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MSU communication seniors participate in inaugural ‘Challenge for Emerging Leaders’

MSU communication seniors participate in inaugural ‘Challenge for Emerging Leaders’

Four seniors in ÑÇÖÞÉ«°ÉÊÓƵ’s Department of Communication recently participated in The Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations’ inaugural Challenge for Emerging Leaders held at the University of Alabama. They include, from left to right, Emily Belle Damm of Starkville, William A. Folkes of Hattiesburg, Becca Lorraine Hawkins of Louin, and Emily W. Gouin of Birmingham, Alabama. (Photo by Megan Bean)

Contact: Sasha Steinberg

STARKVILLE, Miss.—Four ÑÇÖÞÉ«°ÉÊÓƵ Department of Communication students recently participated in The Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations’ inaugural Challenge for Emerging Leaders.

Held at the University of Alabama, the intensive, hands-on workshop tested participants’ self-awareness, conflict management, critical thinking and team leadership skills.

Students were selected by their department chairs based on leadership potential, demonstrated achievements throughout their academic careers and their diverse backgrounds and experiences.

All seniors concentrating in public relations, MSU participants included Emily Belle Damm of Starkville, William A. Folkes of Hattiesburg, Emily W. Gouin of Birmingham, Alabama, and Becca Lorraine Hawkins of Louin. Damm and Folkes also are concentrating in broadcasting.

In addition to other activities, students worked in teams to complete a diversity case study. Each group was assigned an industry adviser.

Teams presented their case study findings and were awarded a Certificate of Leadership Achievement. Hawkins was part of the winning team, which received the Betsy Plank Diversity Case Study Award.

Learn more about the MSU College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of Communication at or follow on Facebook and Twitter @MSUComm.

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