UMSL Dept. of Communication & Media

06/19/2026

🌍 Faculty Spotlight: Shannon Ahrndt

✨ Faculty Spotlight Friday ✨

Meet Shannon Ahrndt, Teaching Professor in the UMSL Department of Communication and Media!

Professor Ahrndt teaches courses in intercultural communication and professional communication, helping students develop the skills needed to communicate effectively across cultures, workplaces, and global communities.

🌎 A true global citizen, Professor Ahrndt has traveled to 49 countries and spent 12 years living in Asia, experiences that enrich her teaching and bring real-world perspectives into the classroom. Most recently, she traveled to Scotland, where she visited Britain’s only free-ranging herd of reindeer—an unforgettable adventure that reflects her passion for learning about cultures, places, and people around the world.

Through her teaching, Professor Ahrndt inspires students to think globally, communicate thoughtfully, and build meaningful connections across differences.

👏 Join us in celebrating Professor Ahrndt and her dedication to student success and global understanding!

06/05/2026

📣 Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Lara Zwarun

🌟 Faculty Spotlight Friday 🌟

Meet Dr. Lara Zwarun, Associate Professor in the UMSL Department of Communication and Media!

Dr. Zwarun teaches courses in mass communication, advertising, and research methods, helping both undergraduate and graduate students develop the critical thinking and research skills needed to navigate today’s complex media landscape.

✈️ Dr. Zwarun is also expanding her research internationally through the University of Missouri System Reciprocal Program. She is collaborating with colleagues at the University of the Western Cape in South Africa to explore how journalists communicate science news through interactive and engaging media formats.

Her work highlights the power of communication to connect communities, foster understanding, and advance knowledge across cultures and borders.

👏 Join us in celebrating Dr. Zwarun and her contributions to teaching, research, and global collaboration!

05/05/2026

Congratulations to Teaching Professor Jill Alexander for speaking at the Midwest Digital Marketing Conference. She brings her expertise in Public Relations to this conference and to our department.

Also, our former student, Vince Costa is featured in the article below. He graduated in 2024 with a degree in Communication and Media and a Certificate in Public Relations.

UMSL's annual conference provides students with practical insights, valuable networking opportunities and real-world perspective.