Texas Tech University

The Adviser

October 2016

Meet the Professor: Melanie Sarge

Information compiled by Lindsay Robles

Melanie Sarge
Melanie Sarge

What class/classes do you teach?
In our undergraduate course sequence for the Department of Advertising I primarily teach Advertising Theory and Advertising Campaigns. In the theory course we apply classic and contemporary theories of persuasion to create advertisements and the campaigns course is our senior capstone course where the students apply all that they have learned, while working for a real client. I also teach two other advertising courses from time to time, Principles of Advertising and Advertising and Society, and a number of graduate courses.

What would you like your students to take away from your class/classes?
I love learning; it is what motivates me. Thus, as a teacher I continuously strive with great effort to ensure my students experience similar inspiration and empowerment while learning. There are three components I believe are necessary before one can be inspired or empowered. The three components are relevance, application, and enjoyment. Therefore, the outcome I hope for is that my students: (1) find something in each course that is relevant to their lives, (2) gain practical skills that prepare them for their immediate and long-term goals, and (3) enjoy learning something from class.

What is your favorite movie?
This is a very hard question. I love movies and can re-watch just about any movie multiple times. I guess one of my favorites is Moulin Rouge (the one with Ewan McGregor).

What is your favorite local restaurant in Lubbock?
Another hard question but I'll go with Rudy's BBQ. I will note that I keep pizza restaurants in a category of their own. So, if we are talking pizza, West Crust and One Guy are my favorite depending on what type pizza we are evaluating.

Academically, who inspires you?
My husband. He is also a professor and researcher (we met in graduate school). The passion he has for his work is contagious.

If you could tell your 18-year-old self one thing, what would it be?
I would remind myself to keep a larger perspective on life. I would tell myself, “Not everything is as big of a deal as you feel like it is right now. If something big changes, bad happens or you simply make a mistake, it is not the end of the world as you know it. There is much more life to live, so many more chapters to experience and more people in the world besides you and your friends. Enjoy life with less worry because there is more to come.

What was the defining moment that helped you determine your career path?
Taking a summer course on Persuasion as an undergrad. I lived about an hour and a half away from home during college but usually went home every summer and never considered staying in town to take classes. However, the summer before my senior year I found out the professor that I wanted to take Persuasion with was leaving in the fall and thus, I had to take the course in the summer. In the end, I loved the course, enjoyed how much quieter campus was and the professor recommended that I get a graduate degree.

What advice do you have for anyone seeking a career in the advertising field?
Search for information about the field. Talk to as many people in the field or related to the field as you can. Gaining more knowledge and experience in this area will only benefit you. Don't be shy—just go learn as much as you can by reading, talking, and observing. There is nothing to lose from learning about something and it will help you make a decision that is best for you.


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Advice from an Adviser: Heath Tolleson

Information compiled by Lindsay Robles

Heath Tolleson
Heath Tolleson

What obstacles do you help students overcome?
I try to help students become aware and thrive with the rhythm that is in higher education. I want students to know that amongst the chaos there are outlets and resources available for them to excel. Most of all, I want students to know that there is more to their journey than simply just books, pens, and paper. There is a subtle yet overwhelming sense of accomplishment when self-fulfillment and merit are achieved.


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Student Spotlight: Ezra Chairez

Information compiled by Lindsay Robles

Ezra Chairez
Public Relations, minor in Advertising, Junior
Hometown: Dumas, Texas
Ezra Chairez
Ezra Chairez

Why did you choose the College of Media & Communication?
Choosing to pursue public relations in the College of Media & Communication stemmed from my passion of social media. I love being online and interacting with people from across the nation, as well as the world. While I was looking into majors I found PR and instantly fell in love with it. In its core it is relationship management and the different tools you can use to create, fix or communicate those relationships. It's also transferable to many different career opportunities.

What organizations are you involved in on campus?
On campus I'm involved in a lot, but I wouldn't trade my full schedule or long nights and early mornings for the world. I'm a College of Media & Communication Dean's Student Ambassador, as well as a President Select Ambassador. I'm president of Tech PR, account associate for RaiderComm, active member of Beta Upsilon Chi, and I'm also the campus reporter for The Hub@TTU. The cherry on top of all that is being a combat medic in the Texas Army National Guard.

What is your favorite place to eat in Lubbock?
Favorite place to eat? Well that depends on what course of the meal we're in! For main meals I love the Caprock Buffalo Burger at Caprock Café and then topping it off with Blue Oasis Italian Ice Cream off of 82nd. Sheridan's gummy worm ice cream combo is up here on the list as well, same goes for The Funky Door if you're looking for a classier place to indulge.

What advice do you have for prospective students?
Get involved and introduce yourself to others. Texas Tech is full of opportunity; all you have to do is seek it out. This campus has made me who I am today. Having friends that push you to success would be my second tip. Surround yourself with good quality friends that drive you to be better. Lastly, have fun. You will never get these years back. Laugh with buddies, seek adventure and never look back. Get out of your comfort zone and explore yourself and your values. 


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Get to Know Your Ambassador: Corina Garcia

Information compiled by Lindsay Robles

Corina Garcia
Electronic Media and Communications, Minor in General Business, Senior
Hometown: Katy, Texas
Corina Garcia
Corina Garcia

How did you become an ambassador for the College of Media & Communication?
During most of my college career, I focused a lot on the production side of my major and pushing myself out of my comfort zone hence my business minor. When I saw a flier looking for new student ambassadors, I thought it would be another great opportunity to break out of my shell and challenge myself to do something different. I also didn't know anyone that was an ambassador so meeting a new group of students who shared the same academic goals helped me keep my focus.

What do you like best about the College of Media & Communication?
I love how the college has an abundant amount of opportunities for all of its students. The professors and advisers are always available to help and have become important mentors to me. The college has a very welcoming and supportive atmosphere which I think makes it very unique and comforting for students.

What has your experience been like being an ambassador?
Being an ambassador has been an amazing experience for me. I love having the opportunity to guide prospective students and help them find a perfect match to what they are passionate about. On occasion, as ambassadors we get to meet and network with professionals in our fields which is pretty rewarding.

In your spare time, where can we catch you hanging out in Lubbock?
Currently I am a DJ for KTXT The Raider 88.1FM, where I spend most of my time in the studio preparing for my shift. I have a huge passion for music so I enjoy attending electronic/dance concerts around town and traveling to music festivals around the state.

What are your future career goals?
After graduation I want to work as a news producer then hopefully transition over to serialized television and become an executive producer for a TV show.

What is your favorite place to eat in Lubbock?
I don't usually eat out, but one of my favorite places since my freshman year has been Pancake House; I always take my parents after a weekend visit.

What is your advice for prospective students?
My advice for prospective students is to be open-minded to whatever comes your way. Take advantage of the amazing resources the college offers and immerse yourself in at least one organization you're passionate about.


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