As Xavier University approaches its centennial year in 2025, it continues expanding resources and upgrading instruments across the campus. To provide each student the education they deserve, Xavier unveiled a newly renovated and revamped Studio for the Department of Mass Communication, including the installation of innovative, new equipment for student use. The renovation is an important piece of how the University seeks to introduce communication students to the media industry through experiential learning.

Though Xavier is known for its excellent STEM programming and success in leading the nation in producing the most African American students who go on to complete medical school, the University also hosts award-winning programs in the liberal arts. The recent improvements for the Mass Communication Department, which offers a wide range of hands-on experiences and engaging opportunities for its students to learn in an individualized environment, is a continuation Of Xavier’s promise to promote student success.

“I’ve been focusing more on the beautification of the department and giving students more opportunity in terms of the amount of equipment they have access to,” said Varion Laurent (‘01), Director of Student Media at Xavier. “Since I’ve been in this position, I’ve infused hundreds of thousands of dollars of equipment into the Department through relationships like title three. Those relationships are really important because a department like Mass

Communication will have big-ticket items in terms of equipment, with expensive cameras and other things like that.” In the media industry, as it continues to grow and expand, it is vital that professionals have a skill set that covers multiple jobs. As an alum and member of Xavier’s staff, Laurent embarked on a mission to further introduce students to this profession and provide an interactive experience with guidance from those active in the industry. Joining the Mass Communication Department in 2017, Laurent has led the revitalization of the Department-sponsored XU Radio, XU Media, the student newspaper The Herald, and more.

“Starting off as a deciding major, I didn’t really feel like I fit in,” said Ta’Shia Hogue, a sophomore at Xavier studying mass communication. “I felt lost on campus as if I was just floating through the semester, but once I was introduced to the welcoming [Mass Communication] department, I felt like I was right where I needed to be. I was intrigued the moment I saw the broadcasting set up and designated podcast room.”

With the support of the University, outside sponsorships and grants to further the innovations of the department, the studio was outfitted with new spotlights, a stage, a backdrop and more. Some of the latest equipment includes a new PTZ setup, drones, 4K cameras, and more. With these new instruments, Xavier students are equipped with the resources and opportunities to explore their talents and creativity.

“The new equipment really sets us apart from other universities!” exclaimed Endya Gillard, a junior studying mass communication. “Learning about ENG cameras, drones, and [Adobe] Premiere are stepping stones for our success, and the department really prepares us for our future careers. The Mass Communication Department is amazing, and I trust that I will graduate fully equipped to excel in my industry.”

“The professional equipment gives insight into the Department’s potential. It’s important to me as a student who plans on investing my time, energy and skills into this major because I want access to the resources that can jump-start my career,” Houge said. Laurent's dedication to improving the overall vibe and feel of the department through the revamp of certain areas in the entire department. It creates an environment where students comfortably learn and develop an understanding of the industry. Just within this semester, students have begun producing and publishing creative skits, such as “Cash Cart,” “Professor Is In,” and “Elevate Your Struggle Bag.”

“One thing I have always been really deponent on is the idea when there is a lack of resources, you become more resourceful, and you may not have everything, but you find out clever workarounds to get the work done. Right now, we do have access at our figure tips so it's important to educate our students on how to be multi-skilled professionals in the field,” Laurent said.