School of Communication at Illinois State University

06/23/2026

Communication and PR aren't always about products and brands, sometimes they are about issues and working with the community to help solve tough problems. The School of Communication's public relations campaigns capstone course worked with YWCA McLean County to develop messaging and communication strategies about the childcare crisis locally and statewide this spring.

The rising cost of childcare isn't a concern for most college students. Illinois State students, however, are seeking solutions for the Bloomington-Normal community.

06/22/2026

The lowkey MVPs of the School of Communication are our academic advisors. Liz, Kate, Abbie and Sarah (not pictured, but loved!) literally know everything and are always there to help COM students and faculty alike. ♥

06/10/2026

This past week, three of our faculty members participated in the International Communication Association Conference in Cape Town, South Africa! Dr. Blessing Okafor and Dr. Ellie Yang presented research in person and virtually, while Dr. Caleb Carr served as a mentor in the Communication and Technology Doctoral Consortium and chaired editorial meetings for the Journal of Media Psychology, among other administrative responsibilities.

Dr. Okafor's research focused on workplace dissent processes, while Dr. Yang's examined information needs in online pain management communities and advancements in the measurement of media repertoires.

05/26/2026

Very cool to see WZND through the years in this spring's Illinois State Magazine!

Broadcasting from the campus of Illinois State University, 103.3 FM WZND is among the top college radio stations in the country.

05/09/2026

We don't like to brag, but School of Communication grads are pretty darn photogenic. An excellent 2026 commencement, with COM well represented. Congratulations, everyone!

05/06/2026

We typically have a lot of students out in the community doing internships every semester, but we don't always get to see them in action! Graduate student Matt Merkling wrapped up his communication and marketing internship with the Bloomington-Normal YMCA with a presentation to staff, including CEO/Executive Director B.J. Wilken. We appreciate our community partners SO much for hosting our students and helping them learn and gain fantastic experience.

05/05/2026

These seniors are Outstanding!
Last week we recognized our COM Outstanding Seniors and grads at our Ice Cream Social Graduation Celebration. Unfortunately, we had to move inside due to weather and it was a bit tight, but it was still fun to celebrate everyone!
First photo, left to right:
MJ James, Communication Studies
Cami Serrahn, Public Relations
John Alwan, Communication Studies
Addison Allen, Public Relations
Ally Cooper, Journalism
Cat Klein, Sports Communication
Aliah Mendoza, Mass Media

Not pictured:
Cason Schingoethe, Sports Communication
Nick Koustas, Mass Media
Vivi Hughes, Journalism
Grace Adeyemo, graduate program

05/05/2026

It's been a big year in the School of Communication! From new RSOs (like COMBASSADORS, shown here!) to new majors, it has all been exciting.

As the 2025-26 academic year ends, the School of Communication at Illinois State University reflects on a year marked by new opportunities, student engagement, and notable achievements.

04/30/2026

Today is COM program assistant Kyah Joseph's last day with COM before she starts a position with ISU Alumni Engagement. We will miss her so much, but are excited for her new role!

04/28/2026

What do you think? Did we get it right?