School of Communication Launches Inaugural Advisory Council

Posted by Francisco Garcia on

The School of Communication (SCOM) held the first meeting of its inaugural advisory council on Jan. 27, marking a major milestone.

“It was a strong priority for me as school director to create this important group,” said Patrick Merle, Professor and School Director. “Most departments and schools have advisory boards. It is particularly important to ensure that our curriculum is aligned with industry trends and needs, and to get some ideas from people who are established professionally.”

For Dr. Patrick Merle, Director of the School, establishing an advisory council has been a priority since he stepped into the role in 2020.

The council brings together alumni and industry leaders who represent all academic areas within the school. The group will review curriculum, identify new opportunities for students and faculty, and brainstorm projects that better align with FSU’s strategic decisions, including FSU Health.

Among the council members is journalist Stephen Langel, who believes this opportunity has been a long time coming. As a journalist of over 25 years, Langel began reaching out to the College of Communication and Information (CCI) as early as 2000 while covering Congress in Washington, D.C., hoping to guide students interested in journalism.

“I’m really appreciative of Dr. Merle for doing this. I think it’s a well-thought-out plan,” Langel said. “I think it’s really forward thinking, and I’m so glad he’s doing it. I think it’s going to really benefit the students, which is the most important thing.”

Langel sees the council as a tool to help the school adapt to the constantly evolving media landscape. He hopes to use his experience in journalism to give students who want to work in his industry a direct mentor who can guide them on their paths.

Another member, Drew Piers, President at Sachs Media, echoed the same sentiment about giving back to the FSU community.

“The FSU School of Communication gave so much to me as a student and was truly a launchpad for my career,” Piers said. “Being invited back to help advise the school feels both meaningful and full circle.”

Piers emphasized how today’s communication industry is more research-driven, data-centric, and shaped by emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence. He views the council as a long-term bridge between the classroom and the industry, as it will allow for feedback about industry needs and shifts in the professional world.

“How do we make sure students are fluent in research and measurement, not just messaging?” Piers said. “How do we introduce AI thoughtfully so they understand both its potential and its responsibility?”

Entrepreneur and advertising professional Victoria V. Carlton also described her involvement in the council as a full-circle moment. As part of the inaugural communication cohort at FSU Florence, led by Merle, Carlton said serving on the advisory council allows her to give back to the same institution that provided her with a global perspective and professional foundation.

“In my experience as an entrepreneur, I’ve found that many students are eager to understand the real-world application of their studies,” Carlton said. “My goal is to help identify those practical ‘knowledge gaps’ and share my experiences as a business owner so students can see a clear path for themselves.”

Carlton also hopes to advocate for programs outside of the traditional four-year degree path, including master’s programs and international opportunities, highlighting the long-term return on investment that those experiences can offer.

Reflecting on the first meeting, members described the atmosphere as positive and forward-thinking. Piers called it “energizing and fun,” while Langel said the session helped set expectations and lay the foundation for the future.

“It’s particularly important to have alumni representing all areas and several generations to make sure we have a variety of perspectives,” Merle concluded.

Full List of Members

  • Victoria V. Carlton – Founder and Communication & Marketing Account Executive at Carlton Creative Co.
  • Dara Cohen – Senior Director and Strategic Communications & Media Relations for the American Gaming Association
  • Olivia K. Fajardo – Director of Research at the Institute for Public Relations
  • Ritesh Gupta – Video Director
  • Weesam A. Khoury – Associate Vice President and Communications & External Affairs with the Health Care District of Palm Beach County
  • Stephen Langel – Freelance reporter, editor, and producer, focusing on community engagement and marginalized populations
  • Anne Marie Lindemann – Communications Designer for Small Brands, Principal Designer with amlindemann as Freelance
  • Drew Piers – President at Sachs Media
  • Jane Rayburn – Co-founder and Head of Polling & Qualitative at Workbench Strategy
  • Nanette M. Schimpf – Vice President at Moore
  • Abigail Sigal – Founder and Principal at Merit Communications
  • Jennifer Vasbinder – Public Relations & Influencer Communications at Universal Orlando Resort
  • Lauren Wanthal – Account Director and Brand Communications at Acceleration Community of Companies
  • Zoe Zirlin – Senior Advertising Research Manager at Roku

Alumni and professionals interested in joining the School of Communication Advisory Council may reach out to Patrick Merle, Professor and Director of the School of Communication at pmerle@fsu.edu.