The Adviser

July 2014

• Professor Spotlight: Geoffrey Graybeal, Ph.D.
• Get to Know Your Ambassador: Casey Kopp

Professor Spotlight: Geoffrey Graybeal, Ph.D.
by Candace Trevino, photo courtesy Geoffrey Graybeal

What do Netflix, crowd funding, binge viewing and business models have in common? Geoffrey Graybeal, Ph.D., is researching all of the above.

Graybeal began his career within the Texas Tech University College of Media & Communication in the fall of 2013 following his graduation from the University of Georgia with a Ph.D. in mass communications.

Prior to teaching, Graybeal worked as a reporter, editor and restaurant reviewer for a newspaper in his native state of North Carolina.

Since becoming a Red Raider, Graybeal has taught Mass Communications Research Methods, Electronic Media Operations, Media Economics and Entrepreneurship and plans to teach Professional Communication in the fall of 2014.

"I'm really happy to be here," Graybeal said. "I really enjoy the people I work with, both colleagues and students."

This fall, Graybeal plans to oversee a new student organization within the College of Media & Communication.

"In the fall, we're launching the Media and Entrepreneurship Group. In the spring, we'll be having a competition open to all students if they have an idea for a media startup or concept. They'll be able to pitch it in front of a group of alumni."

The new student organization will be open to all majors. Graybeal said students majoring in Media Strategies, the newest major in the college, are encouraged to join.

"There are only a handful of universities that offer specialized programs in media entrepreneurship," Graybeal said. "A lot of the existing efforts tend to be more narrowly focused on entrepreneurial journalism or at the graduate level."

Graybeal, who holds a media industry research certificate from the University of Georgia, has done original research regarding crowd funding, social television and binge viewing. Using his past research on binge viewing, from both the audience and consumer sides, Graybeal is currently developing a business model related to binge viewing and social television. Graybeal said the research facilities within the college rival the professional facilities used by the media research industry.

"I really like the research facilities," Graybeal said, "The quality of research and growth of the program attracted me to Tech. The Center for Communication Research is truly one of a kind and one of the best facilities in the country."

"With Tech being a university on the rise, this college being on the rise, there is a lot of growth and potential here," Graybeal said. "I feel fortunate to work for Tech. This place continues to grow and rise in stature."

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Candace Trevino is a senior public relations major from Houston.

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Get to Know Your Ambassador: Casey Kopp

Casey Kopp is a junior public relations major from Southlake, Texas.

What do you love about the College of Media and Communication?

I love the fact that professors are very genuine, down-to-earth, and really just want their students to succeed. As students, that just makes us want to work harder and try harder and aspire to do better. Everyone in this college loves to talk and communicate, so walking around the halls is always cool. It's really easy to have a good day here because everyone says "Hi!" to you.

What are you involved with on campus and in the college?

In the College of Media & Communication, I'm an ambassador and also am a part of Tech PR. I work for Texas Tech in the Student Telecounseling Center, and I get to call future students and tell them they've been accepted by Tech. It's really, really cool. I'm also a campus tour guide and the New Member Educator for the sorority I'm in.

What are your hobbies?

My Twitter biography states "My hobbies include talking and laughing," but I also love to craft, watch movies, and I love to ride my bike.

What have you enjoyed most about being an ambassador?

So far, besides getting to know all of my fellow ambassadors, I also love getting to share everything about our college. I like to tell the new students about all the opportunities we have here and everything we have to offer. I just want to motivate people to come to our college.

What is your advice to prospective students?

Don't be afraid when you come to college! Don't be afraid to try new things and to step out of your comfort zone. If you don't, then you're not going to get very far. You have to be able to grow as a person, and I think the best way to do that is to try new things and to step out of your comfort zone.

What is your favorite Texas Tech tradition?

I love it when the Saddle Tramps wrap Will Rogers and Soapsuds on game days. I think it shows school pride and school spirit.

Fun fact?

I was voted ‘Most Spirited' in high school.

What are your future career goals?

I want to work for a TV station. Maybe producing, but my main goal is to be a talk show host. It's a big dream, but I'm stepping out of my comfort zone!

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