Department of Communication

You may wonder why we call ourselves the Department of Communication and not Communications.

The simple answer is that we use the term “communication” to reflect our department’s focus on the humanistic and social scientific study of communication—specifically, the process by which humans use symbols, verbal and nonverbal, to create meaning and form relationships with other humans in face-to-face or mediated environments. This is the essence of what we teach, research, and do in our department.

“Communications,” in contrast, is often used to refer to the products—the messages that are transmitted or distributed—or to the equipment (like wireless or fiber optic cables) that conducts the transmission. While these are integral elements of communication study, they do not form the basis for our program. People tend to use the terms interchangeably, and even some communication departments use communications with the "s." But we prefer “communication” to emphasize our focus on the humanistic and social scientific study of communication rather than the more applied “art” of communicating.

Communication majors may qualify for three donor-funded scholarships created to support the dreams of aspiring Communication professionals. Below are links that share the background, eligibility and student selection procedures of these funds. 

The Marilyn Schultz Memorial Endowed Scholarship

• 2021–2022 Recipient - Carla Pineda ’22
• 2022–2023 Recipient - Olivia Schneider ’23
• 2023–2024 Recipient - Claire Elizabeth Lawrence ’24

The Innes Mitchell Endowed Scholarship for Excellence in Communication

• 2021–2022 Recipient - Katya Melchor ’22
• 2022–2023 Recipient - Kaitlyn “Katy” Van Zandt ’23
• 2023–2024 Recipient - Bailey Kathryn Armosky ’24

The Marion Albert Leadership Annual Scholarship

2023–2024 Recipients

• Emily Sophia Pesina 
• Amanda Castillon Ramirez
• Isa M Luna

Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA)

The Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) is all about making connections. This pre-professional organization helps students be at the right place at the right time and launch careers. The PRSSA Chapter at St. Edward’s University has a distinct advantage of being in the heart of Austin, Texas.

The City of Austin continues to offer promising job prospects in the growing technology infrastructure, entertainment industry, government sector, and medical and science fields. Our Chapter provides out-of-the-classroom experiences that give students enhanced knowledge of the public relations field.  Members have access to:

• Exclusive internships and job postings
• Networking events with local professionals
• Personalized agency and corporation tours
• Fun social events

Faculty Advisor: Dr. Nancy Reiter-Salisbury

PRSSA Email: prssa@yingla.net

Lambda Pi Eta (LPH)

Lambda Pi Eta (LPH) is the National Communication Association’s official honor society at four-year colleges and universities. LPH has more than 450 active chapters at four-year colleges and universities nationwide. 

Lambda Pi Eta is designed to:

• Recognize, foster and reward scholastic achievement
• Stimulate interest in the field of communication
• Promote professional development and interest in graduate studies among communication majors

Faculty Advisor: Dr. Teresita (Tere) Garza

Topper Radio

Topper Radio is a student-run radio station that serves as an active channel of communication for students and faculty of St. Edward’s University to express the university’s values of high individuality through music, open dialogue and entertainment.

Topper Studios

A creative film-making club for students interested in any aspect of film production.

Topper TV

Topper TV is a student-run broadcast network that offers entertainment for viewers at St. Edward’s University. They can be found on YouTube, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, where they provide news updates.

Majors and Minors Fair

The Majors & Minors Fair is an excellent opportunity for departments to connect with first, second year, and transfer students. This event is also a great chance for students to meet faculty and learn more about each major and minor offered in their School.

Brother Dunstan Bowles Persuasive Speaking Contest

The Brother Dunstan Bowles Persuasive Speaking Contest is held in honor of Brother Dunstan Bowles, who was famous for his dramas, humor, and dedication to faith. The contest is usually held in October and is open to all students at St. Edward's University. Students perform in front of a panel of judges and a live audience. Each contestant must present an original seven to eight-minute persuasive speech on a current social problem and advocate for change. Cash prizes are awarded to the first, second, and third place winners, but all contestants who participate will receive a certificate for their participation.

The Communication Speaker Series

The Communication Speaker Series features esteemed communicators--thinkers, artists, and doers--leading through exemplary scholarship in the field and/or creative expression. The program supports the mission of the university and the Communication department by promoting lifelong learning and encouraging the pursuit of social justice through exchange and collaboration. Attendees are introduced to social and cultural issues from unique perspectives and are challenged to think critically about their own. Attendees will enjoy an opportunity to engage in a question and answer session with featured speakers.

Conferences

Communication majors who have completed high quality research and are interested in attending the National Communication Association (NCA) or Southern States Communication (SSCA) conference need a faculty mentor’s approval and supervision. You can find more information on the NCA's website and the SSCA's website.