Communication with a purpose

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

Cal Dunlap, a senior communications major at SWU, sees this as a definite career possibility. Cal 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,” Cal 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. Cal feels he could be a creative idea person. But there’s another dimension to his studies.

"I’m also taking 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,” Cal says, adding that he hopes to find a niche in a church with a communications or design department.

Making lifelong bonds

Dunlap admits SWU wasn’t originally at the top of his list. But looking back on the friendships he’s forged and the involvement with campus ministries that include Ignite and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, he 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,” Cal says.