Walden University Hosts “The Future of Communications” Online Event

Baltimore—April 27, 2009—In celebration of its new BS in Communication program, Walden University’s College of Management and Technology will present “The Future of Communications,” an online discussion about the importance of communications in today’s world of public relations, corporate communications and Web 2.0, featuring several experienced leaders in these fields, on Wednesday, May 6, at 3 p.m. Eastern time.

“Walden is delighted to present this online event focusing on the skills required to succeed in today's business environment, on both the corporate and agency sides. The role of communication is highly underestimated in terms of the influence it has in business, and our experts will bring this to light during their discussion. Our expert guests will also delve into new skills essential for future success—including effective use of Web 2.0, blogs and social networking—and present examples of successful PR and corporate communications efforts,” said Dr. Wanda Gravett, associate dean of Walden’s School of Management.

“The Future of Communications” guests include

Courtney M. Barnes, cofounder and principal member of Think Communications, a strategic communications advisory company that helps organizational leaders establish and enhance their executive voice and digital influence. Most recently, she coauthored Digital Strategies for Powerful Corporate Communications, a strategic guide to help business leaders leverage digital platforms to enhance their brands, reputations and bottom lines. Barnes is also the editor of PR News, where she manages editorial content and writes on corporate communications and public relations, with particular expertise in digital communications, integration and leadership/management issues.

Mike McDougall, APR, vice president of Corporate Communications and Public Affairs for Bausch & Lomb, is responsible for leading the company’s outreach to business, financial and health care media; employee communications; government and community relations; and corporate philanthropy. He has held global PR leadership roles with Kodak and counseled over 50 organizations during his agency tenure. A frequent industry speaker, McDougall has been honored for his innovative programs with multiple Silver Anvils and awards from PRWeek and PR News.

Irene Monley, ABC, is responsible for global human resources communications at Tyco Electronics, a leading global provider of engineered electronic components, network solutions, undersea telecommunication systems and wireless systems, with fiscal 2008 sales of $14.8 billion to customers in more than 150 countries. She is also chair of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Research Foundation, an affiliate of the IABC. IABC is a global network of communication professionals committed to improving organizational effectiveness through strategic communication. It serves almost 16,000 members in members in more than 80 countries and 100 chapters.

Dr. Henry Brashen (host) is the founder of Clear and Effective Communications, a full-service firm that provides leading organizations with hands-on service and support to maximize productivity and morale by enhancing internal and external communications. A respected expert in research, design, methodology, facilitation, training and coaching, Brashen focuses on listening, coaching, performance management and male/female communication, leadership, the performance appraisal process, conflict resolution, negotiation and train-the-trainer. Dr. Brashen has been key in the development of curriculum in the academic discipline of communications, and was part of the Walden development team for this new program.

The new BS in Communication program in Walden’s School of Management addresses the need across all industries for professionals with strong communication skills in today’s global information society. Students can choose from six concentrations: Marketing Communication, New Media, Online Work and Communities, Organizational Communication, Public Relations and a Self-Designed option. For more information, go to www.WaldenU.edu.

About Walden University
Since 1970, Walden University has offered working professionals the opportunity to earn advanced degrees through distance learning. Today, this comprehensive, accredited online university offers master’s and doctoral degrees in public health, education, psychology, management, public policy and administration, and health and human services, as well as master’s programs in engineering and IT and bachelor’s programs in business administration, psychology, child development, computer information systems, interdisciplinary studies, instructional design and technology, nursing, communication and criminal justice. Walden University is the flagship online university in Laureate International Universities—a global network of accredited campus-based and online universities. For more information, visit www.waldenu.edu.

Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association, www.hlcommission.org.