North Carolina A&T State University’s Journalism and Mass Communication Department Launches Its Advisory Board and Appoints Jessica Garrett Modkins

North Carolina A&T State University’s Journalism and Mass Communication Department Launches Its Advisory Board and Appoints Jessica Garrett Modkins

The Department of Journalism and Mass Communication (JOMC) at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University has formed an Advisory Board in October 2025 with a mission to elevate student development, learning experience and to support continuous academic excellence within the academic unit.

According to the Board’s Charter, the JOMCAdvisory Board will assist in furthering the work of the JOMC department which is housed in the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. Scope of their work will involve, but not limited to, offering insights and advice to the department chair regarding programs and policies; furthering the work of the academic unit through philanthropy and engagement with the faculty and students; and serving as ambassadors for the university as well as the department.

The Board is comprised of alumni of the program representing a wide range of professional fields in communication and media. Board members also represent three concentrations of JOMC major: mass media production, multimedia journalism and public relations. Board members are:

Anzio Williams, ‘94, is Executive Vice President of Talent, Strategic Initiatives and Team Impact for NBCUniversal Local, a division of NBCUniversal News Group.

Bervette Carree, ‘02, is the Vice President of News at ABC11/WTVD, the ABC Owned Television station in Raleigh-Durham-Fayetteville, North Carolina.

Brittany Dandy, ‘10, is the Founder and Senior Integrated Producer of Ode to Us Wellness, a femtech and lifestyle company dedicated to improving the perinatal experience for Black women and all women of color.

BJ Evans, ‘94, serves as Vice President of Basketball Communications for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Brian Holloway, ‘97, serves as Associate Athletics Director for Strategic Communications at the North Carolina A&T State University’s Department of Intercollegiate Athletics.

Corey Savage, ‘02, is the Manager of Talent Acquisition Outreach & Engagement at The Walt Disney Company.

Erin Cagler, ‘18, serves as a Client Success and Sales Operations Planner at Spectrum Reach, the advertising division of Spectrum.

Jessica Garrett Modkins, ‘92, Founder and President, Hip Rock Star, an Advertising agency in Miami, Florida.

Kelsey Armstrong, ‘14, is the Associate Director of Student Life Communications at Elon University.

Kristin Thompson, ‘19, is a Senior Communications Associate in Corporate Responsibility at JP Morgan Chase.

Seth Bennett, ‘93, serves as Chief Marketing Officer for Hornets Sports & Entertainment.

Shannon McKnight, ‘18, a nonprofit fundraising consultant, serves as Executive Director of NBA legend, Muggsy Bogues’ Family Foundation.

Board members will work directly with Masudul Biswas, Ph.D., JOMC Chairperson and Matthew Evans, CAHSS director of development. Because of their positions in the department and in the college, Biswas and Evans will also serve on the Board.

e A&T Register.