Allison McCain, a senior advertising and communication studies major from Cedar Springs, Texas, has been selected as the College of Media & Communication's banner bearer for the Spring 2021 commencement ceremony.
McCain was nominated for her outstanding academic record as an undergraduate student.
“It was a complete surprise to get this recognition,” she said. “I feel very honored, and I feel that all my hard work has finally paid off. My family was thrilled: my dad told everyone in his office and my mom couldn't stop smiling, and I just wanted to tell everyone I met.”
“We are so proud of Ms. McCain,” said David D. Perlmutter, Ph.D., professor and dean of the college. “In every way she embodies the spirit, intelligence, and commitment to the cause of our college and the Dean's Student Ambassadors team. She is the best of the best and will bear our banner now but for the rest of her life as well.”
McCain is grateful for the quality time that she has spent with college faculty and staff.
“Everyone has been great, but Emily Balke, who runs the Dean's Student Ambassadors program, has been the most supportive person,” McCain said. “She is always there for everyone – for you to vent to or perhaps to just help you feel better about yourself.”
Did McCain have a favorite class?
“I'm a writer at heart, and the CoMC writing-based classes have allowed me to learn new things and push myself,” she said. “I've really grown in this area.”
McCain was very active during her undergraduate . Not only was she a CoMC Dean's Student Ambassador, she was also a student in the Honors College, played the clarinet in the TTU Goin' Band (as well as the band's media coordinator), and she worked as a student ambassador for the TTU Career Center.
What advice would McCain give for other CoMC students who want to aim high in their college careers?
“Don't be afraid to get out of your comfort zone. Do things that are interesting for you (even if we're not sure that we want to do them),” she said. “Go the extra mile. It's worth it.”
McCain plans on starting her master's degree in the CoMC Mass Communication program in September.