Lealana Coker

Hi, my name is Lealana Coker. I am a senior at Pittsburg State University set to graduate in May 2026 with a Bachelor of Science in Communication. My emphasis is in strategic communication with a minor in sociology. I was born in Mannheim, Germany and have spent most of my life there. I have traveled to many countries throughout my time and have observed all the ways we communicate with different cultures which led me to choosing my major and minor specifcally to adhere to that interersting factor about life.

WHAT IS COMMUNICATION?

Communication to me is the way we use messages to share and interpret meaning throughout life whether that be through nonverbal or verbal interactions with one another. It helps create understanding between the sender and receiver through feelings, beliefs, attitudes and culture.

The value of an umbrella department is that it provides students like me with the opportunity to broaden their studies in a specific area aligned with their goals, while still learning and expanding their knowledge in all other areas. It allows students to go out into the field, demonstrating they have a certain area of expertise, while also posessing skills in other aspects that can be applied to any life scenario.

VALUE OF AN UMBRELLA DEPARTMENT

The value provided by a communication graduate to society is built upon our own values and ethics that we have developed throughout our educational journey. In part of that journey comes the many skills that have been mastered along the way that allow us to communicate effectively and efficiently. We are able to create a bridge through story telling, stratetgic messaging, marketing and more in order to establish a connection between others and understand any situation.

VALUE TO SOCIETY

I am a positive representation of Pittsburg State University’s Communication department because I have established skills within my area of expertise and have allowed my own beliefs and ethics outside of that guide my work style. By having both a positive and professional mindset, it allows me to effectively communciate with those around me. As I continue to further strive for new opportunties, I am eager to learn and expand my knowledge as well as current skills.

POSITIVE REPRESENTATION