The University of Nebraska-Lincoln's College of Journalism and Mass Communications recently collaborated with the Big Red Sub Club to conduct a media training exercise for officers and shipmen of the USS Nebraska. Jane T. Olson Dean Shari Veil was contacted by the Big Red Sub Club, which supports sailors on the USS Nebraska, to see if they could tour the Don and Lorena Meier Studio. Veil, who teaches military public affairs, decided to turn the tour into a hands-on media training opportunity for the sailors.
The sailors who participated in the training were personally chosen by the USS Nebraska's commander in recognition of their ability to go above and beyond. The Big Red Sub Club organizes excursions for the selected few, who can be of any rank, to recognize their excellence in service. Club member Mark Stephens, a CoJMC alum and third-generation salesman for imprinted promotional products, coordinated the visit.
During the media training, sailors practiced being interviewed on a green screen by professor of broadcasting Barney McCoy, from the Meier Studio control room, about the capabilities of the USS Nebraska. They also participated in an interview with Dean Veil in the Meier Studio's conversation set about their personal experience in the Navy and on the USS Nebraska. Assistant professor of practice Kristian Anderson and technical director Jamie Wenz assisted with the training.
"The sailors were impressed with the media training and that the dean of the college would take the time to put it on," Stephens said. "They were grateful the training was something they could use in the future and admired the professionalism and the amount of effort put in on their behalf."
Over the University's spring break, Veil will take a group of students to Brussels, Belgium, as part of "Military Public Affairs in Global Governments," a study abroad course where students will have the opportunity to engage with public affairs professionals working with global governments.
Students will visit the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE), North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), European Union Council and the U.S. Embassies to the European Union and Belgium, as well as agencies and news organizations specializing in public policy and government affairs. The program is designed for students interested in public affairs, government relations, political science and public policy.
"There are so many different career opportunities in the military," Veil said. "I want to make sure our students are exposed to those opportunities, here in Nebraska and around the world."
