Journalism & Public Relations

Spring 2023 Guest Speakers

Explore J&PR Careers with our Spring 2023 Guest Speakers
Each semester J&PR faculty host a range of guest speakers working in news and public relations. Our guests are often alumni who discuss their career paths, day-to-day jobs and the key skills needed for success in today’s industries. We also invite professionals in the field to discuss trends, legal or ethical issues, and what their companies look for in new hires.

J&PR students are encouraged to network with our visiting professionals and join the guest speakers across our classes. Contact the faculty host to learn how to participate in the guest speaker visits.
JOUR 265 Survey of Public Relations and Media Relations

This course provides an overview of the public relations industry and features guests from a wide range of companies and industries. Each guest holds a different PR or marketing position, which allows students to get a better understanding of the array of career opportunities with a PR degree. Faculty host: Debra Johnson, dejohnson@csuchico.edu.

Rachel Simmons
Gabriela Prado
  • PR option alumna, Spring 2019
  • Account Manager,CT & Co.
  • Topic: A PR pro’s life in the entertainment industry
  • Guest Speaker: Feb. 27, 2023
Mallorie Hayes
Patrice Berry
Sage Piccolotti
Anne Stanley
JOUR 329 The Orion

The Orion is our award-winning news organization providing a training ground for students interested in journalism, photography, advertising, marketing, production, graphic design and videography.

Our spring guests include alumni, journalists and professionals in careers that often work with reporters in their communities. Join us during The Orion’s Wednesday critiques at 4 p.m. in Plumas Hall 201. Connect with The Orion’s adviser Forrest Hartman, fhartman@csuchico.edu to join the guest speaker visits.

Ken Pordes
  • Chico State alumnus, Spring 1993
  • Chico-based photographer
  • Guest Speaker: Feb. 1, 2023
Christopher Shippen
Mike Ramsey
Mark Plenke
Jenna Fink
Mike Wolcott
Todd Bishop
  • News option alumnus, Spring 1996
  • Co-Founder, GeekWire
  • Guest Speaker: March 29, 2023
  • Photo courtesy of Todd Bishop
Peter Berkow
  • Chico State alumnus, 1991
  • Educator and Digital Media Specialist, California Community Colleges
  • Guest Speaker: April 12, 2023
  • Photo courtesy of Peter Berkow
Chloe Curtis
  • News option alumna, Spring 2022
  • Reporter, Action News Now
  • Guest Speaker: April 19, 2023
  • Photo courtesy of Action News Now
JOUR 445 PR Lab: Tehama Group Communications

Tehama Group Communications is our student-managed public relations agency located in Tehama Hall Room 310. A dedicated team of student writers, designers, editors and creatives provide top-notch, professional-quality work to clients while fostering a healthy learning environment for the members of the team.

 The spring guest speakers are TGC alumni working in PR in the San Francisco-Bay Area. They’ll focus on networking and job-hunting tips as well as understanding the skill sets needed to thrive in today’s PR industry.

Connect with TGC’s adviser Janell Bauer via email: jcbauer@csuchico.edu to join the guest speaker visits.

Claire Bang
Emma McDermott