Ask any mass communications major; the department is thriving here at Colorado Mesa University (CMU). And for any department to thrive on a college campus, it all starts with the professors.

Here at CMU, the professors have played a key role in developing a culture in the mass communication department that has helped students thrive. One professor in particular is Danielle Martin.

Professor Martin is a professor of mass communications at CMU and, according to her students, is a major reason as to why the department has been so successful in recent years. 

Martin brings a lot to the table in regards to her skill set, making her a valuable resource to students. The professor has experience in public relations, journalism and advertising, just to name a few. 

Something that makes professor Martin stand out is her diverse skill set. Before teaching Martin worked professionally in public relations in the educational field and healthcare field.

“I feel like I bring a lot of real world experience into the classroom, which I hope makes the content of my classes more relevant to my students,” Martin mentioned in an interview with The Criterion.

But don’t take her word for it. CMU student Josh Coleman had class with Martin and felt that she helped ignite his passion in the broad field of mass communication.

“I really like how she teaches and the depth she goes into with each subject,” Coleman explained. “But she also knows how to relate to each individual student. She has such a vast knowledge of the subjects she teaches and is able to tie it into real-world examples.”

For any student studying mass communications, her students make quite the case to have her in class at some point. “Martin is an amazing professor. Her knowledge of mass communications is very diverse,” Noah Stahlecker, an upperclassman here at CMU said. “She helped me look over my articles for The Criterion last year. My article drew a lot of scrutiny, but professor Martin helped me sift through the criticism and reassured me about my article.”

Despite Martin’s desire to prioritize her students and her wide array of experience, it’s her passion for teaching that gives her such a quality reputation around campus. 

“I love teaching, but I also love the traditional ‘professional world’ that I was once apart of. But now, teaching mass communications, I feel like I get the best of both worlds,” Danielle Martin told The Criterion.

Needless to say, any student that is studying mass communications should consider taking a class with Martin. She teaches classes from basic, intro 110 level classes to helping students with their senior project portfolio. 

Go and ask any student who has taken a class with Martin, and you’ll more than likely hear good things.