Email memo:
To: Kimberly Keller, Dorothy Bland, Larry Powell, Brittany McElroy, Caleb Reed
From: Sierra Roberson
Date: Nov. 5, 2024
Subject: Denton High School recruitment day
There will be an event held at Denton High School on Friday Dec.6. Some of the Mayborn School of Journalism professors will be speaking to sophomores, juniors and seniors about the program at the University of North Texas. The majority of the students that will be in attendance are Hispanics. The Hispanic student population is male and 53% are at a disadvantage economically. The professors want to encourage these high school students to look into the degree program and explore different career opportunities.
From Sycamore Hall. You will turn right onto Avenue C, then in five miles make a left on Scripture street. In six miles when you reach the roundabout, take the first exit onto north Bonnie Brae street. Afterwards turn left in two miles onto Bronco Way and in three miles you will turn into the parking lot. You will have arrived at Denton High School. 3001 Bronco Way, Denton TX
The agenda
9:50 a.m.-10:00 a.m.: Students are entering the school auditorium and finding seats
10:00 a.m.-10:05 a.m.: Principal Joel Hays will deliver welcome message and introduce the UNT faculty
10:06 a.m.-10:11 a.m.: Dorothy Bland, Ph.D. (print and digital journalism)
10:12a.m.-10:17 a.m.: Kim Keller (PR)
10:19 a.m.-10:24 a.m.: Larry Powell (advertising)
10:26 a.m.-10:31 a.m.: Brittany McElroy (broadcast journalism)
10:33 a.m.-10:40 a.m.: Caleb Reed (overview of UNT, scholarships, financial aid and how to apply
10:42 a.m.-11:00 a.m.: Small groups (students will meet with the professors for group Q&A)
Please prepare your speeches and be ready to answer any questions about your programs, career field and UNT
Denton Chamber of Commerce Event Speech
Good Morning everyone. I am pleased to be speaking with you today. My name is Kim Keller. I am a professor at the University of North Texas. I am here to talk about pursuing a degree in journalism with a concentration in public relations (PAUSE). The Mayborn School of Journalism program offers courses to help you strengthen your writing skills along with getting firsthand experience through internships. You will be equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to be successful. Professors like myself, help students get prepared for working in this career field.
Does anyone have a clue as to what public relations is? (PAUSE FOR ANSWERS) Well, it is a communication process to help build relationships between organizations and groups of people. Do you have a favorite brand that you like? (RAISE HAND) I have a couple I like. You might not have noticed, but those brands have developed a relationship with you. They use skills and tactics to keep you engaged. You might even notice your favorite brands will use social media. Social media is a tool that helps keep you engaged with the brand by posting content, engaging with the followers, and keeping everyone up to date with what is going on within the company.
The world of public relations is growing. We are connected to companies within the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex area. You will have the chance to intern with some of these companies in the surrounding area. Here at U-N-T, you will be connected with professors who have gone through the same process as you. (HAND GESTURE TO CHEST). I have 30 years of in-the-field experience. I spent most of my professional career with FedEx in its community relations, employee communications and sales and marketing communications divisions. I also have experience teaching journalism and public relations courses at other colleges around Dallas and the University of Memphis. Some students struggle writing in Associated Press style. Does anyone here struggle with your writing skills? (RAISE HAND). The school offers tutoring resources. They are there to help you with your writing and grammar skills. I almost forgot to mention; they are free! (PAUSE)
When starting out in public relations, your starting salary is going to be around $45,000 (PAUSE). There are also many different avenues you can choose from in the world of public relations. You can work with nonprofits. Act as a spokesperson. Get involved in crisis communications, investor relations, healthcare, sports and entertainment (PAUSE FOR QUESTIONS). Some skills that you’ll develop are public speaking skills, photography skills, design and videography. While working in public relations can become overwhelming, there are some important traits that the field requires. Some of those traits are calmness under pressure, adherence to deadlines and the ability to talk and listen to people. The school provides different organizations to help gain more knowledge of public relations as a career and help you build your network. Your network will come from people in these organizations, your professors, and your classmates. I urge you to find something that peaks your interest and start connecting with people along the way.
Thank you all for allowing me to speak with you. I hope that this information that I have shared serves you well. You all have been an amazing audience. For more information about our program, feel free to come speak with me afterwards. I am here to answer all the questions you may have. You can also get more information from U-N-T’s journalism webpage. Follow us on Instagram at U-N-T dot mayborn (STAND) Thank you. (EXIT STAGE)
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