On March 7, 2024, the College of Journalism and Mass Communications at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln hosted a dynamic panel discussion on media ethics. Moderated by associate professor Rick Alloway, the panel featured six of the college’s alumni who offered students invaluable insights into real-world ethical dilemmas.
Four alumni are volunteer Professionals in Residence (PIR) for the CoJMC’s experiential learning program, The Experience Lab. Read more about each panelist and their PIR area below.
Kelli Britten ('13)Kelli Britten
Britten recently started a new role as Market Project Manager for Speedway Motors, Inc. Prior to that role she was the Chief Communications Officer for the City of Lincoln. Britten is also an adjunct at the college.
Nathan Hé ('18)Nathan Hé
Hé studied advertising and public relations as a first-gen student at the CoJMC and graduated in 2018. While at the college he was the first international student leader at Jacht and the National Student Advertising Competition team. He’s now the Assistant Director for Alumni Engagement at the Nebraska Alumni Association.
Kelli Peterson ('94)Kelli Peterson
Peterson is the owner of Pen & Pug, a local firm she founded after nearly 12 years as chief creative officer at KidGlov. At Pen & Pug, she specializes in marketing strategy, creative writing and nonprofit fundraising. Peterson is also an adjunct at the college.
Austin Pistulka ('17)Austin Pistulka
Pistulka is a broadcasting alum and PIR for KRNU 90.3. He’s a producer, Digital/Broadcast Production Director and mid-day air personality at Max Country / KOOL Radio in York, Nebraska.
Erin Sorensen ('10)Erin Sorensen
Sorensen is an Emmy-Award winning journalist and content creator who has spent over a decade covering Nebraska Athletics. She recently launched her own business that aims to help nonprofits and small businesses navigate the ever-changing world of social media, marketing and public relations.
DeWayne TaylorDeWayne Taylor
Taylor currently works as a live event Master of Ceremonies and voice over artist. He serves as the morning personality for Lincoln’s Red 94.5, entertains audiences as the on-court personality for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Husker men’s basketball team, DJ’s for the Husker women’s basketball team, lends his voice as the PA announcer for all of Husker Gymnastics and runs a live events team, Whatever Collective. Taylor is also a PIR for 90.3 KRNU.
Throughout the discussion, panelists shared ethical challenges they encountered in their respective careers in journalism, broadcasting, advertising/public relations, and sports media. Students actively engaged with the panelists, posing insightful questions and participating in conversations about how to navigate complex ethical landscapes.
The panel aims to ensure ethics are deeply integrated into students' education at the CoJMC. Therefore, attendance was mandatory for students enrolled in the college’s Media Ethics and Society course.
Alloway, the course’s instructor, emphasized the importance of practical, real-world learning experiences.
“Ethics is a critically important topic and I’m glad we could bring seasoned professionals from the industry into the classroom,” Alloway said. “This panel provides an invaluable opportunity for students to grasp the concept of ethical decision-making beyond the textbook.”
