences for future generations. (NOTE: The full-text of this Dissertation is currently under embargo. It will be available for download on Saturday, August 01, 2026.)
For my master's project, I decided to create a magazine of original content and design. I titled it MOXY because it mean you got guts. It is a multicultural, women's magazine. Celebrating women of all ages, races, and in various fields (STEM, politics, fashion, literature, etc.). During May 2013, I stayed in Prague for 3-weeks as part of the study abroad program for International Journalism.“A Different World” (pp. 65 – 67)
This article was on my experience at Nashville's 2012 Fashion Week.
“Social Media” (pp. 64 – 65)
Oversharing on social media is rapidly growing into an annoying beast.
“Mass Media’s Influence on Body Image” (pp. 95 – 99)
Does the media reflect society of society reflect media? Ever since our preteen years, our bodies have always been a topic in our minds.
“Theme Park Survival Guide”.......pp. 62 – 64
I've been to many theme parks. So to save everyone else a headache, here are my tips to survive.
“Tips for College Graduation” (pp. 60 - 61)
I've also graduated a few times, so a lot things have become routine.
“16 Fall Must Haves” (pp. 41 - 42)
I love fall because I can experiment with different fashion styles.
This edition of The All State is a series of stories covering the rebuilding of Riverside Drive, which was destroyed by the May 2009 Flood.
“Flood affected unseen parts of Clarksville”.......pp. 2 & 16
“Former mayor reflects on recovery plan”.......p. 3
“Patience proved difficult during renovations”.......p. 5
“Andy’s opened quickly to fill medications”.......pp. 6 & 15
“Hidden Gem celebrates recovery, anniversary”.......pp. 7 & 15
“Mom, pop shop’ still going strong”.......pp. 12 & 14
These were a series of stories for my Advance Media Reporting course. As per requirement, we had to write a story and include videos. Sometimes we included photos too. Other stories include more than assignments from my Advance Media Reporting course.
Adam Brown Social Media Command Center Blog
Currently, I am a graduate assistant for the Adam Brown Social Media Command Center blog. Each week for the academic semester, we had to write a 400-600 word blog about various social media trends. We had to also combine our writing with data from Salesforce social listening software. Below are links to the archives on UTK's website. Note that the archives do not have any bylines or has a byline of "Courtney Childers" who is the head of the center. Additionally, the photo links are broken due to UTK's servers.
The 2019 MTV Video Music Awards honored Missy Elliot with the Vanguard Award at the New Jersey Prudential Center Aug. 26...
Sept. 17 was #TravelTuesday were social media user posted photos of themselves on vacations, in different countries or experiencing new cultures attached with the hashtag...
Sept. 10 was #WorldSuicidePreventionDay where people shared their personal stories of dealing with suicide on various social media platforms...
A Catholic school in Nashville, Tennessee has removed the “Harry Potter” book series from their library, according to The Tennessean...
Many are calling for a boycott of The New York Times after the publication revealed the identity of the whistleblower in the President Trump-Ukraine scandal...
Botham Shem Jean was an avid churchgoer and a 26-year-old accountant at PriceWaterhouseCoopers. According to CBS 11 News, he was a church singer and beloved church member at Dallas West Church of Christ...
Atatiana Jefferson had an “indescribable” relationship with her nephews, according to Amber Carr, Jefferson’s sister, in an CNN interview...
A new contender has entered the streaming boxing ring. The Walt Disney Company launched its much anticipated Disney+ (also spelled DisneyPlus) streaming service Nov. 12...
According to Britannica, Robert Catesby, Thomas Winter, Thomas Percy, John Wright and Guy Fawkes plotted to blow up Parliament and King James I. Then later on, John Grant, Ambrose Rokewood, Robert Keyes, Sir Everard Digby, Francis Tresham and Thomas Bates joined the plot. Their ultimate goal was for the English Catholics to take control of Protestant England...
November 19 was International Men’s Day, which celebrates “the positive value men bring to the world, their families and communities,” according to their website. Even more so, the day provides global discussions about men’s and boy’s health, improve gender relations and equality, highlighting positive male role models and dismantle toxic masculinity...
In the midst of mourning the loss of NBA legend, Kobe Bryant, there was a positive that emerged from this sudden tragedy, the hashtag #girldad...
These words were spoken at a time when Black Americans were considered second-class citizens in a nation they were forced to build. Unfortunately, this sentiment is still prevalent in contemporary society...
It is the most wonderful time of the year… White Oscar nominations! Announcers Issa Rae (writer, producer and actress) and John Cho (actor and producer) announced 24 predominantly White Oscar categories Jan. 13 via live stream on Oscar.com...
Sony Picture Animations released a short film title “Hair Love” Dec. 6. The 6 minute short chronicles the relationship between an African American father, Stephen, who learns how to style his daughter’s, Zuri, hair...
Lynching in the U.S. is now considered a federal crime. The U.S. House passed H.R. 35 or the Emmett Till Antilynching Act in a 410-to-4 vote Feb. 26, according to The Washington Post...
Ted was born March 2, 1904 to the son of German immigrants. He had a love for all art forms such as sculpting, oil painting and illustration...
The Obama Foundation concluded their third annual summit in Chicago Oct. 29. The two-day summit from Oct. 28-Oct. 29, focused on how home and place can help young leaders use and build foundations to create change...
Based on that line, some are speculating an unexpected death of the beloved droid. But, the most important thing to remember is this will be the last film in the main series. Just let that sink in...
Michelle Obama is known for encouraging young people to vote since 2008. She has spoken on multiple occasions about the importance of voting, but she frequently uses social to increase awareness...
Yesterday we celebrated not only the Parks’ birthday and Black History Month, but many other Black women who inspired others to challenge White supremacy in America. The total post volume was 138,000 with 137,900 posts from Twitter. Many focused on Parks’ birthday, hidden figures and showed leaders as everyday people who were frustrated with a racist system. The sentiment score was 76.9 percent positive...
In the early hours of March 3, the greater Nashville area was devastated by an estimated EF-3 tornado. Governor Bill Lee confirmed 25 people were killed and hundreds hospitalized, however, officials are still assessing the damage...
Prepare yourselves…proms and graduations are canceled, toilet paper is disappearing from the shelves, panic buying is occurring, celebrities are making awkward videos about hand-washing and engaging in tone-deaf group singing, people are fighting over cleaning products, there is an increase of racial discrimination and violence against Asian and Asian Americans,...
