Department of Communication Arts
Faculty
Ashley Fitch Blair (1999). Chair and Associate Professor of Communication Arts. B.A., Union University; M.A., University of Memphis.
Chris Blair (1997). Professor of Communication Arts and Coordinator of DMS. B.A., Union University; M.A. and Ph.D., University of Memphis.
Rachael Camp (2021). Assistant Professor of Communication Arts B.A., Union University; M.A. and Ph.D., University of Memphis.
Aaron Hardin (2016). Associate Professor of Communication Arts. B.A., Union University; M.F.A., University of Hartford.
Ted Kluck (2015). Associate Professor of Communication Arts. B.A., Indiana University; M.F.A., Ashland University.
Rebekah Whitaker (2019). Assistant Professor of Communication Arts and Director for Debate. B.A., University of Arkansas at Monticello; M.A., University of Arkansas at Little Rock; Ph.D., Louisiana State University.
Instructional Staff
Raymond H. Eaton (2009). Broadcasting Technician. M.S., University of Tennessee, Knoxville; M.M., Freed-Hardeman University.
Staff
Kristi Brookfield (2020). Academic Secretary—Communication Arts.
Mission Statement
The Communication Arts Department provides a practical and theoretical education in written, oral, and visual communication with a Christian worldview that prepares students to be culture-makers across a broad spectrum of contexts.
Curriculum
The Department offers a wide range of courses designed to meet the complex and significant theoretical and communication skill requirements in its respective professional fields.
The Department is affiliated with several organizations and programs that enhance student learning:
- the Tennessee Associated Press Conference
- the National Communication Association
- the International Communication Association
- the National Electronic Media Association (NBS-AERho)
- the Southeastern Journalism Conference
- the Public Relations Student Society of America
- the Radio Television Digital News Association
- the University Film & Video Association
Faculty encourage participation in regional and national conferences.
Communication Arts majors are not allowed to double major or double minor within the department. Non-Communication Arts majors may double minor in the department except in the areas of Journalism and Public Relations.
Student Organizations
Beta Mu is the Union chapter of Alpha Psi Omega, the national honorary dramatic fraternity. Membership is based on attainment in theatre. The chapter sponsors Campus Day activities, coffee house presentations, and a variety of other events.
The Bulldog Communication Group, a student-run public relations agency, provides students with portfolio building opportunities by offering communication services to clients on campus and in the community.
Alpha Epsilon Rho is the honor society of the National Electronic Media Association. Members of AERho emphasize superior scholarship and creative participation in broadcast, corporate, and digital media production and activity. Membership in AERho exemplifies excellence of work, demonstrated leadership qualities, and service to the organization, the community, and the industry.
The Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) is open to all students interested in the public relations profession and society activities. PRSSA is student-led and relates to the practice of public relations, planning a PR career, and acquiring the skills needed in public relations.
The Union Debate Team is open to all students and competes four or five times a semester in the International Public Debate Association. Membership is based on an interview with the team’s director.
The Union Film Society seeks to increase interest in and understanding of the art and process of filmmaking through a variety of experiences, including film screenings, filmmaking seminars, and film projects.
The Cardinal & Cream is the student news publication. The newspaper is online and updated daily during the fall and spring semesters. A full-color news magazine is published each semester. Staff positions are open to all classes and majors.