CMU School of Communication, Journalism and Media

Congratulations to this year's Media Hall of Fame class!

NEWS: Central Michigan University’s School of Communication, Journalism, and Media proudly announces the next seven inductees into its Media Hall of Fame. The group includes alumni and retired faculty who have had distinguished careers in the fields of journalism, communication, public affairs, advertising, television, and academia.

The 2026 induction ceremony and dinner banquet will be held on the evening of Saturday, November 14, 2026, at 5 p.m. at the Bovee University Center on campus. Tickets go on sale soon.

Ann Emmerich
Class of 1986
Broadcast and Cinematic Arts
Award-winning news anchor and investigative journalist

Perry Alexander Farrell
Class of 1980
Journalism
Veteran Detroit sports writer and passionate student mentor

Andrew Heller
Class of 1983
Journalism
Award-winning columnist known for sharp political insight and humor

Dr. Diane S. Krider
Communication & Integrative Public Relations
Transformative professor emeritus; IPR program architect

Sharon L. Martin
Class of 1989
Journalism
Esteemed communications executive advancing brands, universities and communities

Timothy D. Pollard
Classes of 1981 and 1983
Broadcast and Cinematic Arts
Influential associate dean emeritus and former cable news operations manager

Jeff Thomas
Class of 1980
Broadcast and Cinematic Arts & Political Science
Industry-leading radio executive and record-setting sales strategist

CMU alum and 2025 Media Hall of Fame inductee Phil Sgriccia visited campus earlier this month, holding a film workshop with a group of CMU students! Over the weeklong workshop, Phil assisted the students in filming a few scenes from a student-written screenplay, while providing them with real life feedback and experience. Thank you, Phil!

Today, we are spotlighting our 2025 graduate Kyla Wygant!

Hometown: St. Claire Shores, MI
High school: Fraser High School
Current Role: PR Practitioner for St. Clair Shores Parks and Recreation Department

“The IPR program at CMU greatly prepared me for life after graduation. I use the skills and tools I learned everyday in my post-grad career. The advice and guidance from my professors have stuck with me and continue to shape how I approach my work. Being involved in PRSSA was also such a valuable part of my college experience. It gave me networking opportunities, helped me feel more confident stepping into the professional world, and deepened my love for public relations!”

Help us welcome Gretchen Furst, our summer intern at the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation!

Gretchen studies Integrative Public Relations at Central Michigan University, double minoring in Leadership and Multimedia Design, and will begin her junior year at Central Michigan University in the fall. We're excited for the fresh perspective and dedication she brings as she supports the work at the Community Foundation.

Hi! I am Teagan Kazim! I came to the IPR program when I wasn’t sure what was next for me, but knew I enjoyed writing, research and storytelling. Giving this program a try ended up being one of the best decisions I have ever made, and I was quickly drawn in by the people in the program. Other students in the major are friendly, professors actually get to know you and there’s an alumni network that really shows up and wants to help you. After joining the IPR major I became president of PRSSA, began connecting with PR professionals across the country, made lifelong friends and secured an internship that turned into a post-grad job. I might have come in uncertain, but I am leaving competent, confident and excited for my future. That is because of the IPR program.

P.S. Teagan, a May 2026 graduate, has been named the Outstanding IPR Student for 2025–2026. She will continue her studies at Central Michigan University as a master’s student in Communication.

Students from high schools across Michigan joined us for Drone Day on May 19. The students flew drones inside & outside Finch Fieldhouse and learned from industry professionals and CMU faculty, staff, and alumni.

The 2026 Aerial Drone Competition Awards Ceremony commenced during Drone Day, awarding students from Clare High School in the drone video and photography categories. Congratulations to our winners!

Today, we are spotlighting our 2005 graduate Nicole Yelland!

Hometown: Chelsea, MI
Current Role: Founder & Principal of GRIT PR, LLC

“The moment you stop worrying about what people think of you, you're free! Go be yourself in every room, interaction and piece you write and you'll be amazed at what happens next.”