Professor and School of Communications Associate Director For Graduate Studies Pamela Brubaker Will Give BYU Devotional Address On Tuesday, July 18th at 11 a.m.
Pamela Brubaker is an expert in communications. After earning her associate's degree from Ricks College and then her bachelor's and master's degrees from BYU, she went on to obtain a Ph.D. in mass communications from Pennsylvania State University. She is currently the associate director for graduate studies in the School of Communications and continues to conduct research and teach graduate and undergraduate students.
Brubaker gained public relations, marketing communications and media relations experience working in corporate and agency settings in the tech industry. Her research explores the impact (positive and negative) that social media and digital communications have on us. She is an expert in both social media and digital storytelling. Last year, she gave a TEDx talk titled Combatting Internet Trolls where she identifies ways to navigate online conversations.
Brubaker will share her professional and spiritual insights at the university devotional on July 18th.
Q: You are a scholar of communications - a professor and researcher. Why communications?
Brubaker: There is power in communications. I love studying how to effectively use this power for good. I became a communications scholar and professor because it allows me to teach how to strategically and effectively use communications to bring about change and be an influence for good.
One summer when I was in elementary school, I created my own little newspaper using a pencil and a notebook. At the time I could not fathom being able to create multimedia content and distribute it beyond my house. Now, with communications technology at our fingertips, we can create and distribute messages around the globe. I have always been fascinated by the evolution of communications technology and how it provides us with the ability to share the gospel, connect with others, and expand our influence.
Q: How does your identity as a disciple of Jesus Christ influence your approach to teaching and researching?
Brubaker: I chose to become a communications professor at Brigham Young University because I believe in the divine destiny of BYU. Here, I have an opportunity to help others learn by study and by faith. I love helping students discover both the value of research and the methods of research as they seek answers and then make strategic decisions based on the insights they gain from their study.
As a disciple of Jesus Christ, as well as a scholar and a teacher at BYU, the scripture, “seek learning, even by study and also by faith” (D&C 88:118) is part of who I am.
Q: How do you approach your own social/digital media use?
Brubaker: I enjoy engaging with family and friends on social media. Through it I can connect with people I’ve met all over the world. It helps me stay in touch. I approach my use of digital media carefully as I realize the great impact messages have on other people. The media content we consume can impact our lives just as much as the messages we share with others. I would say, “If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, [I strive to] seek after these things” (Article of Faith 13).
Q: What do you hope devotional audiences will take away from your message?
Brubaker: I want people to realize the great influence they can have on others. When you follow the greatest influencer who has ever lived, Jesus Christ, our ways become His ways. You begin to love as he loves. You begin to see others as He sees them.
Brubaker will share her experiences and message during her devotional on July 18th at 11 a.m. To watch her speak live, visit byutv.org. Her address will be available on demand at speeches.byu.edu following the event.