Brenda Smith
M.A. Communication

I started college in 1979—nearly 30 years ago--at the Kansas City Art Institute, as a design major. I graduated from the University of the Arts (Philadelphia College of Art and School of Design) in 1983. After undergraduate studies, I worked as a graphic designer for the St. Louis American Newspaper, Schnucks Advertising and other organizations for over 20 years.

As a print designer for Los Angeles County, I developed a strong need to learn and work in an environment with overtly humanistic values and ethics. After a bout of blinding homesickness, I resigned from my job and returned to St. Louis to attend Saint Louis University Graduate School, on a campus that I have loved since childhood.

I have been fascinated by Communication for my entire life. I am amazed and delighted to have the opportunity to study this complex and intriguing field in my hometown. My mentor, Dr. Paaige Turner, fortunately understands my newly discovered passion for Communication, and has the knowledge and expertise to provide excellent guidance to this mature, but enthusiastic student.

I plan to concentrate on Organizational Communication and to investigate and help develop community outreach programs for St. Louis’ great cultural institutions. I want to emphasize the importance of cultural activity and expression for this city’s underserved populations—how culture heals and enlivens the spirit. I also want to teach Communication, as soon as I learn enough of it to do so. I plan to enjoy many rewarding and challenging years in academia.

I chose Saint Louis University because of its strong Jesuit tradition of service for others—I needed this after years of civil service. I sought an academic community that would help me continue to develop meaningful values, and enhance my ability to be more, and do more for others. Saint Louis University provides an underlying structure of community service, academic rigor and strong moral guidelines on which to build my new career in Communication.