Communication with a purpose

The trend toward growing megachurches has spawned a new niche in communications.

Cal Dunlap, a communications graduate at SWU, sees this as a definite career possibility. Dunlap noticed how the church he attends employs art designers and creative pastors.

Fascinated by new directions he sees in communications, he feels the breadth of his studies at SWU are preparing him well.

"I think the biggest thing that changed my mindset about communicating with people,” Dunlap said, adding a dimension to the software and writing skills he’s learned. It’s a very broad communication field – it doesn’t just focus on the aural, visual or written side. It’s a little bit of everything. Doing that for three years here, I’m not as focused on one thing but am learning every aspect of communication and gaining skills from each area.

Class experiences and projects have cultivated in him a love for Marketing. Dunlap feels he could be a creative idea person. But there’s another dimension to his studies.

"I took a lot of Religion courses, because with communications you have a lot of electives you have to take. I’ve been taking a lot of Bible and Religion courses,” Dunlap says, adding that he hopes to find a niche in a church with a communications or design department.

Making lifelong bonds

Looking back on the friendships he’s forged and the involvement with campus ministries that include Ignite and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Dunlap knows now he made the right choice. Dunlap has also served as  a resident assistant at Mullinax Hall and is currently resident assistant at the apartments.

“It’s a place where you can build some lasting relationships with other people. I’ve got some of the best friends I’ve had in my life here. It’s almost like in a church when you have small groups – you get close with a lot of people,” he says.