Guest Speakers

Industry Insights: Learn from PR and Journalism Experts

At Chico State's Journalism and Public Relations Department, we connect students with accomplished professionals who share real-world insights, career advice, and industry trends. Through guest speaker visits across our courses, students gain invaluable exposure to the diverse career paths available in public relations, journalism, and media.

Many of our guest speakers are Chico State alumni who have turned their degrees into thriving careers. From working with global brands and government agencies to leading media relations for major corporations, these professionals offer firsthand knowledge of what it takes to succeed.

Guest Speakers Across Our Courses

Public Relations & Media Relations (JOUR 265)
This course introduces students to the broad field of public relations, featuring speakers from diverse industries such as advocacy, entertainment, government, and digital marketing. These professionals share their career journeys and offer insights into the evolving PR landscape.

Public Relations Research & Measurement (JOUR 342)
Students explore how PR campaigns are measured using real-world tools like media monitoring, social listening, and data analytics. Guest speakers provide expertise in media relations, campaign evaluation, and securing high-profile press coverage.

The Orion: Student Newsroom (JOUR 329)
Our award-winning news organization invites seasoned journalists, editors, and media professionals to speak about reporting, photography, broadcasting, and investigative journalism. These speakers provide valuable perspectives on news production and working with the press.

Tehama Group Communications: PR Lab (JOUR 445)
Students in our student-run public relations agency engage with PR professionals in agency and corporate settings. These guest speakers offer job-hunting strategies, networking tips, and essential skills needed to thrive in the PR industry.

Build Your Network & Your Future

Guest speaker events provide students with direct access to industry leaders, allowing them to network, ask questions, and gain insights that can shape their careers. Whether you’re exploring career options or preparing to enter the workforce, these sessions offer a unique opportunity to learn from professionals who have walked the same path.

For more information or to attend a guest speaker session, connect with the course faculty or advisor.

Previous Guest Speakers

JOUR 265: Survey of Public Relations and Media Relations

Faculty Host: Debra Johnson (dejohnson@csuchico.edu)

• Cumbia Padilla – Communications Coordinator at Green Latinos – Advocacy PR for driving positive societal change (Sept. 6, 2023)
• Christina Hoze – Assistant Account Executive at R&CPMK – Entertainment PR (Oct. 18, 2023)
• Erin Harris – Media Assistant at un/common – Developing public sector campaigns (Oct. 23, 2023)
• Gabby Miller – Media & Communications Specialist at City of Sacramento – Governmental PR (Oct. 30, 2023)
• Arianna Silvestri – Marketing Media Specialist II at Global Overview – Digital Marketing and Advertising on Amazon (Nov. 6, 2023)
• Jenna Galloway Faller – Vice President Media Relations at FleishmanHillard – Agency + Client Relationships; FH and Tillamook brand communications (Dec. 4, 2023)

JOUR 342: Public Relations Research, Measurement & Evaluation

Faculty Host: Debra Johnson (dejohnson@csuchico.edu)

• Miranda Young – Manager, Global Brand Communications, PR at HOKA – Media relations and landing coverage in the Wall Street Journal (Oct. 3, 2023)

JOUR 329: The Orion (Student News Organization)

Faculty Host: Forrest Hartman (fhartman@csuchico.edu)

• Ken Pordes – Chico-based photographer (Feb. 1, 2023)
• Christopher Shippen – Chico State University Police Department (Feb. 8, 2023)
• Mike Ramsey – District Attorney, Butte County (Feb. 15, 2023)
• Mark Plenke – Freelance editor and former adviser to The Orion (Feb. 22, 2023)
• Jenna Fink – Sports Director, Action News Now (March 8, 2023)
• Mike Wolcott – Editor, Chico Enterprise-Record and Oroville Mercury-Register (March 22, 2023)
• Todd Bishop – Co-Founder, GeekWire (March 29, 2023)
• Peter Berkow – Educator and Digital Media Specialist, California Community Colleges (April 12, 2023)
• Chloe Curtis – Reporter, Action News Now (April 19, 2023)

JOUR 445: PR Lab (Tehama Group Communications)

Faculty Host: Janell Bauer (jcbauer@csuchico.edu)

• Claire Bang – Communications Manager, City of San Jose (March 27, 2023)
• Emma McDermott – Account Executive, VSC (April 10, 2023)