The Future of Communications in a Changed World

120 Participating in Wayne State University's Virtual Panel Discussion

The Wayne State University Department of Communication in partnership with its Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) chapter hosted a 60-minute virtual panel discussion, "The Future of Communications in a Changed World" on Saturday, April 25, 2020, from 1 - 2 p.m. The session was moderated by Ray Day, Wayne State College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts Board of Visitor, Wayne State University alum, and vice chair of The Stagwell Group. Panelists included:

  • Bonin Bough, chief growth officer, Bonin Ventures
  • Craig Buchholz, chief communications officer, General Motors
  • Jano Cabrera, chief communications officer, General Mills
  • Tara Carraro, chief corporate affairs officer, Nestle Waters
  • Michael Sneed, chief communications officer, Johnson & Johnson
  • While the panel was hosted in Michigan, more than 120 students and professionals tuned in from locations across the globe including; Indonesia, Vancouver, Ghana, Indiana, Maryland, New York, Washington D.C., Louisiana, and California.

    "This event was truly global," said Hailey Cloutier, a public relations student and executive board member of the Wayne State University PRSSA Chapter. "During these uncertain times, communication students and professionals looked to these industry leaders for clues into the next chapter of communications, PR and integrated marketing."

    Panelists discussed staying proactive during these uncertain times, the predicted increase in digital communication and the further integration of traditional marketing and communication skills needed to keep up with the advancing market. "With people moving the majority of their lives online, communication techniques need to be even more adaptive," said Cloutier.

    "Panelists not only offered sage advice for navigating this new landscape but were also comforting and reassuring to students who are graduating and wondering - what's next?" said Shelly Najor, director of the undergraduate PR program at Wayne State.

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    The College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts at Wayne State University serves 2,500 students majoring in 16 undergraduate and 11 graduate programs through the James Pearson Duffy Department of Art and Art History, the Maggie Allesee Department of Theatre and Dance, the Department of Music and the Department of Communication.

    Wayne State University, located in the heart of Detroit's Midtown Cultural Center, is a premier urban research institution offering nearly 350 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges to nearly 27,000 students.

    CONTACT:
    Da'Stanza Murphy
    Email: az2370@wayne.edu

    Shelly Najor
    Email: m.a.najor@wayne.edu

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