MCJR Week 2026
Your Story starts here
MARCH 30 - APRIL 2, 2026
Presented by
The Department of Mass Communications & Journalism
"We, the Storytellers"
Welcome to MCJR WEEK 2026!
Welcome MCJR students. Every year we organize this series of events to help MCJR students jump start their career in media and communications. Please take advantage of these opportunities, participate in events, and get to know MCJR alumni and other special guests.
Welcome back MCJR alumni. Thank you for sharing with current MCJR students what you have learned in your media careers. We are proud of your accomplishments and appreciate you coming back and giving back.
Welcome media professionals. We appreciate you volunteering your valuable time to help our students. Say "hello" to a future co-worker?
Welcome all. Most events are open to all NSU students, faculty, administrators and staff, as well as, guests from the community. MCJR Week events are open to all, unless otherwise indicated below.
Jump to a particular day: Monday || Tuesday || Wednesday || Thursday
Follow and post about MCJR Week on social media.
@mcjrnsu 
@mcjrnsu hashtag: #mcjrweek2026
1:00 PM – 1:50 PM
Event - MCJR Week Kickoff (BMH-230)
- Facilitators: JRN 350: Events Management students
- Description: Come see what all that MCJR Week 2026 beholds. Learn about the upcoming events, workshops, and panels. Get a preview of all that you can take advantage of during MCJR Week 2026. Prizes, plus.
3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Workshop - Creating Engaging Video Content - From Idea to Screen (BMH 230)
- REGISTER NOW for this workshop. Seats are going quickly.
- Instructors: Shimira Cole and Mike Wilkins.
- Description: In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn how AI tools can assist with story development, character design, visual world-building, animation, music, and post-production. Students will also learn how to produce sketch content from the process of writing, storyboarding, identifying talent, producing, and post-editing. This workshop will also cover what it will take to get our content seen and the methodology behind going viral.
Jump to a particular day: Monday || Tuesday || Wednesday || Thursday
Follow and post about MCJR Week on social media.
@mcjrnsu @mcjrnsu hashtag: #mcjrweek2026
9:30 AM – 10:45 AM
Panel - Game Time: Careers in Sports Media (SC 370)
- Moderator: Ms. Alauna Marable (MCJR Senior)
- Panelists: Ahmad Garnett, Reporter, Star Democrat, Ross Gordon, Assistant AD/Director for Sports Broadcast & Production, Norfolk State University, and Cesley Tafoya, Assistant Commissioner for External Affairs, MEAC.
- Description: Step into the world of sports media and learn what it takes to cover the games you love. Hear from professionals about their journeys, the skills you need, and how to stand out in this competitive field.
11:00 AM – 12:15 PM
Panel - Radio: On Air and Behind the Scenes (SC 370)
- Moderator: Prof. Jonathan Mason
- Panelist: Justin Lee, Sports Director, Sinclair Broadcasting; Tony Macrini, Morning Show Host, WNIS; Amber Payton, News Anchor and Director with the Black Information Network (BIN) and iHeartRadio music personality; Sonja Morrell, Marketing Director, Content Creator, and an On-Air Personality for 106.9.
- Description: Explore careers in radio, from on-air personalities to producers and content creators. Panelists will discuss industry trends, day-to-day roles, and how students can prepare for opportunities in broadcast and digital audio.
1:30 PM – 2:45 PM
NABJ Panel – AI in Media: What It Means For Your Career (SC 370)
- Moderator: A’lauren Gilchrist (MCJR graduate student)
- Panelists: Dr. Terry Marsh, Assistant Professor, Norfolk State University, Nicole Livas, Director of Communications, Virginia Beach City Public Schools, Rebekah "Beck G" Gaines, Founder and Principal of Beck’s Management Public Relations firm, Jon Sham, Director of Digital Media, WTKR, Lauren Roberts Carter, Vice President of Marketing & Communications, Hampton Roads Chamber.
- Description: Discover how AI is reshaping journalism, production, and digital media careers. Panelists will share real-world applications, industry insights, and what AI and human skills you need to stay competitive in an evolving media landscape.
3:00 PM – 4:15 PM
- Event - Speed Networking: Your Future Starts With A Conversation (SC 370)
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Host: Dr. Cathy Jackson
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Description: Learn how MCJR alumni have built successful careers in both traditional and non-traditional fields. Through a structured networking format, students will engage with multiple professionals to gain career advice, industry insight, and real-world perspectives.
- Mentors/Alumni:
- Ashley Dillard, Engagement, Diversity and Inclusion Specialist, Newport News Shipbuilding
- Krystal Searcy, Public Information Officer, Newport News Police Department
- Treasure Ricks, Media, Entertainment, and Sports/Athlete and Talent Advisor/NIL,
- Lisa Godley, Director of Equity, Production and Outreach, WHRO Public Media
- Stanley Donaldson, Director of Media Relations, Norfolk State University
- Keneshia Johnson, Ed.D., Automotive Instructor, Pace Center
- Leonard Madu, Music Consultant-Radio Promotions and Touring
- Breon Armstrong, Reputation Specialist, CoStar Group
- Wes Jones, Senior PR Manager, Greater Richmond Region
- Antoinette Ramseur, Public Information Officer, Portsmouth Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney
- Candace Shoates-Perkins, Fundraising Marketing Specialist, YMCA of South Hampton Roads
- Ebony Fleming, director of Communications and Community Engagement, City of Alexandria, VA
- Jasmine McKeiver, Senior Channel Manager - Salesforce, Email and Direct to Consumer, Edward Jones
- Mahogany Waldon, Director of University Communications, Hampton University
- Lexus Wheeler, Technical Management Director, Program Executive Office Enterprise – U.S. Army, founder of SheSTEM
- Jasmine Painter, Television Station Manager/TV Production Teacher, Norcom High School
- Meagan Jones, Associate Director, U.S. Oncology Corporate Communications and Partnerships, AstraZeneca
- Maynard Scales, General Manager, WNSB-FM, Norfolk State University
- Jasmine Graham, Video Production Specialist, James City
Jump to a particular day: Monday || Tuesday || Wednesday || Thursday
Follow and post about MCJR Week on social media.
@mcjrnsu @mcjrnsu hashtag: #mcjrweek2026
10:00 AM – 10:50 AM
Workshop - Mic Check to Paycheck: Mastering the Job Interview (BMH 230)
- REGISTER NOW for this workshop. Seats are going quickly.
- Instructor: Prof. Deanna Moore-Heath
- Description: Sharpen your job interviewing skills and be better able to present yourself as a fully prepared, eager, and capable media professional.
11:00 AM – 11:50 AM
Workshop - Reel Talk - How to Make Your Reel Pop and Get Noticed (BMH 230)
- REGISTER NOW for this workshop. Seats are going quickly.
- Instructor: Ms. Alveta Ewell
- Description: Build a reel that highlights your strongest work and grabs attention. Learn to choose clips and present your talent to stand out professionally.
1:00 PM – 1:50 PM
Panel - The Battle For Our Stories: Media Policy & Power (BMH 230)
- Moderator: Dr. Alisa Valentin
- Panelists: A. Prince Albert III, Founder and Executive Director, The Culture Keepers Circle, Brandon Forester, Senior Campaign Lead, Media Justice, and Yosef Getachew, Senior Policy Counsel from Reset Tech.
- Description: Who controls our narrative? Panelists will share insights on how media laws and regulations shape storytelling, access, and opportunity, and what it means for the future of media and democracy.
3:00 PM – 3:50 PM
Workshop - Your Job Search Toolkit - Resumes, Cover Letters, Etc. (BMH 230)
- REGISTER NOW for this workshop. Seats are going quickly.
- Instructor: Prof. Alexis Martin
- Description: Develop the essential career materials needed to succeed in today’s media job market. Students will learn best practices for resumes, cover letters, and portfolios, with the option to receive individualized feedback.
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6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Event - Alumni Mixer / Spartan Spotlight Media Competition (SC 138B)
- Co-Hosts: Mr. Maynard Scales and Dr. Proshot Kalami
- Description: Celebrate student creativity and connect with alumni during an event that highlights outstanding MCJR student media work. Celebrate what it means to be an MCJR storyteller.
- Attire: This is a red carpet event. Dress to impress.
Follow and post about MCJR Week on social media.
@mcjrnsu @mcjrnsu hashtag: #mcjrweek2026
11:00 AM – 12:15 PM
Panel - Getting a Media Internship (SC 138A)
- Moderator: Dr. Tony Atwater
- Panelists: Jon Sham, Director of Digital Media, WTKR, Stepanie Cooke, Executive Producer, WAVY, The Hampton Roads Show
- Description: This panel is devoted to learning about the importance of television news internships and internship opportunities in the Hampton Roads region. Come and learn how a television news internship experience can help you land a TV News position in this highly competitive field.
12:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Event - Awards Luncheon & Recognition Ceremony (Invite Only)
- Moderator: Dr. Stan Tickton
- Keynote Speaker: Leon Carter, Editor at Large at The Athletic
- Description: The MCJR Awards Luncheon is our annual celebration of excellence and dedication within the Department of Mass Communications and Journalism. This special event honors the students, faculty, and staff whose hard work and achievements have helped make MCJR one of the most dynamic and distinguished departments on campus. Invited guests, please join us as we reflect on the past year and recognize the individuals who continue to elevate our legacy.
- Note: This event is by invitation only. See emailed invite for location.
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Event - Media Career Fair (SC 138C)
- Description: Explore career opportunities, connect with media professionals, and learn what employers are looking for in today’s evolving industry. Gain insight, make contacts, and take steps toward your future. Visit with employers in local television, radio, and public relations.
Legend
BMH = Brown Memorial Hall, SC = Student Center
Norfolk State University campus map
Questions?
Call 757-823-2261, email mcjr@nsu.edu
or send DM on @mcjrnsu or on @mcjrnsu.
Follow and post about MCJR Week on social media
@mcjrnsu @mcjrnsu hashtag: #mcjrweek2026
Note: Schedule subject to slight change. Check back for updates.
