If the world of journalism all boils down to connections, Associate Professor Carlton “Sonny” Rhodes is the ultimate link for many of his students.
He has helped countless students begin their journalism careers – hooking them up with jobs and freelance assignments – all while maintaining his own writing career and keeping abreast of the latest newsroom technology.
“I’ve had hundreds of bylines, but now I get as much excitement out of seeing one of my students get a byline as I do when I see my own,” Rhodes said. “You cannot overstate the importance of the practical experience in this business. And having been in the business so long, I still have lots of contacts so I can help people get their feet in the door that way.”
Maintaining respect for students and their ideas is one way Rhodes continues to earn stellar evaluations from former and current students. He works to make the classroom learning relevant and to share his passion for the truth with all students, whether they are working as undergraduates or graduate students.
Rhodes received a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Central Arkansas and a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Mississippi. He is a member of the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication and the American Journalism Historians Association and continues to write a column for Active Years (AY) magazine.