Editor’s note: Added proper attributions to Jana Thomas for the quoted material. Additionally, added pictures to the article (logo and Jana Thomas).
Jana Thomas, professor of practice in the A.Q. Miller School of Media and Communication, said her passion for social media inspired her to create K-State Social Media Week last year.
“There are so many opportunities built into social media, that too often the narrative is about the negative impacts,” Thomas said. “My passion, my lens through which I see the world and how I want to make an impact, is about helping people see those opportunities, see that there is so much power in the palm of your hand.”
One of the main goals of the event is to show students how impactful their presence on social media can be, Thomas said.
“We want to help students critically evaluate their own social media use in a very rapidly changing world,” Thomas said. “We want to help students recognize opportunities for proactive and collaborative communication that can benefit communities or inspire civic engagement, lead to positive change. We want to help students practice critical thinking, use problem-solving skills to really evaluate content they see in their timelines.”
Thomas said she hopes students from all corners of the university attend, not just students of the A.Q. Miller School of Media and Communication.
“We also want to talk about ethical and societal issues related to social media,” Thomas said. “We want to talk about the role that social media plays in all industries. Whether you are a student in English or you’re an architecture student or you are in park management, there’s literally something for everyone at this event. Social media touches every single one of our industries. This is an all-university event.”
SOCIAL MEDIA WEEK EVENTS:
3 p.m., Monday, Feb. 13
“Social Media Team Talk: Spirit Halloween and Spencer’s”
This event will take place on Zoom and will be led by Carly Pearlman, who manages digital media for the two businesses, according to the A.Q. Miller School of Media and Communication website.
3 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 14
“Making Brands Cool Again: Neutrogena Breaks Through The TikTok Noise”
This event will take place on Zoom and will be led by Megan Herren, strategy director for Movers+Shakers, according to the A.Q. Miller School of Media and Communication website.
11 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 15
“Social Media’s Role in Developing and Executing the NextGen University Land Grant Mission (Panel Discussion and Roundtable)”
This event will be a conversation about K-State’s ability to use social media in its future endeavors and will take place in the Leadership Studies Building, according to the A.Q. Miller School of Media and Communication website.
4 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 15
“How Athletes Can Attract Attention from Brands on Social Media and Drive Successful NIL Partnerships (Panel Discussion)”
A group of experienced sports marketers and athletes will answer audience questions and participate in a discussion about how social media plays a part in sports roles according to the A.Q. Miller School of Media and Communication website. It will take place in room 1088 in the College of Business Building.
10 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 16
“Social Media Content Creator & Influencer Fair”
The K-State Department of Communications and Marketing and the A.Q. Miller School of Media and Communication will host a professional social media marketing fair in the K-State Student Union Courtyard, according to the A.Q. Miller School of Media and Communication website.
12 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 16
“Leading Cultural Change Through Social Media: Going Viral on TikTok With An Idea”
In the K-State Student Union Forum Hall, a presentation inspired by Julia Riew’s social media presence will motivate attendees to make innovative online content, according to the A.Q. Miller School of Media and Communication website.
12 p.m., Friday, Feb. 17
“Online Social Media Management Certificate Information Session”
This event is an informational session on Zoom. Attendees can ask questions about the online social media management certificate, according to the A.Q. Miller School of Media and Communication website.
Register on K-State OrgCentral for any of these events. For more information on K-State Social Media Week, visit the A.Q. Miller School of Media and Communication website.
