We caught up with Dr. Jessica Rick in spring 2018. She is an Assistant Professor of Communication at University of Southern Indiana and attended UNL 2006-2010, earning her B.A. in Communication Studies, International Studies, and Spanish.
1)What have you been doing since leaving UNL? Following graduation, I went to Spain and taught English to elementary children. Moving on to Fargo, ND, I worked for Microsoft as a billing specialist. I quickly learned that I wanted more than copying and pasting 40 hours a week, so I signed up to take a few master’s degree classes. I earned my MA from North Dakota State in Speech Communication in 2013 and my PhD from the University of Missouri in Organizational Communication in 2017. I love passing on my knowledge and passion for communication to the next generation of students!
2) Why did you choose a major in Communication Studies?
My first major was International (now Global) Studies. I had no idea what I wanted to do, except live abroad. I signed up for Dr. Dawn O.
Braithwaite’s Intro to Communication class as an elective and never looked back! I loved seeing the world from a communication perspective and saw how language and culture in my other majors influences our world. Everything just seemed to fit together and was a “ta-da” moment.
3) We have a focus in the undergraduate program on communication capacities of Advocate, Negotiate, and Relate. How have these influenced your career?
Everything I do revolves around communication as I teach organizational and interpersonal communication. I kept class notes from UNL and use some of those activities in my classes (thanks Dr. Jordan Soliz!). I also learned that everyone has a unique story and experience. Maybe they are juggling a full-time job, family commitments, and their own well-being. Understanding communication has made me a more compassionate person and I use that knowledge as a professor.
4) What is a favorite memory of your time in Communication Studies at UNL?
Attending the Undergraduate Honors Conference at Central States Communication Association with Amanda (Villegas) Norton. We presented our paper from Allison Thorson’s research methods class. That trip is probably what convinced me to go to graduate school, but at the time I just loved being with a good friend.
5) In what ways can alumni support our department and students?
I have been involved with the Nebraska Women’s Leadership Network (formerly Cather Circle) since my UNL days. I mentor undergraduate students as they navigate college and seek their first “real job.” Whether you volunteer to visit classes or student clubs, or provide financial resources, your experiences and support matter to the students.
6) What advice do you have for current undergraduate students in our department?
Go and visit your faculty members! So many of my best memories were visiting my faculty members in their office hours. Through those conversations, I applied for a UCARE grant and worked with Dr. Kristen Lucas in research for two years. Your instructors also have great community connections. You never know what could come out of those conversations and impact your future.