STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Meet our new Equity Communications Coordinator Intern, Maura (she/they)!

Maura is a fourth-year Graphic Design major with a minor in Information Technology. Outside of the classroom, she serves as Director of Social Programs for Kappa Alpha Commuter Honors Society. Maura is especially interested in the intersection of art and technology through graphic design and digital communication, and enjoys exploring how creative design can help tell meaningful stories.

As our Equity Communications Coordinator Intern, Maura is looking forward to highlighting inclusive and intentional stories within the College of Arts and Humanities while gaining hands-on experience in digital communication. This semester, she will contribute to a variety of communications projects, including social media, visual storytelling, student-focused content, and other creative initiatives across the College.

“I’m really excited to use my skills in graphic design and digital storytelling to contribute to the College of Arts and Humanities and amplify the inspiring voices that make our community so special,” she shared.

In her free time, Maura loves going to concerts, traveling, reading, crocheting, and spending time with family, friends, and her dog, Finnegan. Fun fact: Maura has been to almost 60 concerts!

We are so excited to have Maura on our team this semester!

FACULTY FEATURE

Meet English Professor and Author Dr. Laquana Cooke!

Dr. Laquana Cooke is a professor in WCU’s Department of English and Director of iCamp Media Academy. Her work brings together digital rhetoric, game design, critical literacy, technology, and education. Through her teaching and research, Dr. Cooke connects writing, technology, game design, and digital humanities, giving students opportunities to explore how digital tools can shape communication, learning, and culture.

Dr. Cooke recently received an Emmy® award as a senior producer of The Hands That Shape Tomorrow. Created with Dr. Jeremy McCool and the JTWO production team, the project received the award in the Education/Schools – Long Form Content category.

This summer, Dr. Cooke published Meta-Tuning Justice: Game Design and Black Youth Agency with the University of Massachusetts Press. The book explores how Black youth use game design to express cultural identity, challenge dominant narratives, and reshape digital spaces.

Dr. Cooke will discuss Meta-Tuning Justice during a book signing and discussion on Thursday, October 8, from 6–8 p.m. in Philips Memorial Hall’s Autograph Library. Light refreshments will be served, and a limited number of registered attendees will receive free signed books.

_{Use of the trademarks and service marks of the National Television Academy (“NATAS/NTA”), including the mark EMMY®, requires the prior express written permission of the National Television Academy.}