Media Training
Effective communication skills and interview etiquette are increasingly important components in collegiate athletics and professional life - and often without foundation in secondary education. Out of commitment to the holistic development of student-athletes and desire to have LSU student-athletes on the forefront of media awareness, the Academic Center for Student-Athletes and LSU Athletics Sports Information Office partnered in 2009 to fill this educational need and position student-athletes to be successful communicators on the field, in the classroom, and throughout their careers.
The newly renovated Eric Hill Communications Studio, coupled with individualized instruction from two of Louisiana's preeminate media educators, provides student-athletes with cutting-edge training in both fundamentals and practical experience along three broad areas: presentation skills, image, and sports-specific media knowledge. Created in through a generous gift from Mr. Eric Hill, the Studio provided a solid foundation for student-athlete education. With rapid advancements in internet & social media, the Communications Lab was moved in late 2009 to newly renovated, purpose-built facilities & outfitted with modern, high-definition equipment.
Meet the Instructors
Dr. Shirley White
"Energizing others to achieve a winning edge" is the mission of Dr. Shirley White. Dr. White's previous experience with LSU includes 12 years as an Assistant Professor of Management with the E. J. Ourso College of Business, 6 years as a Training Facilitator with the School of Human Resource Education and Workforce Development, and 10+ years of conducting workshops for the Division of Continuing Education.
Dr. White’s publications include Dress to Win: 10 Steps to Maximum Personal Impact, and 101 Winning Tips for Getting a Job. She is also a contributor to the recent book, Dear Success Seeker: Wisdom from Outstanding Women. Dr. White currently presents the "Career Corner" segment on "Baton Rouge Lagniappe," the public affairs show for NBC-TV, Channel 33. She also writes the "Dr. Shirley's Career Corner" column on workplace and career issues for Business and Industry Connection magazine.
Dr. Tommy Karam
Dr. Tommy Karam’s prior experience with LSU dates back to 1996, when he started conducting media training for student-athletes. He is also a respectable faculty member of the Department of Marketing, where he developed and currently teaches the Sports Marketing course. He also developed and currently teaches the Personal Branding course for the prestigious MBA Program.
Dr. Karam also serves as a top media consultant to various NCAA athletic departments, as well as numerous professional athletes around the country. Dr. Karam is also author to the book, Can We Talk: A Handbook for Public Speakers, as well as Wall Street Journal’s “The Business of Sports at Work.”
