Communication Newsletter

Check out The Signpost's Orientation issue, on newsstands now and available online at signpost.mywebermedia.com. The Signpost is Weber State's student newspaper, published twice a week, in print on Tuesday and digitally on both Tuesday and Friday. To make sure you don't miss an issue, sign up to have the digital edition delivered to your email inbox at this link.

The Signpost still has room for a few reporters and photographers for the fall semester. The Signpost is a co-curricular, meaning it is both a class (COMM 2890 or COMM 3890) and activity that qualifies staffers for small scholarships. Staff meetings/class times are Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 2:30 p.m. For more information, contact adviser Jean Norman, jeannorman@weber.edu.

The Signpost also may still have positions open for the street team/distribution. The team promotes The Signpost at tables during special events, such as the Block Party, and in the Shepherd Union throughout the semester. It also ensures prompt distribution of The Signpost to newsstands on Tuesday mornings. Pay starts at $11 an hour, and it requires only a few hours a week, just enough to supplement another campus position. For more information, go to the job posting.

Dr. Sheree Josephson was awarded the Clifford P. Cheney Service to Journalism at the Utah Society of Professional Journalist awards ceremony.

Andrea Baltazer, M.F.A., was elected to serve on Faculty Senate for the 21-22 academic year.

Dr. Alex Lancaster was promoted to Associate Professor and granted tenure.

Aimee Gillette, M.F.A., is now an Adobe Certified Professional in Digital Video Using Adobe Premier Pro as well as an Adobe Certified Professional in Visual Effects & Motion Graphics Using Adobe After Effects. By gaining both of those credentials, Aimee is now an Adobe Certified Professional in Video Design.

We welcome 4 new faculty:

Dr. Nicole Defenbaugh

Nicole recently moved from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, but was born and raised in Wisconsin (Go Packers!). Prior to joining WSU she worked as a Communication Specialist and Medical Educator in healthcare for more than eight years. In her past life--before joining healthcare--she was a full-time Associate Professor at Bloomsburg University and taught courses in Organizational, Intercultural, Health, and Interpersonal Communication. Nicole will be teaching in the Organizational Communication track and is excited to be joining the department. She lives in Ogden with her spouse, Jerry, and their 4 year-old rescue dog, Lucy. 

Cami Sabin

Cami Sabin graduated from Weber State’s Master of Professional Communication program in April 2017 and has been an adjunct instructor since then. She also works part-time for Brigham City doing public relations and research, and is on track to earn a Certificate of Professional and Technical Writing in spring 2022. Her current professional interests include motivation of lower-level organizational members, and the intersections of religion, culture and gender. When she isn’t working or studying, she spends as much time as possible with her husband and three kids and slowly works her way through the growing stack of books on her nightstand.

James (Jim) Schultz

Jim Schultz is the new Director of Debate and instructor of Communication at Weber State. Jim was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and raised in Jupiter, Florida. A graduate of Idaho State University (BA, History) and Wake Forest University (MA, Communication), Jim was working for a data analytics consulting firm specializing in Geographical Information Systems prior to joining Weber. When not working, Jim enjoys cheering on the World Champion Milwaukee Bucks and Liverpool FC, as well as hiking through Utah’s beautiful nature. 

Deann Shepard

Deann Shepherd is excited to join the Weber State family and share her industry experience and passion for teaching. She worked as the director of marketing and communications for Utah's largest nonprofit animal welfare organization, as a publicist for a national television, film, and music production company, and has spent years in business management and training. She recently earned her master’s degree in strategic communication and has a background in psychology and biology. Deann enjoys scuba diving, rock climbing, motorcycle riding, camping, and spending time with her family and pets.