Texas Tech University

Minutes to Mentor

College of Media & Communication faculty, staff and instructors take a minute to mentor students with some succinct words of wisdom and advice.


Feb. 11, 2014


Andy King Ph.D. takes a minute to tell you why it's important to be media literate.


Oct. 3, 2013


Mary Ann Edwards talks about the importance of knowing the basics for a career in journalism.


August 6, 2013


Advertising Associate Professor Olan Farnall, Ph.D., takes a Minute to Mentor about how being successful in advertising is as easy as, Following the Numbers.

July 12, 2013


Electronic Media & Journalism Department Chairperson and Associate Professor Todd Chambers, Ph.D., takes a Minute to Mentor about building a personal brand and taking advantage of all of the opportunities at Texas Tech.


April 25, 2013

Andrew Byrne, M.A.

Andrew Byrne, M.A.

If you are trying to learn a new technique, code or software, subscribe to several newsletters and tutorials about what you are trying to learn. They tend to offer new ideas you may not have seen before, and will help you keep a high interest. For example, if you subscribe to updates from a web design site like www.sitepoint.com, you will receive walkthroughs on the latest HTML5 developments, how-to's for CSS3 and how to make your WordPress website more secure. Similar results would apply for any subject you are interested in learning.

February 27, 2013

Patrick Merle

Patrick Merle

Train yourself to synthesize. Select one or two current issues per week and start curating your sources to have a variety of news reports, statements from dominant figures, and even academic research and white reports. Start by giving yourself two days and work toward being faster every week.

February 5, 2013

Patrick Merle

Patrick Merle

As PR professionals emphasize the value of writing, practice your craft daily by alternatively writing tweets, blog entries, and traditional releases and research reports. Being confident on all platforms and formats will give you bouncing shoes to jump over obstacles.

January 24, 2013

Liz Gardner, Ph.D.

Liz Gardner, Ph.D.

Since you're already on Facebook, why not use it to enhance group communication for class work? Study groups, project groups, or any group that needs a communication hub can benefit. Comment threads work like a discussion board, you can post much more than text, and it gives you experience using social media for non-personal use (a unique anecdote for job interviews, perhaps?). Other social tools, such as Dropbox and Google Docs, can also be invaluable resources for collaborators.

November 5, 2012

Melissa Wofford

Melissa Wofford

Know yourself and your strengths, but also welcome change and growth. Do not be pigeonholed by your self-perception or the opinions of others. Continuously explore new knowledge and expand your creativity to enrich your work and your life.

October 30, 2012

Ann Rodriguez, Ph.D.

Ann Rodrguez, Ph.D.

If you think that you would like to work in sports, do so because you enjoy the business of sports, not because you are a sports fanatic. And, pursue internship or volunteer opportunities, early in your academic career and often!

October 19, 2012

Patrick Merle

Patrick Merle

Devote 15 minutes morning and night to check three different news organizations, two domestic and one international. Consider it as "brushing" the news to enhance understanding.