The Many Hats Worn By Multi-Media Talent and Social Media Influencer Kris Kaylin Bennett

SC State senior Arabia Green participated in a recent Zoom call with Class of 2016 graduate Kris Kaylin Bennett. In the call with students, Bennett, a Charleston native, spoke about what it means to be a so-called "social media influencer." It's a title we seem to hear about more and more. And Bennett helped break it down for us. Arabia wrote an excellent recap of Kris Bennett's busy life. The story is on Arabia's blog: 

Read Arabia Green's article here. 

Bennett has become a true queen of all media with her radio job at Charleston's Z-93, television appearances here and there, original video productions and now her alliance with Michiel Perry, founder of the Black Southern Belle, a prominent blogger, brand ambassador and social media influencer based in Walterboro, S.C. Bennett also handles social media for several companies, including her radio station. 

This fall, as part of her work with the Black Southern Belle,  Bennett stayed (for free!) at Emeline, a new boutique hotel on Church Street in Charleston. 

Arabia Green is a senior communications major from Adams Run, S.C. She graduated from Baptist Hill High School and is set to graduate from SC State in December. Check out Arabia's blog, Raye of Sunshine, here. 

Comm Alumnus Jalen Ryant Publishes Book

 

At SC State Jalen Ryant beat his drum while a member of the famed Marching 101. Now, in his newly published book, "Chops for Life- Who is Jesus?," Jalen beats his drum for the great man above, Jesus Christ. 

Jalen, a 2017 communications graduate living in his native Charlotte, N.C., announced recently on LinkedIn the release of his first book. 

He has the book for sale on Amazon ($7.99 paperback and $2.99 for the Kindle version). 

Graduates Making Moves!

 It is always great to hear from our Communications graduates. Here is some recent news from two alumni both working at television stations. They are Jerel Palmer (left) and Destinee Chambliss. 

Jerel Palmer, Class of 2016, continues his move up television markets. In November Palmer is taking his videography and editing talents to Charlotte's NBC affiliate WCNC.  Charlotte is America's No. 21 TV market based on the number of homes with televisions in the viewing area. See the full list of U.S. TV markets here. 

Jerel, a graduate of Marion (S.C.) High School, will be moving across the Tar Heel state to Charlotte from Raleigh where since September 2019 he has been a photojournalist at WNCN-TV. Prior to Raleigh, Palmer was a photojournalist at stations in South Carolina (Greenville, Myrtle Beach, and Columbia where he was a Content Specialist). 

May 2020 Communications Graduates

It was not the Dawson Stadium graduation that everyone wanted but that doesn’t diminish the accomplishments of  SC State’s more than 400 May graduates.

A virtual commencement was produced and streamed on the university website on Sunday, May 31. It continues to play via the homepage at www.scsu.edu or click here for direct access.

Each graduate could provide a photograph, wearing a cap and gown or otherwise. And a short personal quote or phrase could be included. Here are screen captures from our 20 May 2020 communications graduates. Congratulations to all of you!

Graduate School News and Updates

It is never too early or too late for SC State communications graduates to think about getting an advanced degree that can help advance their careers.  Here is some news about May 2020 comm grads and older graduates too.

Tony Daquan Phillips (Class of 2020) and Jaelyn McCrae, also graduating May 2020, are both heading to the graduate communication program at Florida State University.  We are sure these Bulldogs will look good also in FSU Seminoles colors!  

Graduating Senior Expresses Frustration Over COVID-19 Crisis

Jaelyn McCrae, Class of 2020, worked very hard to get to the point where today she should be waiting for the big moment when she will cross the stage in Dawson Stadium (where she was a cheerleader for Bulldog football) to bask in the glory and satisfaction of receiving her South Carolina State University degree. 

The communications major who hails from Concord, N.C., like hundreds of other SC State graduating seniors, will be denied this special moment due to the coronavirus crisis that has shut down the school since mid-March. 

For an assignment in Professor Kat Landes' class, McCrae produced this thoughtful and emotional video about losing the graduation ceremony. Click on her image to view it. 

The university is planning a virtual ceremony for May graduates. That, of course, will not be the same. Details are forthcoming on when and how the online graduation will be held. 

Congratulations Jaelyn. Your future is bright with promise!

Dr. Mims Featured in the Orangeburg Times and Democrat

Our creative, multi-talented (the man can carry a tune!) Dr. Joshua Mims is featured in today's Orangeburg T&D.  He is using video to create smiles and laughs amid the coronavirus crisis.
Click here to see the article.

Dr. Mims' many videos are on his YouTube channel.

Also, check out this previous post about how Dr. Mims starred in a full-length feature film!