Savannah Arehart
Hello, I'm Savannah! I hold a Bachelor's of Science in Communication Studies, and a minor in Sociology, from Appalachian State University. Here, I want to impart what I intend to achieve from my work life, and how these goals drive me forward into my career.I aim to excel in a career that fosters continuous learning, one that allows me to utilize the full extent of my abilities, and even surpass what I think I can do. My professional life began in higher education, helping run admissions at an emerging community college; however, I want to expand into other industries to broaden my horizons. My prospects cast a wide net, but my dream is to enter book publishing. Furthermore, I want to contribute positively to my community by creatively pushing boundaries. I want to inspire with each project and product to which I contribute.My work philosophy is that each workplace is a machine made of many moving parts, and I believe in the active appreciation of these parts, despite how small they might seem. I believe in a collaborative environment that supports each individual talent, but that easily comes together to create a cohesive, compassionate space.During my time at Alamance Community College, I learned the importance of community contributions, working in a field that reveals new lives for thousands of students. As a first-generation college student, myself, I understand the difficulties of transitioning into higher education: the endless questions, unfathomable opportunities, and the uncharted path. I appreciate the importance of admissions staff in the lives of students like me, directing their steps and supporting them through the academic process. I appreciate the impact that my work had on my local community. I simply want to perpetuate this impact no matter where I am.The contents of this portfolio were chosen to display an array of skills. Each product includes a short description to explain its main idea and relevance. I hope that this portfolio effectively demonstrates my abilities. If you would like to see different material, please reach out using the contact information included in the last category tab. Again, thank you for your time, and thanks for reading.
coursework
| Title | Course Description |
|---|---|
| Communication Theory | Study of communication theories, systems, models, formulations and measurements; new dimensions in speech criticism and research methodology; critical study of published reports in the contemporary literature of the field. |
| Persuasion | Explored the role of persuasion in public life, employing critical analysis and producing persuasive discourse in social, cultural, and democratic contexts. |
| Strategic Communication & Strategic Communication Writing | Focuses on the communicative strategies of organizations used to meet their goals. An additional survey applied strategic principles to create products promoting organizations with a foundation of the organization's goals, markets, and other characteristics that drive its communication with the public. |
| Mass Media & Society | A survey of the social impact of mass media. Included analysis of issues such as mass media and individual behavior, violence and TV, media and consumers, and mass media and popular culture. |
| Sociology of Work | An examination of the social context of work and related organizations, including issues pertaining to job satisfaction, organizational structure and dynamics, managerial strategies and leadership, and the nature of occupations and professions. The impact of contemporary social transformations such as labor force diversity, technological development, and economic globalization were also analyzed. |
| Intercultural Communication | Examined communication practices in multi-cultural settings including international, national, regional, ethnic, racial, economic, religious, and other contexts conducive to effective intercultural communication. |
| Race & Ethnicity | Critically examined how race and ethnicity are socially constructed, defined, and perpetuated throughout social institutions. Utilized sociological theories and current research that demonstrate the extent of racial/ethnic inequalities. Also addressed social justice efforts to reduce racial and ethnic inequalities. |
| Communication Research Methods | Examined the foundations and types of research methods commonly employed in communication research, and the relationship between theory and research. |
| Communication in Organizations | Examined communication within organizational structures; oriented to the speech communication requirements of the contemporary business and professional community. |
| Crisis Communication | A study of the role of crisis communication in contemporary organizations. Emphasized critical assessment of organizational readiness for a crisis and advanced crisis preparation. |
| Propaganda, Media and Society | Focused on the processes and effects of mass media in the United States from a sociological and historical perspective. Analyzed the effect of the media on human behavior and how media interacts with social institutions such as family, education, and government. |
| Capstone | Invited students to draw connections between their previous coursework and major works in the discipline, through discussions, presentations, and writing. |
examples of my work
"A New Path for ACC Students," 2022
A feature story sample that utilized the strategic foundation that I created for Alamance Community College, which analyzed its context, audiences, code of ethics, and other messaging influences.
"ACC Campus Expansion & Biotechnology Funding," 2022
A press release sample that announced the construction of Alamance Community College's Biotechnology Center of Excellence to demonstrate its strategic decision to expand its campus and program offerings.
Audience & Contextual Analysis for Alamance Community College, 2022
In order to properly report on Alamance Community College's exponential growth over the last 5 years and why this growth was crucial to the local community, it was necessary to analyze the key attributes of the college itself, who the college serves, and the socioeconomic and political factors that impact the college. This analysis compiles all of these considerations and justifies their relevance, prompting the importance of micro and macro factors in news reporting.
Health Sciences Admissions Administrative Assistant Guide, 2023
A comprehensive guide of all clerical responsibilities to be completed by Health Sciences Admissions administrative assistants at Alamance Community College. This is the only training resource for my previous position.
Language Trends at Work, 2023
This research paper explored language trends in the workplace, the role of alikeness in effective team settings, and how employees can enhance relationships to improve the quality of their work.
Vaccine PSA, 2022
This PSA adapted highly technical scientific information into public knowledge for a commonly vaccine-hesitant population. Includes a rationale to contextualize content choices.
Mini Crisis Plan for Alamance Community College, 2022
I created a mini crisis plan for Alamance Community College, my current employer. The plan outlined a plausible threat to the school and assessed the school's capacity to effectively improve preventative strategies.
Communication Fundamentals for Community College Admissions Counselors, 2023
This is a workshop designed to improve the relationship between community college admissions counselors and their students by emphasizing apt communication skills.
Summer Solstice Parade Plan, 2023
This is an outline of a parade that my hometown might host. Includes justification, budget guidelines, schedule, booking information, and other characteristics of public events.
Law Enforcement Budgeting & Solutions: Orange County, NC, 2023
This is a presentation demonstrating arrest, budgeting, and other policing trends in Orange County, NC, and potential solutions to remedy discrimination in policing. It provides a "big picture" socioeconomic perspective on why policing is often unjust, specifically on the local county level.
Virtual Culture Tour: Lolita, 2022
This virtual tour PowerPoint is a short overview and analysis of the Lolita fashion subculture in Japan. This assignment allowed me to explore a personal interest in alternative fashion while examining how cultural diffusion and exchange impacts communicative and sociological trends.
creative writing
Creative writing is one of my major passions, and my education has improved my writing significantly, allowing me to further indulge in this passion. I believe that my creativity and command of prose equips me with a dynamic outlook and skill set suited for many kinds of work.I was honored to have been featured in the Spring 2022 edition of Appalachian State University's The Peel, an award-winning, student-run arts journal. The journal spotlighted my piece "Carolina Easter," a poem that explores the intersections between Southern girlhood, religion, and family.
"Carolina Easter," 2022
references
Mary Welker
Assistant Registrar for Curriculum, Publications and Study Abroad
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC
[email protected]
I was on the Curriculum team assisting Mary and other Curriculum staff by managing the university Catalog and maintaining correspondence between the Office of the University Registrar and various university departments and stakeholders.Regina Artis
Selective Programs Coordinator & Health Sciences Admissions Counselor
Alamance Community College
Graham, NC
[email protected]
I was Regina's assistant for all four years of her employment, first as a student employee, then as a part time employee. I assisted Regina with advising students, designing and organizing program seminars, and other office duties.Susan Turner
Health Sciences Admissions Counselor
Alamance Community College
Graham, NC
336-506-4266
Susan co-counsels with Regina in Health Sciences Admissions. I also assisted Susan with advising, filing, and working with students, and mentored her according to the college's admissions policies and practices.Mike Notchey
Personal Reference
336-562-1274
Mike is a family friend and co-owner of a local business integral to my community. We worked closely during my initial post-college job search.Dr. Nina-Jo Moore
Professor of Communication & Assistant Chair
Appalachian State University
Boone, NC
828-262-2171
Dr. Moore was my professor for Communication Theory, Persuasion, and my Capstone experience.
contact
If you have any questions or appreciate my work, please contact me!The links below contain my e-mail and LinkedIn account.