May 28, 2025
By Dr. Nick Taylor
Assistant Professor of New Media, Journalism and Communication Arts
NATCHITOCHES – Victoria Rodrigue of Prairieville, a 2025 graduate of Northwestern State University’s Department of New Media, Journalism and Communication Arts, was recently awarded two Silver Telly Awards. The awards are for Rodrigue’s promotional video which she produced, wrote, recorded and edited titled, “Phi Mu – More Than Just a Sorority.”
Rodrigue earned Silver Tellys under the categories of General-Student: Promotional video produced by an individual or group of students and General-Not-for-Profit. The promotional video was completed for Dr. Nick Taylor’s COMM 3480 Promotional Video Production course.
The video’s theme discusses philanthropy and volunteer work that NSU’s Phi Mu Sorority provide for CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Hospital of Alexandria.
“I wanted people to understand that organizations like Phi Mu are not only a place for young women to get together and have fun, but it’s also a place for them to network, serve their community and find out more about their passions,” Rodrigue said.
Taylor said that the “General-Not-for-Profit,” category is a professional, not student, Telly.
“All Tellys earned represent excellence but winning a Silver Telly in a professional category is special. Victoria’s work was judged alongside international organizations such as Disney, CBS Interactive and other international production companies,” Taylor said.
The project was produced as part of NMJCA’s curriculum and showcases the program’s commitment to hands-on, career-focused learning, Taylor added.
“The recognition not only highlights the talent within NMJCA, but also reinforces its reputation as a leader in cultivating the next generation of media professionals,” he said.
“I’ve realized that hands on opportunities set me apart from the crowd and gave me skills that are crucial to my future career path. Amazing staff such as Dr. Jessica Zhang, Dr. Nick Taylor have always been available with equipment, guidance and opportunities that have helped me gain valuable skills and experience,” Rodrigue said. “I’ve learned that my years of experience composing audio and visual productions paid off, and I’m even more confident going into my future career.”
The Telly Awards, now in their 45th year, honor excellence in video and television across all screens and attract over 12,000 entries from five continents. The Silver Telly is the competition’s second highest honor, making this dual win a remarkable achievement, Taylor said.
“Phi Mu – More Than Just a Sorority” can be viewed at the following link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xo_S12J8Jq0&t=1s
The Telly award announcements can be found at links below:
Information on NSU’s Department of New Media, Journalism and Communication Arts is available at www.nsula.edu/newmedia.
