by Leah Jackson
Northwestern State University’s Department of New Media, Journalism and Communication Arts honored several individuals as Distinguished Communications Professionals in March.
This year’s honorees were Gary Fields, Robert Gentry, Doug Ireland, the late Carley McCord, Dan McDonald, Jim Mustian, Denise Lewis Patrick, the late Jerry Pierce and Tom Whitehead.
Created in 2021, the Distinguished Communications Professional award recognizes individuals with successful careers in and/or significant contributions to the fields of journalism, photojournalism, communications, news editorial, public relations, political strategy, media production, web content production and new media as it emerges, as well as individuals who have made significant contributions to the Department.
The awards are presented by the NSU Foundation and the NSU Alumni Association. Karen McCord and Steve Ensminger Jr. accepted the award on McCord’s behalf and Drake Owens accepted Pierce’s award with his family present. Unable to attend, Mustian provided a video of thanks.
Pictured are, from left, Gary Fields, Tom Whitehead, Robert Gentry, Denise Lewis Patrick, Dan McDonald, Karen McCord, Keith Ducote, Doug Ireland, Karmelya, Ava, Charlee Ann and Allie Ducote.
Read more about the honorees here: https://www.nsula.edu/nsu-will-honor-distinguished-communications-professionals-march-17/.
