Bowie State Welcomes Communications Leaders at Statewide Conference

Bowie State University's Department of Communications hosted The Maryland Communication Association's 41st annual conference on March 6-7. The theme of this year's conference, "Voices Through Time: Communicating Across Generations," explored how communication continues to evolve across age groups, professional spaces and cultural contexts.

Several dozen students, educators and professionals from across the state gathered in the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center to network, take part in panels, learn from research findings, participate in roundtables and join professional development sessions.

The two-day conference was held on campus thanks to BSU's Dr. Jayne Cubbage, associate professor and first vice president of the MCA, in partnership with her BSU colleagues in the Department of Communications.

"The best way to describe the conference was a welcoming success," said Cubbage. "The Department of Communications was honored to be the cohost and sponsor. Many attendees were impressed by the quality of the MLK, Jr. Center and WBSU Bulldog Nation Radio and BSU-TV studios."

Perspectives were shared by panelists, professionals and educators about today's most pressing communications issues pertaining to multigenerational workplace environments, technological advancement and the growing role of artificial intelligence in advancing society.

BSU students also played an active role in advancing communications knowledge. Miah Wilson, a first-year graduate Organizational Communications student, presented her research on cultural and Christ-centered identity formation. Her presentation opened further conversations on how communication has the power to shape culture. 

"The MCA conference was amazing! I really appreciated the atmosphere and community with people who are actively evolving the communications practice," she said.

"The Department of Communications encourages leadership skills for its students by preparing them for 21st-century careers in digital media and fostering an environment of academic excellence, innovative thinking and intellectual curiosity," said Cubbage. "These skills are in demand by employers and are also necessary for scholars seeking a path in entrepreneurship."

Hosting professional gatherings on campus like the MCA conference underscores Bowie State's commitment to empowering students to become thought leaders who influence messaging to impact local, national and global audiences.