Nicholls State University’s Department of Mass Communications is gearing up for an exciting new venture with the impending launch of the Nancy Sanderson Matherne Institute for Global Communications. This visionary program is poised to establish a robust global communications structure, connecting Nicholls not only with the local community but also extending its reach to the wider world. According to this article from Nicholls, The institute’s primary goal is to enrich the academic experience for faculty, staff, and students through international collaborations and real-world applications in the field of communications.
In a heartfelt initiative, Dr. Brian Matherne, a respected Houma physician, and his daughter Kellie Daniels, a lecturer in public relations and corporate communications at Newcastle University in England, have spearheaded the creation and funding of this groundbreaking institute. Named in honor of Nancy Sanderson Matherne, a UK native, longtime resident of Terrebonne Parish, and the first female member of the Terrebonne Parish School Board, the institute aims to celebrate Nancy’s profound impact on education in South Louisiana and her belief in the transformative power of travel to foster understanding and effective communication across diverse cultural contexts.
To facilitate the institute’s mission, Nicholls will select a group of students in its inaugural year to become institute recipients. These fortunate individuals will engage in an international campaign, working closely with an international client and embarking on a journey to the United Kingdom. There, they will have the unique opportunity to pitch their campaign to a panel of communications specialists and the project client, gaining invaluable real-world experience in the process.
Kellie Daniels, granddaughter of Nancy Sanderson Matherne and co-founder of the institute, expressed her excitement, saying, “We are thrilled to be able to open the door to international travel and global communications opportunities to the students at Nicholls State University and hope this link opens the door to further cultural programs and exchanges. Like Granny always used to say, ‘Travel really is the best education.’”
The institute’s collaboration extends beyond borders, with partnerships established with international universities, specifically Newcastle University in England. This collaboration aims to enhance the understanding and practice of international communications, broadening the horizons of Nicholls’ Mass Communication program. Dr. James Stewart,the head of the Mass Communication department at Nicholls State University, emphasized the significance of this international experience, stating, “Together, we can carve a path for world-class education to ensure our students, and as a result our communities, have a bright future.”
Funding for the Nancy Sanderson Matherne Institute for Global Communications will be derived from private donations, grants, and support from Nicholls State University. Those interested in investing in Nicholls can find more information at nichollsfoundation.org.
The Department of Mass Communication at Nicholls State University boasts a diverse range of concentration areas of study, state-of-the-art facilities, and opportunities for students to join publications or organizations. The department’s internship program is specifically designed to provide students with practical experience, complementing their classroom education. The dedicated faculty works tirelessly to develop students’ professional skills and values, aligning them with the current standards of the mass media industry.
In conclusion, the Nancy Sanderson Matherne Institute for Global Communications is not just a new chapter for Nicholls State University but a leap into a future where education transcends boundaries, and communication becomes a global endeavor. This initiative is set to shape the way students perceive and engage with the world, emphasizing the importance of cultural awareness and effective communication on a global scale.
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