Montclair CCOM Students and Faculty Present Research at NJCA Conference

Students and faculty from Montclair State University’s College of Communication and Media (CCOM) recently presented their work at the 2026 New Jersey Communication Annual Conference (NJCA), held March 27-28, 2026, at Kean University’s Skylands Campus in Oak Ridge, New Jersey. The two-day conference brought together scholars and students from across the state to share research, exchange ideas and highlight current trends in the communication studies field.

For Montclair students and faculty, the event showcased their academic strengths and the collaborative environment fostered within CCOM.

Two students presented on behalf of Montclair’s Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) chapter. PRSSA President Noelia Aguirre Reyes and Vice President Grace Velazquez were among five students on the 2025 Bateman Competition team, which is a national public relations contest for students across the country.  Montclair’s “EveryLibrary, EveryVoice” campaign for that competition highlighted the importance of advocating for libraries and access to information while also fighting against the rise of censorship in schools and communities.

Reyes and Velazquez attended the conference to showcase one of the initiatives from their campaign, “Public Libraries: An Overlooked Resource for Multicultural Communities?” Their presentation highlighted the importance of accessibility and awareness of public library resources, particularly for diverse communities.

Reyes shared how impactful the conference was for her. “Presenting at NJCA was an unforgettable experience,” she said. “It gave me a platform to reflect on how my local library shaped my journey as a first-generation Mexican-American college student.”

Events like the NJCA conference give students valuable opportunities to step outside the classroom and apply what they’ve learned in a real-world, professional setting, in addition to providing networking opportunities. 

Velazquez described the experience as “empowering,” noting that one of her highlights was meeting Kean’s PRSSA chapter members and taking photos with them. “I’m thankful for the opportunity and the continuous support from our CCOM professors,” she said.

CCOM Professor Bond Benton contributed to two presentations for the panel “Investigating Media Coverage.” Benton presented a study from the Joetta Di Bella and Fred C. Sautter III Center for Strategic Communicationtitled, “Term Frequency Analysis of Reduced Moderation and Influencer Amplification of the R-Word on Twitter/X.” The study found that there was more than a 200% increase in posts containing the slur on X after Elon Musk used it on Jan. 6, 2025, underscoring the power of influential voices and how hateful language has become normalized and amplified in online spaces.

Benton also discussed a second study from the center, “A Social Media Analysis of the Bad Bunny and Turning Point USA 2026 Super Bowl Halftime Shows,” which examined social media reactions to the 2026 Super Bowl halftime performances. The findings indicated that despite concerns that a Spanish-language performance might alienate viewers, there was significantly higher online interest in Bad Bunny’s performance.

Together, these studies highlight how digital platforms both reflect and shape public discourse, emphasizing the growing influence of online narratives in shaping cultural and social perceptions.

Reflecting on the significance of the conference, Benton said, “Being accepted and having an academic project included in the event is a real honor. Being able to share on behalf of the College of Communication and Media and Montclair State University and to see our students present at a prestigious event like this was a wonderful experience.”

Montclair’s presence at the NJCA conference reflects the meaningful impact both students and faculty are making in the public relations and communication fields, while also engaging in broader conversations that continue to shape the industry.

Written by, Gabriella La Rosa

Ready to Start Your Montclair Journey?

Prospective Students and Parents: Plan your visit and take your first step in applying to become a Red Hawk. Learn more about our seven undergraduate programs including Social Media and Public Relations at the College of Communication and Media.

About the College of Communication and Media: The College of Communication and Media (CCOM) offers a range of dynamic programs to a talented and diverse student population of over 2,000. Offering degrees in advertising, animation and visual effects, communication and media studies, film and television, journalism and digital media, social media and public relations, sports communication and an online, asynchronous MA devoted to strategic communication and media, the College prepares the next generation of communication and media practitioners and leaders. Founded in 2012 and housed in world-class, state-of-the-art facilities just 12 miles from New York City, the College is the only program in the country that offers the following opportunities for students: a radio station (WMSC), newspaper (The Montclarion), strategic communications agency (Hawk Communications), sports network (Red Hawk Sports Network) streaming platform (Hawk+), digital newsroom (News Lab) and studio, and a social media listening center (Joetta DiBella and Fred C. Sautter III Center for Strategic Communication). The College also has a Student Success team, including dedicated Career Services and Advising professionals who prepare students for the internship and job search process. Student projects and programs have recently received national recognition from PRSSA’s Bateman Competition, an Edward R. Murrow Award, several Marconi Award nominations, and College Television Awards (“Student Emmy” awards) from the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. The College is also home to the Center for Cooperative Media, which serves the public by working to grow and strengthen local journalism and media. Through $7.1M in grants awarded over the last five years, the Center focuses on collaboration in journalism, media equity, media coaching and training, civic science and research. The Center is also home to the NJ Civic Information Consortium, the largest funder of media and journalism in  New Jersey, granting more than $10M over the last five years to support independent local media, journalism and training initiatives.