Organizational Communication Program Students at KU Edwards Campus Learn and Apply Skills for Diverse Industries and Occupations

Three students are creating management and leadership career opportunities through the Master of Arts in Organizational Communication degree program at the KU Edwards Campus.

The JCERT-supported program is designed for early- and mid-career professionals who seek to develop an advanced set of communication skills to better understand and manage organizational culture, build effective employee onboarding and training programs, lead teams and advance their careers. It is applicable to diverse industries, including higher education, human resources, law enforcement and the public, private and nonprofit sectors.

Three Students: Three Different Careers
Recent KU graduate Daisha Holmes works in financial aid as a specialized grant program manager at Johnson County Community College. She never expected to pursue a graduate degree until her supervisor encouraged her to look at the master’s degree in organizational communication offered at KU.

“My supervisor was a program student at the time and invited me to shadow her for a few classes,” Holmes said. “I jumped at the opportunity to join her. I enjoyed what I was learning by just observing what she was learning.”

Holmes and her supervisor have discussed how well the program’s curriculum, which includes coursework on engagement with multiple stakeholders, aligns with their work in financial aid and higher education.

Tayler Loudermill began her professional career as a middle school teacher. Two years ago, she transitioned to a different educational role as a trainer in the City of Overland Park’s human resources Learning and Development Department.

“I chose the organizational communication master’s program at KU because I am seeking to advance my career in HR,” Loudermill said. “Everyone I know went to KU, so I have always had great respect for the university. I knew I was going to receive a great education.”

Daniel Everhart is a sergeant with the Wyandotte County Sheriff’s Office, a captain and military police officer in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve and a student in the organizational communication graduate program. Everhart is on track to graduate in May and is busy working on his capstone project – a project that applies and demonstrates a student’s learnings – and preparing for drills coming up in March.

“I chose the organizational communication master’s degree because of my current leadership roles and my interest in additional leadership training,” he said.

Program’s Focus on Research Sets Students Up for Leadership Roles
The Master of Arts in Organizational Communication degree program provides students with research-based insights helpful in clarifying, connecting and inspiring diverse groups of employees and customers through communication. This differentiating communication skillset helps graduates become trusted advisors for peers, company leaders and clients.

Jordan Atkinson, professor of the practice and organizational communication program director, said the program provides students with research-based insights and tools that promote communication skills across diverse groups and contexts.

Holmes’ capstone project was well received, and Atkinson invited her to present it at the Eastern Communication Association annual convention in Cambridge, Mass., last spring. Holmes said Atkinson encouraged and supported her all the way.

“Every time we met to discuss the project, he kept pushing me forward,” she said. “It was hard work, but a great educational experience for me.”

Loudermill has about a year to go until graduation, but she is already thinking about her capstone project. She has been researching generational diversity in the workplace.

“We now have a workforce of four generations,” she said. “I am responsible for training city employees ranging in tenure from entry level to longtime workers. I administer new hire orientation and continuing education training, so there is a wide spectrum of learning and communication styles among these groups.”

For his capstone project, Everhart is developing a four-phased new hire onboarding program.

“The goal is to help better prepare new hires for training,” he said. “I plan to incorporate assimilation theory, uncertainty management theory, social exchange theory and social identity theory into this project.”

How to Apply
Prospective students are encouraged to apply online or reach out to the program’s academic advisor, Kristy Magee, with questions.