Eldaneka Rolle

Motivation to pursue a graduate degree

My desire to someday become a professor, following in the footsteps of my mother who also works in the education field, is my biggest inspiration in pursuing my PhD degree. Florida State University (FSU) became the top school on my graduate school application list in 2022 after both speaking with staff in the Graduate School office and viewing alumni success stories on different social media platforms; to see the love that alumni have as former students warmed my heart. The College of Communication and Information at FSU emphasizes research, service, and leadership, and their School of Communication programs, of which I am a part, are exemplary. As FSU is one of the top three public universities in Florida and a research one institution, I knew it would be a great fit for my desired research career in academia.

Importance and/or impact of research and work

I have successfully completed a thesis to graduate from my first program at FSU (Professional Communication) titled: "Content Creation or Degree Completion: Exploring the Roles of Parasocial Relationships and Social Norms Theories on Understanding the Impact of Influencers on College Students' Retention." Currently, my focus is on strategic communication, and some work I did so far, prior to the start of the PhD program this year, is a project on "Assessing the Impact of Alumni Relations: Using the Theory of Planned Behavior to Understand FSU Students Motivation to Engage," that was submitted to the development team of the College of Communication and Information Dean's Office, with contributions from my thesis professor and a current graduate student. Another project I worked on with professors from the School of Communication is a manuscript titled, "Shaping Future Professionals: Industry Perspectives on Graduate Internships (SIGradPR)," which was successfully submitted to the Journal of Public Relations Education.

Currently, outside of my coursework for the PhD program, I am continuing to work with professors for Case Studies in Social Responsibility and Advocacy: Excellent in Action, as the proposals were successfully accepted; a case study for the book chapter titled, “From Classrooms to Safe Rooms: Campus Safety as Crisis Induced CSR;" and another independent research project titled, "Digital Resilience: The Bahamas Ministry of Education’s Response."

Career aspirations

I want to expand my current accomplishments to include becoming a member of the communication scholars’ community and represent my endeavors at Florida State University, College of Communication and Information to enhance the program's significance. I also look forward to teaching what I have learned to the next wave of college students, as I have a goal to become a professor within the field of communication. At some point after much experience, I also desire to become a professor for the University of the Bahamas in my home country, implementing new concepts in the field of strategic communication.

Advice for anyone considering graduate school

There is always room to learn more, so start now, as it is never too late to begin. To reach the goal you must keep moving forward. Do not forget your why, as this will motivate you to keep moving forward!

Accomplishments during graduate career

During my graduate career I've received the Outstanding Master's in Integrated Marketing and Management Communication Award (2024), Multicultural Marketing Communication Graduate Certificate (2024), Florida Communication Association 94th Annual Conference (2024) winner, 1st Annual School of Communication Conference Participation Award (2023), Certificate of Achievement Award 3.50 and above GPA (2023). I have also been honored for my leadership efforts during my master's (2023-2024), and I was awarded as the National Residence Hall Honorary - Vice President of Service and Leadership Omicron Delta Kappa - Member. Receiving all of my accomplishments makes me proud, but the one that stands out the most was receiving the most outstanding student in the major award for graduation; the award spoke to my hard work and dedication throughout the entire program.