CHDCM Celebrates a “Second to None” Community at Annual Convocation

On September 10, The College of Human Development, Culture and Media (CHDCM) brought students, faculty, administrators and campus partners together in Bethany Hall to officially welcome its newest members.

Director of Student Success Initiatives, Marsha Philemon, Ph.D., led the call to order, while senior psychology major, Andromeda Tong sang the national anthem.

Director of Campus Ministry, Reverend Nicholas Sertich, S.T.L., offered an invocation and shared the story of St. Peter’s empty nets, which highlights that “sometimes experts need a little help.”

In his opening remarks, CHDCM’s founding dean, Bryan Crable, Ph.D., said that convocation reminded him of the college’s success and that the people who are part of it are “second to none.”

“The CHDCM is a fun and exciting place. That's what this is, right?” said Crable. “This is a party of celebration and welcome.” Crable underscored that spirit of celebration by highlighting keys milestones and accomplishments from the last academic year.

On the student media front, WSOU-89.5 FM was named the top college radio station by The Princeton Review and was nominated for a Marconi Award. SHU TV expanded to a weekly live broadcast of Campus Nightly.

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Mother Seton’s canonization, members of the choir and the nationally ranked Brownson Speech and Debate Team took part in the event and the Chamber Choir also performed at St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

The Center for Sports Media expanded the Pirates in the Field program, enabling students to cover more events than ever, including the FIFA World Cup, the NBA and NFL Drafts and the NCAA Women’s Final Four. The Center helped connect three students to internships with NBC Sports.

CHDCM student success is on the rise. A group of students from the Sports Reporting course was named 2026 winners of the Fox Sports University Challenge. The Center also welcomed ESPN executive Norby Williamson as this year’s professional-in-residence.

On the academic front, the college launched new academic programs, including an undergraduate minor in Hip-Hop Studies and an undergraduate Certificate in Sports Communications. Several new graduate programs are now offered by the College, including Elementary Teaching, Sports Leadership and Learning Design, Training and Technology.

The list of accomplishments stretched beyond the classroom and into the college’s culture. Crable praised the CHDCM community for launching “One College, One Exhibition,” which featured Robert Shetterly’s portraits of e American truth tellers.

Last April, the college’s Law Enforcement Executive Leadership program welcomed scholar-practitioner Tracie L. Keesee, Ph.D., as part of program aimed at highlighting trailblazing women in law enforcement.

The success didn’t stop there. Students were inducted into national honor societies, received mentorship opportunities and earned statewide recognition, two graduating seniors, Simona Adams and Samantha Davidson, received Distinguished Clinical Intern Awards. In addition, graduate students in professional psychology, family therapy and higher education presented at top conferences. Faculty scholarship received accolades and was featured in numerous publications.

Crable also announced the “Dean’s Challenge,” inviting members of the CHDCM community to collect 10 or more stickers from CHDCM events and receive a prize.

Afterward, Philemon returned to the stage to offer closing remarks. The program concluded with Tong returning to lead attendees in singing the alma mater.

Following the official program everyone was invited to sign a commemorative banner before gathering for lunch and coffee from the Divine Coffee cart. They also and stopped outside Bethany Hall for a sweet treat from the Scream Truck.

Brittany Ricci, M.A., senior director of communication and enrollment management, expressed her excitement about the growth of the CHDCM community. “This year’s convocation showcased the success of both our students and faculty – it shows new students what they can accomplish through our programs.”

To watch the recorded CHDCM Convocation ceremony, click here.

Categories: Arts and Culture, Community Engagement