Dr. Helene Shugart, a Professor of Communication at the University of Utah, visited campus on January 28 for a full day of interacting with Wittenberg Communication students in a variety of platforms: anything from answering their questions about graduate school, to presenting her research as the spring colloquium speaker.

Shugart first answered students’ questions and provided helpful feedback at the Grad School Lunch, available for all students interested in attending graduate school.

“The insight she offered from being on admission councils at The University of Utah really helped me to tailor my applications to their priorities and what they look for most in a prospective student,” said Jess Batanian (’13), who is applying to attend graduate school this fall.

After the Grad School Lunch, Shugart answered questions about her research during a combined Senior Seminar class session.

“She actually had a conversation with us about her work and even asked for some input from the students,” said Alissa Armstrong (’13). “I learned a lot from her and really enjoyed what she had to say.”

Finally, the day was concluded with Shugart’s colloquium presentation entitled, “The Politics of Fat: Contemporary Cultural Discourses of Obesity.” This was a discussion of her recent research focusing on discourses surrounding health, specifically how obesity is articulated and engaged in a variety of public contexts.

By Shelly Gregory, 2013