has never been particularly interested in following a conventional path. Whether pursuing opportunities in the entertainment industry, developing creative projects, or launching her own business, the �鶹��Ƶ alumna has built a career around trusting her instincts and finding the courage to pursue her ideas.

She calls that approach “chaotic good.”

Watkins, who studied cinema and television arts, explored that philosophy in a TEDx talk, challenging audiences to reconsider what it means to take risks, break the rules and create opportunities.

“To me, ‘chaotic good’ is having a strong sense of intrinsic motivation, trusting your vision, and having the courage to make it happen,” Watkins said.

Her recently published talk, titled “” was recorded May 8 at TEDxLaSierraUniversity in Riverside, California, as part of the event’s “True Possible” theme.

While the term originated in the role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons, Watkins has adopted it as a guiding principle in her own life.

“Over the last decade, I’ve challenged myself to try new things, make new connections, and see ideas through from conception to execution,” she said. “Sometimes that means doing things outside the box (or, in earlier cases in my career, breaking the rules and making my own) and creating a new path for yourself.”

That willingness to venture into unfamiliar territory doesn’t mean the process is always comfortable.

“It’s absolutely terrifying because you don’t know what’s on the other side or how your idea will turn out, but it’s about taking a leap of faith and trusting yourself,” she added.

One of the clearest examples of Watkins’ philosophy came this summer, when she produced and moderated celebrating the 10th anniversary of the video game “Watch Dogs 2.”

The idea began in her living room.

While playing the game, Watkins noticed how closely its themes mirrored contemporary conversations about digital privacy, surveillance and technology. With the game’s anniversary approaching, she envisioned a panel celebrating its cultural significance while encouraging discussion about digital rights.

What began as an idea evolved into a five-month undertaking that required Watkins to recruit participants, secure sponsorship and coordinate the event. She connected with actors, creatives and digital rights advocates, securing support from cybersecurity company Malwarebytes. Fellow �鶹��Ƶ alumnus and Madeline “MJ” Johnson helped film the resulting panel.

I had to take multiple leaps of faith to make this happen, but each one pushed me to trust myself and have the grit to bring the vision to life.

– Mia Ginaé Watkins ’16

For Watkins, that mindset began taking shape long before her professional career.

She credits her �鶹��Ƶ experience with providing an environment where she could explore her interests, build relationships, and develop the confidence to pursue opportunities beyond her comfort zone.

“�鶹��Ƶ was actually the perfect space to practice being a chaotic good,” she said.

After high school, Watkins promised herself she would pursue as many opportunities as possible. At �鶹��Ƶ, she connected with classmates across disciplines, pursued creative projects outside her coursework, and sought advice from entertainment industry professionals.

She recalls carrying a camera around campus and spending hours in editing suites, developing projects that eventually became part of the portfolio that helped her land a job in the video game industry.

“�鶹��Ƶ was a sandbox to test out new skills and try new things, equipping me with the growth mindset I needed to flourish out into the world,” Watkins said.

Today, Watkins is channeling that entrepreneurial spirit into , an event strategy company focused on creating in-person experiences at the intersection of gaming, culture, community and entertainment.

As the company’s founder, she hopes to collaborate with brands, organizations and creative partners to develop memorable experiences that bring people together.

It’s another example of Watkins putting her philosophy into practice, building on her background in filmmaking, entertainment and gaming while pursuing a new professional direction.

And through her TEDx presentation, she hopes others will recognize that they, too, have the ability to create opportunities rather than wait for them.

“I hope it inspires people to trust in themselves more,” Watkins said. “To take more leaps of faith and not be afraid to go after the life, goal or objective they envision.”

Hovering over a stormwater management pond behind �鶹��Ƶ’s Schar Center, an agricultural drone demonstrated how unmanned aircraft are changing the way farmers manage their fields.

Capable of carrying more than 10 gallons of liquid, the aircraft was presented by Preston Cave of PAC Aerial Applications during the 2026 �鶹��Ƶ Drone Day on Oct. 30. From crop spraying and fertilizer applications to autonomous navigation powered by artificial intelligence, the annual gathering highlighted the diverse uses of drone technology.

Nearly 160 people registered for the School of Communications event, which brought together industry professionals, educators, students and drone enthusiasts for presentations, demonstrations and networking.

Since 2021, �鶹��Ƶ Drone Day has become an annual gathering for North Carolina’s drone community. Organized by Teaching Professor of Visual Communication Randy Piland in partnership with the North Carolina chapter of the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (NC AUVSI), the event welcomed representatives from the Federal Aviation Administration, North Carolina Department of Transportation, several universities and private companies.

This year’s program emphasized artificial intelligence, with Sambit Bhattacharya, professor of computer science and director of the Intelligent Systems Lab at Fayetteville State University, delivering the keynote address, “Preflight Checks for Intelligent Machines: What Drones Can Teach Us �鶹��Ƶ Trustworthy AI.”

Bhattacharya explained that aviation’s emphasis on safety, testing and accountability offers lessons for the responsible development of AI. Drawing on research involving autonomous navigation, confined-space inspections and wildfire detection, he demonstrated how intelligent machines can perform complex tasks without direct human control, while cautioning that these advances require rigorous testing and human oversight.

“Aviation did not get saved by building the perfect aircraft,” Bhattacharya said. “It got saved by assuming things will fail, and it builds a culture – checklists, recorders, investigations, reporting – that learns from every failure.”

He also highlighted �鶹��Ƶ’s “Human Wisdom for the Age of AI” initiative, emphasizing that human judgment remains essential for evaluating evidence, verifying results and ensuring accountability.

Beyond the keynote, a panel featuring Cave, Maddy Gastler and Seth Nagy examined agricultural applications, including crop spraying, seeding and multispectral imaging. Other presentations addressed drone mapping for disaster response, invasive plant species detection, and advances in flight planning technology.

Afternoon demonstrations behind Schar Center gave attendees an opportunity to see the technology in action. Among the three participating organizations was Raven Advisory, a Fayetteville-based company specializing in drone training, testing and autonomous technologies.

Wearing first-person-view (FPV) goggles and gripping a handheld controller, Raven Advisory operator James Stougaard piloted a drone at seemingly warp speed. The goggles provided a live video feed from the aircraft’s camera, allowing him to navigate from the drone’s perspective.

The event also featured a drone soccer demonstration by students from Asheboro City Schools, who showcased their piloting skills during the fast-paced competition.

This year’s participants ranged from FAA-certified drone operators to newcomers with no previous drone experience. Students from Hillside High School in Durham and Asheboro High School joined representatives from �鶹��Ƶ, Fayetteville State University, Guilford Technical Community College, N.C. A&T State University, N.C. State University and Wake Technical Community College.

“What makes �鶹��Ƶ Drone Day special is the diversity of people it brings together,” Piland said. “We had everyone from experienced commercial pilots to students just beginning to explore drone technology, all sharing ideas and learning from one another. Seeing that kind of enthusiasm and collaboration is exactly what this event is about.”

Hosted by the Isabella Cannon Global Education Center and campus partners, the week invites students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members to examine and connect through cross-cultural and interdisciplinary experiences.

IEW highlights the strengths of international education and exchange. �鶹��Ƶ’s celebration aligns with the university’s relationship-rich, engaged learning, helping us develop a deeper understanding of our interconnected world.

Week-at-a-glance

The full schedule is available on the International Education Week website. This year’s schedule features a mix of cultural, academic, and community-building events.

Highlights include:

• Global Flow Yoga at Sunset (Nov. 8)
• Research in Global Contexts: Student and Faculty Symposium (Nov. 9)
• French Poetry Slam (Nov. 9)
• Traditional West African Dance and Drums (Nov. 10)
• Global Film Series (Nov. 10)
• Minute to Win It! Meet and Greet (Nov. 11)
• International Cheese Festival (Nov. 11)
• International Coffee Hour and International Books and Authors (Nov. 12)
• Amici dell’Italia (Nov. 12)

Why it matters

IEW provides a focused moment to elevate global learning that happens across �鶹��Ƶ every day, in classrooms, residence halls, student organizations, and the Alamance County community.

IEW’s core idea is that international education thrives on meaningful relationships, shared experiences, and collective purposes.

“At its core, this year’s theme and events highlight how global learning is strengthened when students, faculty, staff, and partners come together across cultures, disciplines, and perspectives,” said Jessica Gisclair, associate dean of global education.

�鶹��Ƶ continues to lead nationally in study abroad and Study USA participation as part of the �鶹��Ƶ Experiences.

Most IEW events are open to the entire �鶹��Ƶ community. Some programs require an RSVP or have limited capacity. Visit the IEW website for times, locations, and updates. For questions, contact the Isabella Cannon Global Education Center at 336-278-6700 or visit Sato Commons 360 during business hours.

The School of Communications will host its annual �鶹��Ƶ Drone Day on Friday, Oct. 30, bringing together recreational and commercial pilots, industry professionals, educators and students for a day of presentations, demonstrations and networking in Turner Theater and Snow Family Grand Atrium. The free event, organized in partnership with the North Carolina chapter of the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (NC AUVSI), is open to the public, but registration is required.

This year’s program will place a particular emphasis on AI, with Sambit Bhattacharya, a professor at Fayetteville State University, delivering the keynote address, “Preflight Checks for Intelligent Machines: What Drones Can Teach Us �鶹��Ƶ Trustworthy AI.”

Bhattacharya’s presentation will explore how the aviation industry’s emphasis on safety, testing and accountability can inform the development of trustworthy AI systems. Drawing on research from , he will examine how autonomous drones make decisions, the challenges of deploying AI in real-world environments, and the importance of ensuring that emerging technologies operate reliably.

Teaching Professor of Visual Communication Randy Piland, who organizes �鶹��Ƶ Drone Day, said the keynote reflects both the growing role of artificial intelligence in drone technology and �鶹��Ƶ’s broader efforts to encourage conversations about AI across academic disciplines.

“It’s been percolating in my mind for several months about how we can tie into �鶹��Ƶ’s effort to broaden the AI arena or broaden the discussion of AI in programs that we have,” Piland said. “So many of the new autonomous drones rely on AI to make it work.”

That interest led Piland to Bhattacharya, whose research at Fayetteville State focuses on the application of artificial intelligence in unmanned aerial systems. Shortly after Bhattacharya accepted the invitation, Piland learned that to expand its work involving AI and unmanned aerial systems.

Beyond the keynote, the program will highlight the expanding applications of drone technology across several industries.

A panel featuring Preston Cave, Matt Solomon and Seth Nagy will examine the use of drones in agriculture, including crop spraying, seeding and multispectral imaging, which helps farmers assess crop conditions and make more informed decisions about their fields.

Other presentations will address low-cost, open-source drone mapping for disaster response, the use of unmanned aircraft to detect and manage invasive plant species in parks, and updates on drone flight planning and management technology.

The day will kick off with a drone soccer demonstration by Asheboro City Schools, as well as a vendor showcase. In the afternoon, attendees will take in flight demonstrations in the parking area behind Schar Center.

Established in 2021, �鶹��Ƶ Drone Day has developed into an annual gathering for individuals interested in the evolving drone industry. The event welcomed a record 185 attendees, vendors and volunteers in 2025.

Piland said that despite the industry’s rapid evolution, the event’s original mission has remained unchanged.

“We want to provide an opportunity for local drone enthusiasts and professionals to come together to exchange knowledge and network, so that they can have an outlet to improve and find solutions to things they’re trying to do,” he said.

2026 �鶹��Ƶ Drone Day Program

8–8:45 AM
Vendor Setup

8:45 – 9:10 AM
Atrium Welcome & Vendor Show
Coffee and pastries (Provided by Blue Ridge Mountain Drone Education, WING & ELON AI)

Asheboro City Schools – Drone Soccer Demo
Wendy Graham (Center, Snow Atrium)

9:20 AM
Welcome by Associate Dean Tony Weaver (Turner Theatre)

9:25 AM
‘Preflight Checks for Intelligent Machines: What Drones Can Teach Us �鶹��Ƶ Trustworthy AI’ – Dr. Sambit Bhattacharya (Turner Theatre)

10:10 AM
Low-Cost, Open-Source Drone Mapping for Disaster Response in Resource-Constrained Settings – Michael Berryann, NCCU (Turner Theatre)

10:40 AM
Drones in Agriculture Panel – Preston Cave, Matt Solomon, Seth Nagy (Turner Theatre)

11:25 AM
Leveraging UAS for Invasive Species Detection and Treatment in Parks – Al Cire, Raptor Drone Services (Turner Theatre)

Noon
ALOFT | Drone Sense | Versaterm Update – Kevin Teen, Allen Yanow (Turner Theatre)

Lunch
Move to Schar Center Rear Parking for Lunch and Demos

Demos
Raven Advisory (Schar Center Parking)
Pac Aerial App (Schar Center Parking)
Wilstair Drone Eng Solutions (Schar Center Parking)

Vendors/Supporters

For more than a decade, has built a reputation as one of Charlotte’s most trusted journalists, reporting on breaking news, holding public officials accountable, and keeping his community informed.

On Oct. 9, as part of the university’s Homecoming Weekend, the WSOC-TV reporter returned to his alma mater to receive the School of Communications’ 2026 Outstanding Alumnus Award.

Bruno, the 16th recipient of the honor, was recognized during the school’s Alumni Campus Connect gathering in Snow Family Grand Atrium, surrounded by students, faculty, staff and fellow graduates. Among those in attendance was retired journalism professor Rich Landesberg, Bruno’s longtime mentor, whose presence made the recognition especially meaningful.

.

Since graduating in 2014, Bruno has established himself as a leading voice in investigative journalism, earning Walter Cronkite, Alfred I. duPont-Columbia, Edward R. Murrow and George Polk awards, along with six Emmy Awards. He was named to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list in 2020, and his investigative reporting helped expose election fraud in North Carolina’s 9th Congressional District, drawing national attention.

“Without Rich and without this school, this kid from Schwenksville, Pennsylvania, would have never had any of these opportunities,” Bruno said during his acceptance remarks. “Thank you, �鶹��Ƶ, for everything you have given to me.”

In presenting the award, Communications Dean Kenn Gaither praised Bruno’s professional accomplishments and his commitment to the communities he serves.

“It is always gratifying to watch an �鶹��Ƶ graduate succeed, but there’s something particularly special about watching one of our own become such an important and trusted voice in the community he serves.”
– Dean Kenn Gaither

Gaither also highlighted Bruno’s continued connection to �鶹��Ƶ, noting the significance of honoring him in the same atrium where Bruno and fellow alumnus Gary Grumbach ’16 organized two years earlier.

“That day, Joe was here to honor someone who helped shape him,” Gaither said. “Today, in the very same space, we have the privilege of honoring Joe.”

The connection came full circle when Bruno, visibly moved, spotted Landesberg standing among the attendees and thanked the former professor for his guidance and friendship.

“I also could not have done any of this without my Rich Landesberg, who I consider a member of my family,” Bruno said. “You are a trusted adviser and friend, and you have made such an impact on my life and so many others.”

Gaither also shared praise from Landesberg, who described Bruno as one of the hardest-working students he had ever taught.

“He is tireless in his commitment to holding the powerful accountable and making sure the people of Charlotte know what is happening in and around their city,” Landesberg said.

At home at �鶹��Ƶ

During his acceptance remarks, Bruno recalled how his mother first introduced him to �鶹��Ƶ, a university unfamiliar to many in his hometown. But during a campus visit, he found himself drawn to the school’s student television studio, where the opportunity to gain hands-on broadcasting experience helped convince him �鶹��Ƶ was the right fit.

As a high school senior, Bruno began watching Phoenix 14News broadcasts, eager to join the student journalists he saw on screen. Once he arrived at �鶹��Ƶ, he quickly became involved in the student news organization, gaining on-air and production experience within weeks of starting college.

“The best thing about �鶹��Ƶ is I didn’t have to wait until my junior year to get involved,” he said. “I was able to hit the ground running right as a freshman.”

Equally influential were the relationships he developed with fellow student journalists. Bruno recalled an environment where students challenged and supported one another, united by their enthusiasm for reporting and serving their community.

“We never competed against each other. We rooted for each other,” he said, explaining that the collaborative spirit continues to shape how he approaches his work today.

Addressing current students, Bruno encouraged them to embrace their interests and make the most of the opportunities available at �鶹��Ƶ.

“Whether it’s about news, whether it’s about sports, whatever you do, keep that light under you and pursue what you are pursuing with all of your heart,” he said.

Alumni return to connect with students

Bruno’s recognition was a highlight of Alumni Campus Connect, an informal networking event where eight graduates shared career insights and advice with current students.

Dan Erdman ’06, vice president of creative media at WWE, drew a crowd of students interested in his work in sports entertainment. Nearby, students connected with Los Angeles-based actress, writer and producer Paige Hullett ’16 to discuss careers in Hollywood and Women of the �鶹��Ƶ Entertainment Empire (WEEE), the alumni organization she leads. Also returning to campus was recent graduate Anjolina Fantaroni ’26, now a reporter at WAFF 48 in Huntsville, Alabama, who offered a firsthand perspective on transitioning from �鶹��Ƶ to the professional newsroom.

Participating alumni included:

• Halle Brennan ’21, Sales Associate Manager, Amazon Ads
• Joe Bruno ’14, Reporter, WSOC-TV
• Dan Erdman ’06, Vice President of Creative Media, WWE
• Anjolina Fantaroni ’26, Reporter, WAFF 48
• Caroline Grell ’17, Program Manager of Product Development Program, Capital One
• Paige Hullett ’16, Los Angeles-based actress, writer, producer, president of Women of the �鶹��Ƶ Entertainment Empire
• Becky Lane ’95, Senior Vice President-Marketing Development Manager, Bank of America
• Sarah Stone Richter ’19, Growth Marketing Manager, Quantam Health

For Galvin, that brand of creative risk defined why she fell in love with �鶹��Ƶ Student Television in the first place. Now taking charge as station manager of ESTV, she wants to make sure every student creator has the operational backing to pull off ambitious ideas.

Galvin initially studied cinema and television arts at �鶹��Ƶ before shifting her path to strategic communications with a finance minor. She found her entry point to ESTV at the organization fair in the fall of her freshman year, quickly getting started in the control rooms. Originally a general member, Galvin quickly found herself in positions such as social media manager and producer of ESTV’s “eTalk” program.

“At first I was like a deer in headlights, and I couldn’t speak in front of a camera,” Galvin said. That was exposure therapy in a big way, so it has really been helpful in that regard. ESTV is a great place to gain experience, even if you’re not a communications major. It’s a cool creative outlet.”

ESTV produces seven active shows: “�鶹��Ƶ Tonight,” “�鶹��Ƶ After Hours,” “eTalk,” “Jam Session,” “The Ha Ha,” “Win Stuff” and “4A.” The formats range from live stand-up filmed at The Oak House to weekly musical showcases to a long-running game show.

“It’s a learning environment where people are also able to really inject a lot of creativity into it,” Galvin said. “The role is going to become more student-led. The faculty really told me that it’s a more student-centered production than in past years, and I think it’s been really interesting to be able to work with the budget and faculty directly.”

Heading into the 2026-27 academic year, Galvin’s primary objective is elevating production value while removing administrative burdens from show producers. Working alongside Staci Saltz, chair of the Cinema & Television Arts Department and the organization’s new faculty adviser, technical director Logan Davilla ’29, and marketing director Andrew Weber ’28, Galvin has instituted mandatory dry-run rehearsals and goal-setting for all active members.

“This year, we changed our training practices so that every studio’s first episode is a dry run. They use that date to familiarize themselves with their new crew and receive show-specific training from our head engineer. We want to make sure we are working on quality first and foremost.”

Galvin is also tackling the business end of operations, including the university’s Student Media Board funding proposals and equipment maintenance. She works directly with faculty and staff members such as Bryan Baker, School of Communications director of technology, operations and multimedia projects, to support each production team to get new studio sets, equipment or refurbishments that would help maintain ESTV’s productions.

“I like working directly with shows to address their specific needs,” Galvin said. “Being on the media board has been incredibly interesting thus far. I like hearing about what’s happening in the communication school and about what other student-media leaders are working on. Everyone’s passion for their individual projects is pretty infectious”

Beyond internal mechanics, Galvin wants to transform how ESTV engages the broader student body. She is organizing a revamped YouTube upload calendar and coordinating with Weber to build consistent social media reels. She is also actively recruiting beyond the School of Communications quad, in an attempt to bring in creative writing students for comedy sketch scripts, theater actors for performances and business students as talk show anchors.

“I think it’s better actually if we’re pulling from multiple majors on campus, and I think that offers a bunch of different and unique perspectives because in the communications school we can get siloed very quickly,” Galvin said. “There’s no experience needed. We want more people in different schools to join, even as a creative outlet.”

Galvin said she hopes to position ESTV as a launchpad where students across all disciplines build professional-grade reels and submit content to national student award competitions.

“All we’re trying to do is make everything as efficient as possible and increase the quality of our shows so that everyone has a really strong portfolio,” Galvin said. “Making ESTV as universal on campus as possible, trying to reach as many folks as possible, is my goal, and making everyone in the organization feel very heard.”

Submissions for funding consideration will be accepted from Oct. 1 through Oct. 31. Funds awarded will come directly from contributions by �鶹��Ƶ LA-based alumni, alumni from other geographic areas and contributions from other sources.

The 2025-26 grant competition awarded funds to �鶹��Ƶ Los Angeles alumnae Julia Boyd ’15, Bex Evans ’16 and Mirai ’07. Their films had their world premieres last July at the sold-out Inaugural �鶹��Ƶ Los Angeles Alumni Short Film Festival, at Sony Pictures Studios, in Culver City, California. For all three filmmakers, being awarded these funds and the world premiere event have been enormously impactful, both personally and professionally.

“Winning the grant gave me the seed money, a deadline and the accountability I needed to actually produce my film,” Mirai said of her project “#StopAsianKate,” which she wrote, produced and starred in. She proudly added, “Since its premiere at Sony, my film has gone on to screen at the Oscar-qualifying Hollyshorts Festival, the Catalina Film Festival and the Broad Humor Festival, where we won the Audience Award.”

Boyd, who received funds for her short film “The Life and Times of,” said, “Receiving this grant allowed me to create my narrative directorial debut and tell a story that is deeply personal to me in the exact way I want to.” She wrote, directed and starred in the film. Boyd added, “I feel so buoyed by the support I received from the �鶹��Ƶ community as I make my creative dreams a reality.”

Evans, who was awarded a production grant for their short film “Shadow Dusk,” was thrilled to get a green light for their project.

“The �鶹��Ƶ grant gave me a great base to start making a film I’d been thinking about for years,” said Evans. “It was great for requiring accountability, giving me a framework to start from and affirming for me that this was something that I could do.”

Selected filmmakers are required to make production, performance and other opportunities available in their projects for students who are participating in the �鶹��Ƶ Los Angeles Spring 2027 immersive experience.

Funding award decisions will be made by a selection committee comprised of �鶹��Ƶ community-associated and entertainment industry-affiliated individuals. The announcement of award recipients will be made in December.

�鶹��Ƶ alumnus Jordan Roman ’15, who co-chaired the selection committee for the 2025-26 grant competition, will serve as chair of the selection committee for this year’s competition.

“The dream was to create to a program to remove the barriers to (production) funding for our LA alumni grant recipients and to provide �鶹��Ƶ Los Angeles students with an opportunity for hands-on learning experiences in the professional production process,” Roman said. “With such great work coming out of last year’s competition, we’re all excited to see the great submissions we’re expecting for funding consideration this year.”

The three projects selected for production will have their world premieres at a special festival screening event at Sony Pictures Studios in July 2027.

For information about the �鶹��Ƶ Los Angeles Alumni Short Film Grant Competition and for detailed submission requirements, visit the �鶹��Ƶ Los Angeles National Campus alumni grant information page.

A conversation with last year’s grant recipients, via Zoom, will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 6, at 5 p.m. PT (8 p.m. ET). The online gathering will explore how to create, craft and submit a grant award-worthy submission package with an opportunity to ask questions about the process. To receive a link to join the Zoom session, e-mail LAShortFilms@elon.edu.

For nearly 20 years, �鶹��Ƶ, through Study USA and National Campus Programs, has had a thriving presence in historic Hollywood, where students have an opportunity to spend a spring semester or summer core capstone program immersed in professional development-focused academic classes, experiential learning, community service and alumni engagement.

A five-minute clock was counting down. Fallon’s challenge was to lift Thor’s hammer before time ran out. MrBeast watched from outside the box, and Chris Hemsworth arrived as Thor to smash the glass and save the day.

The setup was ridiculous by design. Dyer and his team had started with a simple question: What kind of challenge could bring together MrBeast’s oversized videos, Hemsworth’s history as Thor and Fallon’s willingness to play along?

For Dyer, the segment worked because it did more than copy something popular online. It gave “The Tonight Show” its own way into the joke.

“We never really did trendy content just because everyone else was doing it,” Dyer said. “What is our spin on it? What is our story? How can we subvert people’s expectations?”

Dyer has been asking versions of those questions since his time at �鶹��Ƶ. He arrived on campus already interested in broadcast, having focused his college search on communications programs. As a broadcast and new media major, he learned how an idea moved from a script to a finished piece.

Professors Staci Saltz and Thomas Nelson gave him room to work across writing, videography, photography, editing and directing. In the studio and in the field, he learned how to build a project “soup to nuts.”

“They really allowed me to flex my creative muscles,” Dyer said. “I learned all aspects of media production and strategy. That was pretty formative for me.”

He graduated in 2011 as digital video was beginning to change the television business. Dyer started in digital operations at TV Land, then moved to Comedy Central, producing online content for programs including “South Park,” “Key & Peele” and “Nathan For You.”

The platforms were still developing their identities as places to watch video, which gave Dyer room to test ideas and learn what worked. He credits his early progress to an eagerness to take on assignments beyond his job description.

“I never said no to an opportunity,” Dyer said. “I had a drive to continue to push the envelope, learn more and become better every day.”

In 2015, he joined the team building the digital presence of “The Daily Show” as Trevor Noah became host. The group had the chance to establish a new voice, try original formats and respond to the news with the speed of an online newsroom.

One of those formats was “Between the Scenes,” which captured Noah talking with the studio audience during commercial breaks. Dyer helped launch and produce the digital series, and the team won a 2017 Creative Arts Emmy Award for outstanding short-form variety series.

The series grew from a culture in which writers, producers, correspondents and members of the digital team could all shape an idea. Dyer remembers Trevor Noah telling the staff that a good idea could come from anyone, whether it came from an intern, a writer or a producer.

“A great idea really can come from anywhere and anyone,” Dyer said. “Share, bounce things off each other and engage with your team. Through collaboration, the best ideas will come.”

That lesson followed him to “The Tonight Show” in 2021. Dyer joined as head of digital while the show was still navigating pandemic-era production and remote guests. As performers and live audiences returned to Studio 6B, he began expanding the show’s digital originals, videos made specifically for people watching online rather than repackaged television clips.

His team worked with nearly every part of the show. They collaborated with writers, segment producers, talent bookers, NBC press, marketing, and the larger staff and crew at the show to turn an appearance into something that could connect beyond the television broadcast.

Dyer approached each idea “fan first.” Before the cameras rolled, he wanted the team to understand the audience, the guest and the platform where the video would land. A TikTok video should feel natural on TikTok, he said, but it should still sound and look like “The Tonight Show.”

During Dyer’s tenure, he said, the show’s following across digital platforms grew from just over 50 million to more than 100 million. The show generated 50 billion views during his five years there. He points to those numbers as a team accomplishment, shared by Fallon and the people working across the production.

Leading that growth also changed how Dyer viewed his own role. He began paying closer attention to what each person on his team could become instead of limiting people to the jobs they had been hired to do. Delegating decisions and tasks gave younger producers room to grow and freed him to keep learning.

By the time he left the show in February 2026, Dyer felt confident that the team could continue without him. That made the timing right for another shift.

He joined Ampersand, the production company founded by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, as head of digital programming and development. The move has taken him from building digital extensions of established television programs to developing series from their earliest ideas. His current work includes “Celebrity Substitute”, a YouTube series where some of the world’s most recognizable stars step in as teachers for unsuspecting public school students.

Dyer sees that move as part of television’s future. A series no longer needs to begin with a network time slot and find an online audience later. It can start on YouTube and reach viewers directly, without asking them to change their habits.

“A show is only good if people watch it,” Dyer said. “I want to meet people where they already are.”

The screens and platforms keep changing. His reason for making the work has remained simple: to give people something that brings them joy or laughter.

For �鶹��Ƶ students hoping to enter the industry, Dyer’s advice is equally direct. Do not wait for perfect equipment, the perfect idea or the most recognizable company name. He remembers carrying a BlackBerry as a student; today, students have a 4K camera in their pockets and an immediate way to share what they make.

“Just start making things,” Dyer said. “Start creating. You’ve got to start somewhere. Make things that you’re passionate about, and let your passion guide you.”

School of Communications faculty members earned research and teaching honors and shared their expertise on topics ranging from artificial intelligence and internships to mentorship and First Amendment issues at the .

Held Aug. 5-8 in New Orleans, the conference brought together journalism and mass communication educators and scholars from around the world to present research, exchange ideas and explore emerging issues across the communications field.

Several �鶹��Ƶ faculty members were recognized for their work during the conference.

Shanetta Pendleton and Michele Lashley, assistant professors of strategic communications, earned second place in the Teaching Paper Competition for their research, “Exploring the Perceived Efficacy of Custom AI Chatbots in Public Relations Education.” Their study explored how course-specific AI chatbots can serve as instructional supports in undergraduate communications courses, providing students with additional opportunities for formative feedback and iterative learning. The findings highlight the potential for thoughtfully designed AI tools to complement classroom instruction by helping students refine their work and deepen their learning while encouraging responsible and ethical AI use.

Qian Xu, professor of strategic communications and A.J. Fletcher Professor, and Jenny Jiang, associate professor of visual communication, were recognized during the Internships and Careers Interest Group’s Top Refereed Research Paper Session. They presented “AI in Media Analytics Job Postings: A Computational Analysis of AI Mentions, Expectations, and Semantic Networks,” a study analyzing more than 5,400 media analytics job postings to examine how AI is mentioned, framed and structurally embedded in job descriptions.

Presentations and panels

�鶹��Ƶ faculty also contributed to research and teaching sessions examining mentorship, internships, emerging technologies, workplace experiences and First Amendment concerns.

• Israel Balderas, assistant professor of journalism, served as a panelist for “Compelling Faith: The Growing Tensions between the Free Speech, Free Exercise, and Establishment Clauses of the First Amendment.” The panel examined how recent Supreme Court rulings are reshaping debates over religious expression, compelled speech and civil rights in schools and universities. Balderas also moderated “Disrespected and Derailed: Women of Color Journalists Covering the Trump Administration,” a research panel examining the experiences of women of color journalists covering the administration.

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  Vanessa Bravo, professor of strategic communications, served as a panelist for the teaching session “Mentoring Minoritized Students and Fostering Resilient Young Professionals,” which examined how faculty can mentor and support students from historically underrepresented backgrounds. Bravo also served as a discussant for “Media, Vulnerability, and Empowerment: How Mediated Spaces Both Endanger and Support Marginalized Groups” and moderated the International Communication Division teaching panel “Global Inclusivity in Comparative Research: Experiences and Reflections.”

• Hal Vincent, associate teaching professor of strategic communications, moderated a research panel session, “Spotlight: Research Scholars Exchange,” and served as a discussant for multiple refereed research paper sessions. He also moderated the members’ meeting for the Internships and Careers Interest Group.
• Qian Xu and former �鶹��Ƶ Comm faculty member Chris Chen presented “Customizing Communication Styles in Claude: Control Benefits, Cognitive Cost, and Task-Dependent Effects” during a scholar-to-scholar refereed research paper session on AI and relationships. Their research examined how different levels of customization and task type influence psychological responses in human-AI interaction and perceptions of AI-generated output.

Founded by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Ron Howard and producer Brian Grazer, Imagine Entertainment is one of Hollywood’s most respected film and television production companies, with acclaimed credits including “A Beautiful Mind,” “Apollo 13” and “Friday Night Lights.”

Since joining the company more than six years ago, Choi has risen from an executive assistant to vice president of film, where she leads development across the department’s slate. Her projects include “Dangerously Funny,” a feature about the Smothers Brothers’ battle with CBS censors, and she secured the rights to the books “200 Monas” by Jan Saenz and Rebecca Yarros’ “The Last Letter” for Amazon. Imagine’s upcoming releases include “How to Rob a Bank,” “Whalefall,” “The Mosquito Bowl” and “Spaceballs 2.”

Choi said the recognition is especially meaningful because it reflects the relationships she has built throughout her career.

“You can’t succeed in a vacuum, and I think the best part of this industry is the camaraderie and community that you can find if you look for it,” Choi said. “To be recognized by the company where I grew up as a producer is incredibly meaningful, and even more than that, to look around and be celebrated by my peers and creative partners is everything.”

In her profile, the �鶹��Ƶ graduate reflected on the experiences that sparked her passion for filmmaking.

“Growing up, I wasn’t allowed to watch many movies, so the ones I did manage to see felt especially meaningful,” she told Variety. “That experience shaped the kinds of stories I gravitate toward today.”

Reflecting on her career path, Choi – a Leadership Fellow at �鶹��Ƶ – offered advice for others hoping to break into the film industry.

“No matter how you got into the room or what room you’re in, make the most of it,” she said. “Do everything you can to hone your craft so that, in an industry where opportunities are increasingly harder to come by, you’re the most prepared you could be to take full advantage of whatever comes your way.”