Our Students

Student Testimonial 

My two years pursuing a master's degree at The Charlotte Thompson Suhler School of Journalism and Advertising were about a deep transformation, both personally and professionally.

I am a Fulbright Scholar from Moldova, a post-Soviet country in Eastern Europe. Unfortunately, higher education in Moldova often lacks competitiveness and resources. At SIUC, thanks to all the professors and academic staff, I learned what quality education looks like when students' needs are at the core of the institution.

As an international student, I needed additional support to navigate academic life, especially during the Fulbright funding crisis in the spring of 2025. I will never forget the kindness and support I received in the most difficult times and over the past two years. Everybody was by my side to guide and help me to thrive.

Under the mentorship of highly competitive professors, I developed research skills from scratch. I studied disinformation and media literacy in Moldova and wrote a research paper. I also learned photography and how to tell a story through different lenses. Another important aspect for me was improving my writing skills and capacity to develop an advertising campaign, objectives I accomplished.

As I intend to work for a better world in humanitarian organizations, I feel more confident in my future career. With a heart full of gratitude, I say a big thank you to my academic advisor, Xinle Jia, and to the professors Lisa Brooten, Bridget Lescelius, Julia Rendleman, Don Hang, Sakshi Bathi, William Freivogel, and School Director Jan Thompson. You have inspired me to be a thoughtful person and to believe in the power of education to heal and make a positive change in the world.

Adriana Bzovii
MS PMMM, Sp 2026
Photos by Adriana Bzovii