Lee Student Meagan Bateman, senior journalism major, talks with Michael Ringering. Photo courtesy of Gilbert Ruiz
Public relations students in the event management and public relations writing for journalistic media classes partnered in a learning project that defied traditional classroom borders.
“What is really unique about the Communication Department is that not only do we learn the material, but we get the chance to implement it with actual clients,” said Alexandra Murray, a public relations student in the writing for journalistic media class.
“Through the process of creating a publicity plan for Mr. Ringering, I have been able to gain some real life experience, which will be extremely beneficial to me in the future when I am writing press releases and creating media kits for future clients.”
Lee University’s Communication Arts Department held the book signing March 27 . The event focused on author Michael Ringering and the release of his first book, “Six Bits” (ISBN: 978-1-936314-59-1).
“We all had a great time getting to talk with Mr. Ringering about the book writing process and seeing how many people were interested in ‘Six Bits,’” said Kaylee Findlay, a public relations student in the public relations writing for journalistic media class. “It was really nice to see that all our hard work paid off.”
“Six Bits” tells the tale of an arrogant man whose life is turned upside-down by the delivery of a strange note. The main character, Jack Clarke, finds himself thrust on a bizarre voyage in time to recover not only everything he has lost, but to discover the one thing he cannot live without, his family.
“The extraordinary attention to detail is what brought the story alive. Every page turn meant another twist in the life of Jack,” said Murray. “I believe we can all see a bit of ourselves in the life of Jack and can learn something from his journey. “
Ringering is currently the director of marketing and communications for the University Surgical Associates of Chattanooga.
In December, Ringering added author to his professional experience with the publication of “Six Bits.” Prior to this, Ringering spent his professional career working for MLB’s St. Louis Cardinals, Atlanta Braves, and the Cincinnati Reds. Today Ringering calls Chattanooga home. He is a member of the Lookout Chapter of Public Relations Society of America and Chattanooga Writer’s Guild, and is a frequent public speaker, lecturing on topics regarding careers, marketing, communication, and literature.
He and his wife, Dr. Teresa Baysden, reside in southeast Tennessee where his next novel is currently in development.
Since 1918, Lee University, a Christ-centered liberal arts university, has made it their mission to combine faith and learning to give students the tools to live responsible Christian lives in the modern world. To help students apply their knowledge in a safe environment, Lee’s Communica-tion Arts Department utilizes client-based projects in several of their courses.
Michael Ringering, author and former Major League Baseball executive, is currently the client of focus for public relations students in the event management and writing for journalistic media classes.
