An Accomplished Year for the Nicholson School’s Communication Programs

Many noteworthy accomplishments occurred during the past year and within the Communication program at the Nicholson School of Communication and Media. Below is a recap of a few important items that were addressed or highlighted:

  • Regina Francies, Ph.D., a lecturer in the Nicholson School, was honored by UCF’s Office of Faculty Excellence as a 2020 Women’s History Month Honoree. These recognitions are based on women who have been instrumental in shaping our university from its origins to the formidable institution it is presently.

A person with short brown hair and glasses smiles at the camera against a plain background.

  • The Universal Accreditation Board, a diverse group of educators, military public affairs personnel and public relations professionals who oversee the Accreditation program, released the numbers of 2019 for PR student certification. 1 out of every 4 students in the nation who have earned their certification in the last two years have come from our program! Lindsay Hudock, an associate instructor in the school’s advertising/public relations program, just earned her Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) as well. The APR asserts professional competence, communicates professional expertise and dedication and reflects progressive public relations industry practices as well as high standards, as highlighted in an article here.

Gold oval badge with "APR" in bold letters and the words "Accredited in Public Relations" surrounding it.

  • UCF became the #5 largest contributing organization to the COVID-19 food drive.

A hand holds a metal basket filled with canned food items and pasta in front of a window.

A bearded man smiling outdoors, wearing a checked shirt, with a blurred green background. Woman with short, curly blonde hair and a slight smile, wearing a dark jacket, against a brown background. A person with long brown hair and a green top smiles at the camera, with an outdoor background. A smiling woman with blonde hair wearing a red blazer and white blouse stands outdoors with a blurred green background. Man wearing a gray suit and yellow tie stands outside with trees and grass in the background.

  • Richard Brunson was promoted to Senior Instructor, effective August 2020.

A smiling man wearing glasses and a checked shirt under a dark blazer, set against a plain brown background.

  • Christine Hanlon, Ph.D., was promoted to Senior Lecturer, effective August 2020. She also made 20 years with UCF this year!

A woman with long brown hair and glasses smiles, wearing a beige top, set against a dark background.

  •  Jihyun Kim, Ph.D., was promoted to Associate Professor, effective August 2020.

  • Gary LaPage was promoted to Associate Instructor, effective August 2020.

  • Patric Spence, Ph.D., (not pictured) was promoted to Professor, effective August 2020.

  • Peter Smith, Ph.D., was promoted to Associate Professor, effective August 2020.

 

Published February 1, 2021. Written by Iulia Popescu.

If you have any news, accomplishments or highlights about your work or life, please be sure to share them with us, by emailing us at nicholsonews@ucf.edu.