Newsmakers Luncheon Recognizes the Efforts of Media-Trained Faculty Experts

Newsmakers Luncheon

In October, Baylor Media and Public Relations honored more than 90 faculty members during the second annual Newsmakers Luncheon. The event recognized the contributions of faculty experts who provide their research and academic perspective on national and world issues. Their efforts help build the University’s voice as Baylor focuses on Illuminate, the University’s strategic plan, and Research 1/Tier 1 recognition.

“Baylor faculty are doing really interesting research that’s helping to solve important problems to enhance the common good, but we have to tell people about that research, and we have to tell them about it in a way that everyone can understand,” said President Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D. “As we continue to move forward on Illuminate and our desire to be a Research 1 university, we need to make sure people know about the good and important research at Baylor and know how the work that our faculty are doing is really helping solve some of the important problems in the world.”

The luncheon recognized Dr. Mia Moody-Ramirez, professor and chair of journalism, public relations and new media, as faulty Newsmaker of the Year for 2018-19. Moody-Ramirez’s knowledge on race and culture was highlighted by numerous national media outlets over the past year.

“As researchers, we are all Baylor Newsmakers. We are making a difference at Baylor, in the lives of our students and in the world. We need to let others know what we are doing. Publicity through the media is one way of doing that,” Moody-Ramirez said.

Media Training & Faculty Experts

The annual luncheon highlights the importance and impact of faculty who work to share their expertise with a broader audience via the media. Moody-Ramirez is one of many Baylor faculty who have worked with Baylor Media and Public Relations to prepare for interviews through media training. The training provides strategies to help faculty prepare for media interviews and maintain comfort and control throughout the process. By identifying and training faculty whose research is relevant and relatable and focusing on quality media interactions, the media and public relations team has created an expert directory of media-trained and responsive faculty ready to work with journalists.

Two classroom training sessions — one in the fall and one in the spring — are hosted each year. Faculty participants learn what to expect of a fast-paced news cycle, the differences between varying types of interviews, such as phone or on-camera, and tips for staying on message and working with reporters. Later, a mock on-camera interview, intended to be realistic, allows faculty a chance to put their training into practice.

The sessions provide a space for refining and confidence-building through encouraging direction. The media and public relations team can then secure media opportunities for faculty experts as well as share their media successes through numerous Baylor channels like social media, Baylor Proud and Baylor Magazine. While media communication isn’t a good fit for every faculty member, the reciprocal relationship between faculty experts and the University furthers Baylor’s mission and goals.

If you are interested in media training and being a faculty expert, please contact the media training team at mediacomm@baylor.edu or 254-710-1961.