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First Student to Receive Digital Communication Certificate Finishes Program In One Semester

For Hannah Johns, ’19, enrolling in the post-baccalaureate certificate program in digital communication at Meredith College was a no brainer.

“As soon as I heard Meredith was launching this program, I knew it was something I had to take advantage of,” she said.

Since she double majored in theatre and communication as an undergraduate student at Meredith, Johns was already familiar with the communication department. However, she focused most of her efforts in theatre, so she didn’t have as much time to invest in her communication education as she wanted. This program gave her the opportunity to do that and more.

Johns took courses in business, social media, audio and visual production, and writing. The program helped her build a unique skill set for storytelling across a variety of mediums, which was her goal from the very beginning. She hopes to begin a career in comedy and entertainment and isn’t partial to any particular role, though her dream job would be to work for E! News.

“When I look at my passions, at the heart of it all is storytelling,” said Johns. “If I’m doing that in someway, I’ll be happy.”

Johns was the first person to complete the program since its launch in May. A celebration of her accomplishment was held on December 12, 2019, with many of her family, friends, and mentors in attendance. WRAL meteorologist Kat Campbell also attended the event as a guest speaker.

“You’ve carved a path not only for yourself, but for others as well,” Campbell said to Johns. “More women will be inspired to do what you’re doing now because you’ve shown it can be done.”

Alan Buck, the head of the Digital Communication program, also spoke to Johns’ accomplishments, calling her a “trendsetter.” “It took her one semester to finish a program that most people take a year to complete,” he said.

One of the main benefits of the program is the flexibility it offers, allowing students to complete the program at their own pace while fitting jobs and other responsibilities into their schedule.

Johns’ advice to others thinking about participating in the program was simple: “just do it,” she said. Not only is class scheduling flexible, but the path you want to take within the program is flexible as well. Johns approached the program with the goal of entering the entertainment field, but there are many other career paths one could take with the different course electives that are offered. 

“You may not come out of the program with the same experience I had, but I guarantee whatever experience you have will be one that will help you accomplish your goals,” said Johns.

To learn more about the program, visit www.meredith.edu/digital-communication.

Photo: Hannah Johns (pictured fourth from left), with program faculty, friends, family, and special guest WRAL Meteorologist Kat Campbell.

Melyssa Allen

News Director
316 Johnson Hall
(919) 760-8087
Fax: (919) 760-8330

allenme@meredith.edu