Campbellsville University's Somerset Communication Institute is success

By Joan C. McKinney, news and publications coordinator

Related Media

Campbellsville University worked with Forcht Broadcasting for the Somerset Summer Communication Institute.

CAMPBELLSVILLE, KY (07/27/2015)(readMedia)-- The Somerset Summer Communication Institute was a success with a general communication course for high school students.

Dr. H. Keith Spears, vice president for graduate and professional studies, taught the course. "This was an opportunity for students to gain college credit and learn the basic principles of communication, a key to success in their college years," he said.

"The students were eager to tackle some major projects that included interpersonal communication, broadcasting and film production. We touched on it all."

The summer institute originated with ideas from a local Somerset survey of students and parents, seeking additional college coursework for high school students who have set their sights on college.

"We had a significant number of families who have found this idea exciting," said Leanne Weddle, institute coordinator. "This was more than a summer camp. It was a way that students could have close interaction with professional communicators and get college credit."

Forcht Broadcasting was a participating partner and hosted some of the learning activities at their studios. "Our staff was pleased to be part of this experience," said Mike Tarter, Forcht Broadcasting chief executive officer.

"We have an ongoing relationship with Campbellsville University and want to help in any way to increase the access to higher education in Somerset," he said.

Students took coursework at the Larry and Beverly Noe Education Center, located on U.S. 27 South, Stoplight 22.

Practical applications were supported by in-studio productions at Forcht Broadcasting facilities Spears said.

This is Campbellsville University's Larry and Beverly Noe Education Center in Somerset's inaugural venture into summer school.

"We have been a transfer center and continue to direct students to Somerset Community College to get their first two years of higher education," said Anne Adcock, center administrative director and assistant professor of social work. The center offers the third and fourth years for social work, early childhood education, criminal justice and business.

Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university with more than 3,500 students offering 63 undergraduate options, 17 master's degrees, five postgraduate areas and eight pre-professional programs. The website for complete information is campbellsville.edu.

-30-

cutline for picture

Amy Stroud, at far left, digital media director for Forcht Broadcasting and host of Mid-Mornings with Amy on WYKY FM Somerset 106.1, worked with, from left, John Garland, Jarod Hodges and Justin Mayfield, all CU Summer Institute communications student, with help from David Buie, lab assistant for the course.