Conversations with COJO

Student hosts Coryn Wolff Tessa Henderson talk with COJO faculty member Dr. Mary Jo Nesmith, who has designed and taught the online SPCM 101 course for over 10 years.

Student host Anna Poull talks to COJO alum Lura Roti. Lura is an agriculture journalism and Master of Mass Communication graduate of SDSU. She grew up on a ranch in western South Dakota but today she calls the Cathedral Historic District of Sioux Falls home.Lura has worked as a freelance journalist and media relations specialist for more than two decades. She loves telling the stories of agriculture and rural life – and engaging with the people, places, science, culture, businesses and organizations that make up South Dakota agriculture. Utilizing diverse platforms to share these stories, Lura’s work can be found in print publications, on the radio, TV and web.Since 2020, Lura has had the opportunity to share her knowledge with the next generation as an adjunct professor. 

Student hosts Coryn Wolff and Tessa Henderson talk to playwright, actor, author, storyteller and cultural advocate Kevin Kling. Kevin visited SDSU on October 16th, and Coryn and Tessa talked with him prior to his visit.

Student host Anna Poull talks with V.J. Smith, a 1978 graduate of SDSU. V.J. worked as an assistant athletic director and then executive director of the SDSU Alumni Association. He is a motivational speaker and author, including a book entitled "Jackrabbit Tales."

Student hosts Coryn Wolff and Tessa Henderson talk with Jon Bakken, who is the elementary 4th and 5th grade orchestra teacher in Brookings. He is also the author of the book Tiger Meat: The Stories Behind South Dakota’s Best Music, which will be featured at the South Dakota Festival of Books on campus this weekend.  Jon is also hosts the website Tiger Meat: South Dakota Music.