The Department of Communication sponsors chapters of several professional organizations that students may choose to join. Membership in these national organizations provides students with additional educational resources and networking opportunities with industry professionals.
Joining these associations usually requires paying dues to the national and local chapters, but those costs together are typically $50 or less. Students may also have to pay, at least in part, to attend the organizations' meetings and conferences.
The following is a list of professional organizations that have campus chapters within the Department of Communication.
Broadcast Education Association The Broadcast Education Association is the premier international academic media organization for educators, students and professionals. The association’s publications, annual convention, web-based programs and regional district activities provide opportunities for juried production competition and presentation of current scholarly research related to aspects of the electronic media. These areas include media audiences, economics, law and policy, regulation, news, management, aesthetics, social effects, history, and criticism, among others.
Contact Dutch Hoggatt - dhoggatt@harding.edu - Box 10765
Debate Team
The intercollegiate debate team at Harding has existed in some form since the beginning of the University. The team participates in the International Public Debate Association, which features one-on-one extemporaneous debate. All are welcome to join the team regardless of their debate experience. Select team members travel at the University's expense to compete in several tournaments a year.
Contact Jared Dockery - jndockery@harding.edu - Box 10765
Film Studies Association
The Harding Film Studies Association (the "Classic Film Club") meets to view movies and discuss themes and cinematic techniques in classic films. In 1992, senior history major Rick Fought and English major Richard Bankhead organized the group and became the club's first president and vice president. All film fans are welcome at showings and discussion sessions.
Contact Charles Bane - cbane@harding.edu - Box 10765
Heath Carpenter - hcarpent@harding.edu - Box 12248
Integrated Marketing Communication Organization
The Integrated Marketing Communication Organization is focused on providing experiences through projects, fundraisers, conferences, professional trips and community service that will enhance marketing communication skills. This student-led organization is open to all connected majors.
Contact Lori Sloan - lsloan@harding.edu - Box 10765
Public Relations Organization
The Public Relations Organization is a student-run organization open to all majors. Activities include professional days, where the club will meet with communication professionals either on campus or around the state of Arkansas; hosting professional development seminars that focus on topics ranging from interview skills, to resume building, to digital portfolios; fundraising; and working with local organizations.
Contact April Fatula - afatula@harding.edu - Box 10812
Radio Television Digital News Association
The RTDNA is the world's largest professional organization exclusively serving the electronic news profession, consisting of more than 3,000 news directors, news associates, educators and students. Founded as a grassroots organization in 1946, the association is dedicated to setting standards for news gathering and reporting. For more information go to www.rtdna.org.
Contact Noah Darnell - ndarnell@harding.edu - Box 10765
Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), Harding University Student Chapter
Founded in 1909, the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) is one of the oldest organizations representing journalists and journalism students. The organization, which boasts about 9,000 members, is dedicated to the perpetuation of a free press as the cornerstone of our nation and our liberty. For more information go to www.spj.org.
Contact Jim Miller - jemiller@harding.edu - Box 10765
Faculty and Staff Affiliations
In addition to the organizations listed above, the faculty of the Department of Communication are affiliated with the following professional associations.
Arkansas Broadcasters Association (ABA)
Association for Communication Administration (ACA)
Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC)
Association of Schools of Journalism and Mass Communication (ASJMC)
Broadcast Education Association (BEA)
Kappa Tau Alpha (National society for recognition of scholarship in mass communication)
National Association of Broadcasters (NAB)
National Communication Association (NCA)
Southeastern Journalism Conference (SEJC)
