Lessons Learned with Dennis Kinsey

Dennis Kinsey, a distinguished figure in the field of public relations, serves as both the director of the public diplomacy and global communications program and a professor of public relations at the Newhouse School.

Kinsey is from the small town of East Liverpool, Ohio, where he attended East Liverpool High School. During his early academic years he wasn’t interested in most subjects, but a special topic political science class in high school caught his attention.

“The class was quite different from the typical education I received in K-12. It was a political science course, which I don’t believe is commonly offered at that level,” Kinsey said.   

Little did he know this class would spark an entire career in political science.   

Kinsey earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in political science from Kent State University, followed by a Ph.D. in communication from Stanford University. Reflecting on his experiences, Kinsey noted that the most challenging part of his academic career was navigating Stanford’s rigorous doctoral program.   

“Fortunately, I had a great advisor who would not allow me to fail,” Kinsey recalled. “He kept on top of it, kept pushing me, helped correct things and pointed me in the right direction.”   

One of Kinsey’s proudest moments was publishing his first academic article as a master’s student. This early success solidified his passion for research and set the stage for a fulfilling academic career. The tough piece of advice he attributes to his successes? “Stop crying. Don’t be a baby.”   

Kinsey’s career path was influenced by a desire to share knowledge and inspire others. While working in political consulting, he found himself drawn to research but was frustrated by the limitations of proprietary work, he said. This led him to pursue a career in public relations and teaching, where he could freely share his findings with the broader public.   

His decision to eventually become an academic advisor was inspired by a mentor who possessed a unique ability to encourage and support high-achieving scholars, Kinsey recalled. He said he admired his mentor’s wisdom and guidance, recognizing the impact a mentor can have on a student’s academic journey.  

Kinsey often shares advice he’d learned over years of academic rigor with his students at Newhouse, emphasizing the importance of maintaining perspective, learning from failures and striving for continuous improvement.  

“Failing is not bad; failing shows progress,” he said.  

Kinsey also focuses on helping students defend their doctoral dissertations.  

“I don’t have the same pressure to maintain a research agenda, so I focus on helping doctoral students get started,” he said. “Often, it’s a Q-methodology study because they want to learn how to conduct one, and I have some experience with this method.” 

Kinsey has many interests outside of academia, including expressing himself creatively through music and art. He enjoys painting and sells his pieces on his website. A talented guitarist, he has been the head of Hondo Mesa Records since 2003. 

He also has a passion for storytelling, which benefits him in his career in public relations. He has a love for movies, especially anything with actor Denzel Washington, but has a tough time choosing a favorite. 

“I like movies a lot so I could list a zillion of them,” he joked.  

When it comes to television, Kinsey loves the show “Breaking Bad,” admiring the depth and complexity of the characters. His ability to appreciate diverse forms of art and storytelling is reflected in his successful career as a mentor. 

“The character development is awesome. When [Breaking Bad] started, I disliked this one character-Jessie-and I liked Walter, but as it moved along it flipped on me, and I changed,” he said.  

Kinsey’s journey from a small-town student to a renowned academic and mentor proves his passion for learning and his dedication to guiding others. Through constant support and creative outlets, he continues to inspire and shape the next generation of scholars at the Newhouse School. 

Finding Ways to Fuel Creativity Through the Newhouse Community

Newhouse is constantly buzzing with creative energy. Take one step inside, and you will see it: the students packed into Food.com booths collaborating on magazine projects, the breathtaking displays of photography and graphic design projects decorating the walls, students posted outside with larger-than-life cameras and mics to film a broadcast package. 

One of my favorite things about Newhouse is how many opportunities there are to fuel creativity among other Newhouse students, both through Newhouse programs and external endeavors. Not only do these opportunities create space for artistic expression, but they also equip you with unique experiences and provide engaging ways to learn about different industries.  

Participate in a film shoot

A recent experience I had that ignited my creative passion for the arts was acting in a film project for Audrey Weisburd, a fellow Newhouse student. Wesiburd’s final assignment for her TRF 451 class, Directing, entailed writing and directing a short film. After writing an experimental, dreamlike script, Weisburd formed a crew of students, both inside and outside of Newhouse.  

When I arrived on the film set, there were crew members for photography, sound design, production design, etc. Overall, it was a stellar experience! I had a lot of fun learning the script and becoming the character “Kate” for the short film, but I also gained a better understanding of the mechanics behind film sets and production. Additionally, it was rewarding to see all our hard work come together on screen a few weeks later when the short film premiered.  

Go to a local event and write about it

One way to mix groovy dancing with academic enhancing is to attend an event and write about it. The NewsHouse is a fabulous digital publication on campus that has an entire section dedicated to entertainment. Weekly entertainment at local venues like the Syracuse Landmark, the Westcott Theatre, and Funk’n Waffles offers a wealth of inspiration for writing. From covering an up-and-coming DJ’s show to reviewing a traveling Broadway production, these opportunities not only exercise your journalistic brain, but also deepen your connection to the local arts community. 

Ally Watkinson, a graduate student in the Goldring program, pitched an event coverage story about one of her favorite artists, Eliza McLamb, to The NewHouse after hearing that McLamb would be performing at The Song & Dance Theatre. Approved by NewsHouse producer, Watkinson got to interview McLamb and wrote an article covering the event.  

“It was really cool to bring to life something I envisioned and pitched,” Watkinson said.  

Join a magazine

Interested in putting multimedia storytelling into practice? Newhouse has loads of student-run magazines that cover different topics and involve many forms of media production. On-campus magazines can include teams of writers, graphic designers, photographers, social media coordinators and creative directors, inviting students to dabble in different creative fields and meet other students with likeminded interests.  

One example, Zipped magazine, is a Newhouse publication that focuses on fashion and beauty. Students involved in the magazine can engage in a broad spectrum of media, from photography to promotional social media content.  

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Newhouse and Syracuse University’s campus as a whole provides so many opportunities for students to have dynamic experiences engaging in creative production. Additionally, these opportunities might just give us the experience we need to take into our professional careers after graduating!  

Explore the Newhouse Sports Media Center 

Between midterms and finals last semester, it was an incredibly busy time. There was internship planning, holiday planning, planning for finals and planning on how to survive Black Friday for those of us who work retail. When the chaos was closing in on me, I found some solace in the new Newhouse Sports Media Center (SMC) space, which is just around the corner from Food.com on the second floor of Newhouse 3.   

The SMC expansion officially opened on Sept. 27. It is a collaborative space for students to do schoolwork, work on extracurriculars and projects, have production meetings, socialize and much more.  

There are several computers for writing and editing, as well as meeting spaces and a full production set with cameras, control boards and all the other bells and whistles you might need when it comes to broadcasting and communications work. But it is not just the technological offerings that are there to help students; the SMC is meant to be a comfortable, fun space. There are large televisions, reading material, couches and game tables including foosball, air hockey and teeny-tiny billiards. 

My favorite part might just be the massive wall of windows. As it gets colder, I know I will enjoy watching the snowfall or the sunset from above. And our Newhouse professors have told us many times that if you want to go inside and use the space just to nap on one of the couches, please do so. 

It can be a bit chaotic when production meetings are happening for things like 44Films or a show is being broadcast or many Newhouse students are using the space, but sometimes you might be the only one there. Use that time to find your peace or spot of comfort. Pull up the automatic shades (it is the second to last button on the light switch) and watch the sunset even for just a few minutes.  

For those not in the sports media program, do not fret. While the center is locked for those not in that program, it is not meant to keep anyone out. If you want to check it out, find a sports media friend or classmate, or just try knocking on the door.  

Rest, Reflect, Ready: Making the Most of Your Winter Break 

Christmas lights, hot chocolate, snow, Hallmark movies and…internship searching! With winter break comes that funny little feeling that you should be doing something to prepare for your future when your brain has no academic stress to prey on. But do not worry—here are some tips to keep you relaxed yet ready for your next steps when you return to campus next year. 

Give Yourself Time to Breathe

Take a step away from your laptop. Reflect on the year you have, not only as a student but as a person. How have you grown? What new elements in your life bring you joy and fulfillment? Give yourself credit for navigating the challenges and changes.  Celebrate your achievements, both big and small—from acing that presentation to finally establishing a consistent workout routine. Take pride in your journey so far, recognizing that every step, even the missteps, has contributed to your development. 

If you choose to, consider your growth points, from mastering difficult courses to developing better study habits. Acknowledge new positive additions to your life, whether they are meaningful friendships, helpful mentors or newly discovered passions. 

Reflect on Your Passions and Values

Instead of diving into the job search and immediately immersing yourself in LinkedIn, Handshake, Indeed or countless company application pages, write down what truly matters to you. What kind of work environment helps you thrive? What causes or industries ignite your enthusiasm? Then, ask yourself if the companies you are considering meet YOUR standards. Research their cultures, missions and values—do they align with your goals and beliefs? Remember, an internship is not just about gaining experience; it’s about finding a place where you can grow and contribute meaningfully. 

Work on Your Portfolio

Break is the perfect time to work on your portfolio, but approach it strategically. Dedicate a small portion of each day to professional development. Just 30 minutes to an hour of focused work can bring significant results (your future self will definitely thank you). Update your existing work samples with recent projects, polish your presentations and organize your materials in a cohesive, professional format. Give thought to creating new content that showcases your evolving skills and interests. Document your recent achievements, including relevant coursework projects, volunteer experiences or leadership roles. 

Maintain Connection With the Career Development Center (CDC)

While enjoying your break, take proactive steps for your return. Schedule a resume review session for when you are back on campus—having this appointment already set will give you a concrete goal to work toward. Research application deadlines for summer internships, noting which ones align with your interests and values. Use this quieter time to refine your elevator pitch, ensuring it effectively communicates your skills, aspirations and unique value proposition. The CDC remains an invaluable resource in your professional journey, so leverage their expertise to maximize your internship search success. 

Finding Home Again: A Graduate Student’s Journey at Newhouse

Growing up in Rochester, New York, an hour west of Syracuse, I was most familiar with the city as a waypoint rather than a destination. Like many young adults eager to spread their wings, I chose to venture far from home for my undergraduate years. But life has a funny way of bringing us full circle—this time as graduate students at Newhouse, where many of us are discovering that sometimes going back means moving forward. Life does not end after you graduate from college.  

Experiences from current graduate students 

The graduate experience at Newhouse draws a diverse background of students, each with their own reason for choosing this path.

“You’re never too old to go back to school,” said Leah Harding, a public diplomacy and global communications student who spent nine years as a journalist in Doha, Qatar. Despite having an established career, Harding recognized that “pivoting my career and getting another degree would only help me in the future.” 

Her sentiments are echoed by peers from across the globe. Isabella (Bella) Biorac Haaja, a Fulbright scholar from Porvoo, Finland, was drawn to Newhouse’s unique program offerings.

“It’s really unique, and I don’t know if there’s another one like it,” she said, highlighting the school’s distinctive appeal even on an international scale. 

For Morristown, New Jersey, native and Syracuse University alumnus James Cunningham, the decision to return was personal; he came back for the professors and “to become a better leader in the communications world and diplomacy world,” he said.

Cunningham demonstrates how Newhouse continues to attract those seeking to deepen their expertise and leadership capabilities. His pursuits at Syracuse have led him to an interest in the world of nonprofit management, where the ability to communicate effectively is especially important.  

What is striking about the graduate student experience at Newhouse is how quickly it becomes home. The key, it seems, lies in embracing the community fully.  

Making the most of the Newhouse experience: insights from current students 

Current students emphasize the importance of embracing unexpected opportunities. As Haaja noted, “There are a lot more opportunities here than back home. I feel like I can do anything.”

She advocates for saying “yes” to everything, pointing out how reading emails and signing up for various activities has broadened her understanding of communications and revealed previously unknown career paths. She is now the vice president of the Newhouse Masters Association (NMA), leveraging her diverse background to help foster community and support her peers.  

Cunningham also advises, “Listen to your inner voice—everyone knows what they want to do but may not have the courage to act.”  

Harding perhaps best summarizes the Newhouse experience with her observation that “it’s only as meaningful as you make it.” While one could simply attend classes, the real value lies in full engagement with all that Newhouse has to offer.  

Whether it is utilizing the facilities, connecting with faculty, collaborating across disciplines or networking with alumni, each aspect contributes to an educational experience that prepares students for success in the ever-evolving communications industry. 

Life after undergrad 

What I have learned, and what many of my fellow graduate students echo, is that returning to school isn’t a step backward – it’s a deliberate move toward growth.  

Whether you are a local returning or coming from across the globe, Newhouse offers more than just education – it provides a chance to redefine your path while surrounded by others doing the same. Central New York is no longer just a geographical midpoint; it’s a moment in time where my life intersected with these people – each bringing their unique experiences, aspirations and perspectives.  

Here at Newhouse, we are not just pursuing advanced degrees; we are building new foundations, forging meaningful connections and discovering that this is where our next chapter begins.

Stay Relaxed: Campus-Friendly Ways to De-Stress

The halfway point—and end—of the semester can be marked with an array of different stressors: midterms then finals, scheduling for spring classes, internships applications — the list extends for miles. It is important to find resources on campus that loosen tension and minimize your stress.  

After navigating these stressors, here are a few ways I have found to be helpful to de-stress on campus: 

1. The Crowley Family MindSpa 

The essence of the MindSpa is really captured by the name. At the Barnes Center at the Arch, the Crowley Family MindSpa is a space that offers students access to massage chairs, light therapy and private rooms with uber-comfortable chairs. Through the University’s Wellness Portal, students can reserve their desired space for 30-minute periods.   

When I need a quiet place to rest my eyes, read or meditate, I have found these rooms to be helpful. Additionally, when I am feeling the neck pain from working at my computer, those massage chairs certainly do the trick. Regardless of your reason for going, the MindSpa is a perfect place to mentally unwind and physically recoup. 

2. Pet Therapy 

For me, hugging a dog is the antithesis of stress. Especially when I am missing a pet from home, sometimes an interaction with a furry friend is a great stress reliever. So, when I found out they held pet therapy sessions multiple times a week at the Barnes Center, I was thrilled. Bringing your SUID, all you must do is show up — and friendly dogs await being pet, hugged and played with! 

Cat lovers — do not worry. If you are not a dog person, there is always Luna Cat Café a few minutes away from campus! Attendees the café are welcome to play with some of the resident felines while also enjoying great Japanese cuisine such as ramen, onigiri and gyoza!   

3. Treat Yourself to a Sweet Treat 

When I have spent enough time hunkered down in Newhouse, eyes glued to the video I am editing, taking a step away from my computer and venturing out to find a sweet treat is a perfect remedy for a much-needed brain break.  

Luckily, at Food.com, the food café in Newhouse, there are plenty of gems waiting to be indulged in. One game-changer has been a milkshake from Yella’s: a creamy, decadent oasis in chocolate, strawberry, vanilla or cookies and cream flavors. Another option lives right next to the cashier’s register: chocolate chip cookies, each sold for under $2. These are delicious three-bite-sized sweets that give me the boost of sugar (and happiness) I need to feel ready to get back to work. 

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It is always important to check in with yourself, especially amid high-stress points in the semester. That said, it is also equally as important to check out: shut the laptop, put down the pen, bookmark the textbook and enjoy a brief change of pace or scenery. I have always found that engaging in de-stressing activities allows me to be more productive overall. 

Caffeine and Chill: 3 Cafes Near Campus to Catch a Breather 

Being a new student is daunting; being an old student, even more so. The pressures are not easing any time soon.  

I, like many of my peers, cope with juggling classes and work by relaxing with some good music and even better coffee in the quiet corner of a cute cafe. So, I spoke to three Newhouse students who recommended their favorite places to “caffeine and chill” at a walkable distance from the Syracuse University campus. 

Salt City Coffee

Located at 720 University Ave, Salt City Coffee is a six minute walk from campus.  

Frequented by students grabbing a quick caffeine fix and a bite between classes, this cozy cafe also houses a thrift store, 3fifteen, which sells clothes, Syracuse University merch, books, home accessories and more at some amazing prices.  

Salt City Coffee regular and magazine, news and digital journalism (MND) student Angus Kearney recommended trying their oat milk latte, “if you like oat milk.” 

Peaks Coffee Company

Located at 1200 E Genesee St., Peaks is a 15 minute walk from campus and is also close to many off-campus student residences. 

Whether you want to work, socialize, catch a breath or all three, with its chic interiors in cool, earthy tones and some “really good music” according to MND student Beth Dawkins, Peaks is that classic cozy cafe, offering a wide selection of beverages and baked goods. 

Dawkins recommended trying their iced latte and applauded the service saying, “I even remember the worker there having me try it and making sure that there was enough maple in it because I put maple in my coffee.”   

Recess Coffee

Located at 110 Harvard Place, Recess Coffee is a 25 minute walk from campus.  

The cafe has both indoor and outdoor seating, and remains open until 10 p.m., making it a popular choice for students who want to relax but also get some work done after class. It not only offers a variety of beverages and savory as well as sweet food to choose from, but also sells its house coffee beans for those who want a taste of Recess at home. 

Customer-turned-employee and MND student Madey Lynch recommended trying their smoked butterscotch-flavored Hunters Cabin Latte, which she revealed to originally be an October special but still an available off-menu item, and their sweet-and-spicy Brown Sugar Maple Latte, which tastes “very fall and very cozy.”  

Grad School is Unexpected  

Grad school is unexpected. When I came to Syracuse, I had never lived away from home. Having gone to college three blocks away from my house, I didn’t have to worry about paying for laundry or missing my bed, because I could go home whenever I wanted and still be near my classes. It was the best of both worlds – being independent and having that safety net. I quickly realized that it’s a lot of responsibility to take care of myself, stay on top of my school work, have two jobs, keep in touch with my friends and visit my family as much as I can. I’ve learned so much about myself, like how I enjoy going to bed early and waking up early, especially with the reward of a beautiful sunrise. I’m okay with spending time by myself, especially if I get to catch up on my favorite shows and reading books. 

Grad school is living in Syracuse for four months and still feeling like every day is brand new. During bootcamp, the magazine, news and digital program had a vey regimented schedule. I would get on the bus at 8:04 every morning and come to Newhouse for class. We’d have a lunch break between 12 and 1 p.m., and resume class for the next four hours. On Mondays and Tuesdays we had the same class and Thursdays and Fridays we’d have another. Wednesdays came with a much needed end time earlier than 5 p.m. We did this for six weeks, yet every day we learned something new, we pitched a new idea or revised existing stories. On the weekends, I’d go to the gym, sleep in or explore nature, especially Green Lakes State Park. For one of my stories, I even attended Shakespeare in the Park’s production of “West Side Story.” 

Grad school is setting 100 alarms a day. I came to Newhouse thinking I was really organized and had everything figured out. I had that only partially wrong, because I just got more creative with my organizational methods. Now, well into my second semester, I’m fully reliant on doing what my alarms tell me to do, whether that be to get out of bed or leave for class. I have perfectly timed alarms in anticipation that I’m going to snooze them, especially the one that tells me to get out of bed. People told me to prepare for the seasonal depression, but it wasn’t until our first break was in sight that I realized how much I needed it. Most of our professors have noticed the burnout creeping in, and are attuned to when we are stressed and look like we haven’t slept. 

Grad school is having friends even when I said I wasn’t going to make any. I thought being in journalism school meant that I would be surrounded by my competition, but the more time I spend with my cohort, I realized that I had nothing to be worried about. My cohort is made up of my friends and people who understand me more than anything. Every time we share our work in class or someone gets published, it’s a shared moment of joy. 

Grad school is full of surprises, and I’m just along for the ride. 

The Importance of Saying “Yes” 

While I was a master’s student at the Newhouse School, I consciously committed to saying yes to more opportunities. As an undergraduate student I commuted to school, and because of this I was a lot more hesitant about the opportunities I took within my school community. This was due to a mix of things. The main reason being that I simply felt more comfortable at home.  Safety was also a real concern and many of the organizations and projects I wanted to be a part of met later in the evening. I admittedly held myself back from a lot of opportunities, and by the time I realized that, it was too late. We entered the pandemic, and I had a strong sense that the opportunities had officially passed me. 

Over the last two to three years I have spent a lot of time growing into someone who has become much more outgoing in every corner of their life. I love the idea of being able to be present in my personal and professional community. I love meeting new people and collaborating on projects that I never thought I’d be a part of. But, I owe that ability to one big thing. 

The decision to say “yes” is one that I think people don’t ever realize how big of a difference it makes. When I decided to finally come back to grad school, I knew that in some ways it was a chance to “make right” on the things I felt I did wrong before. 

(Before I continue, I would like to say that I don’t actually believe saying no was “wrong.” I continued to set a boundary that was comfortable for me as I navigated a new school, adulthood and being responsible for my own time and commitments. Boundaries are okay, in fact they are excellent when deciding what you are comfortable with. I considered what life would look like if I pushed my boundaries because I knew something was not working for me. It’s important to listen to your body and mind when approaching new environments!)

Coming to Newhouse was one of those opportunities that made me realize just how much the world has to offer. I was involved in a podcast, on two Orange Television Network shows and was always busy. If nothing else, I built a dense resume in 10 months that makes me more of a candidate for roles who are looking for someone with a multitude of skills. But, further than that, I am finally tapped into my academic space and creating the community I have always wanted.  

I will also, of course, remind you to take care of yourself and to not put too much pressure on yourself. And definitely don’t bite off more than you can chew. But, I’ll encourage you to consider how your life may be different if you just said “yes.” 

My NYC Immersion Experience with Advanced Media Management Program 

At the beginning of April, my classmates and I had the chance to visit New York City as part of our advanced media management program immersion trip. The theme this year is the buzzing field of generative AI (artificial intelligence). With a variety of activities, this trip was both educational and eye-opening to me. 

We kicked off our adventure in NYC by meeting up with some of our program’s alumni on the first day. As students graduating this summer, facing internships and job hunting, it was a precious chance for us to meet with people who had walked the path we are on now and had their insights to share. From recent graduates to seasoned pros, they covered everything from the latest industry trends to the must-have skills for breaking into the media world post-graduation. Networking did not just happen in classrooms. By the end of the day, I connected with our guest speaker on LinkedIn. Several weeks later, I also made a video call to dive deeper into digital research—a field our alum is working in. From the call, I got practical pieces of advice on skills I should develop for the position I am seeking. 

The discussion on generative AI happened more frequently on the second and third days. From insightful lectures to interactive site visits, we got access to diverse perspectives from the experts. OpenAI’s ChatGPT has been a significant game changer since its launch in 2022, and generative AI has been a hot topic in the industry and our classes. Hearing firsthand from those pioneering in the field is a highlight of this trip. We attended workshops where we learned generative AI from a prompt engineer and engaged in spirited discussions about the ethical quandaries AI is stirring up in creative spaces. A panel discussion called “From Creation to Regulation: Navigating Generative AI’s Uncertain Legal Terrain” impressed me the most. It was thought-provoking when experts discussed issues like fair use and copyright in AI prompts. I believe maintaining ongoing attention to these issues is crucial for practitioners in the industry. 

We often explore the development and usage of generative AI in our program, and this trip can be a powerful supplement for us to learn about the ongoing activities in the industry. Visiting giants like TikTok, X (formerly known as Twitter) and Business Insider put things into perspective. Seeing real-world applications and the ongoing exploration of what we have been discussing in classrooms was incredibly grounding. 

We also had fun during this trip, too. Dining out with classmates, catching up with professors based in NYC, and wandering in Central Park made the trip a blend of hustle and downtime. These moments were a sweet relaxation from our busy schedule. 

This NYC Immersion trip was a standout chapter in our solid academic year. It was more than just a learning experience. It was a chance to see the real impact of our studies and make connections that will last long after graduation.