Saint Francis Shields School of Business faculty members Kelly Rhodes and Kim Flanders and students Patty Cabrera, Olivia Kolowitz and Rachel Lucas attended the Pennsylvania Communication Association’s 86th annual fall conference at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown on Sept. 18-19.
The theme of the conference was “Framing what Matters: Communication, Story and the Human Condition.”
Cabrera presented on two topics at the conference. One was a case study of the Patagonia Company’s expansion efforts in Brazil. Her other presentation shared information on Chomps, a fast-growing snack brand that sells beef jerky sticks.
Cabrera said her biggest takeaway from last month’s conference was learning about the research projects of other students and faculty.
“It was cool talking to other students,” said Cabrera.
Rhodes and Flanders presented on crisis communication. Rhodes talked about the public relations crisis that arose in the NFL earlier this year surrounding New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel and reporter Dianna Russini.
Rhodes said she also enjoyed connecting with students and faculty from other schools at last month’s event.
“Talking with people from different universities reminds you of how similar you are, but also how we do research differently.”
