Bowie State University Represents at the Maryland Communication Association Annual Conference

Faculty Members and Students Participate in the Meeting

 

MEDIA CONTACT: media@bowiestate.edu

(BOWIE, Md.)—Bowie State University’s communication department’s faculty members and students played a pivotal role at the Maryland Communication Association’s (MCA) annual conference, which attracted media professionals, educators, and students to explore the evolving landscape of communication. 

Dr. Jayne Cubbage, Dr. Otis Thomas, and Dr. Talisha Dunn Square led discussions on an array of topics while graduate students Melissa Morgan, Samario Barnes, and Patience Asafu-Adjay presented their research projects to attendees.  

Bowie State has been participating in the MCA for almost 20 years, with Professor Dunn Square joining the board in 2016 as the Public Relations Officer. Over the years, she has contributed to the organization’s branding, digital presence and overall engagement, ensuring that students and professionals alike benefit from its mission. 

“The MCA is dedicated to connecting media professionals, educators, and students across Maryland,” said Dunn Square. “It provides a platform to discuss industry trends in public relations, marketing, advertising and more, while also fostering research opportunities and networking for students.” 

Dunn Square’s presentation focused on leveraging AI tools like ChatGPT and DALL-E to enhance social media strategy, emphasizing the ethical use of technology in digital communication. 

This year’s conference underscored the MCA’s commitment to academic scholarship and professional growth. Dr. Otis Thomas, the chair of BSU’s communication department, showcased Bowie State’s state-of-the-art podcasting facilities, sparking interest from other institutions eager to implement similar resources.  

For students and early-career professionals, the MCA offers invaluable opportunities for growth. “The best way to get involved is by becoming a member and attending events like this conference,” Dunn Square explained. “Submitting research proposals and engaging in professional discussions prepares students for their careers while expanding their networks.” 

Looking ahead, Bowie State hopes to host the 2026 MCA conference, leveraging its newly upgraded facilities. With faculty leadership and student excellence at the forefront, the university continues to strengthen its presence in the field of communication, ensuring that future professionals are equipped with the skills and networks essential for success. 

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About Bowie State University
Founded in 1865, Bowie State University is the first Historically Black College/University (HBCU) in Maryland and one of the ten oldest in the country. Bowie State has earned the ‘Research College and University’ designation in the 2025 Carnegie Research Activity Classification. As a leading institution of higher learning, Bowie State offers more than 65 bachelor's, master's, doctoral and certificate programs across arts and sciences, technology, business, education, healthcare and related disciplines. The university provides high-quality and affordable educational opportunities in a supportive environment that empowers students to think critically, make new discoveries, value differences and emerge as leaders in a highly technical, rapidly changing global society. For more information about Bowie State University, visit bowiestate.edu.