By Madison Patterson, Reporter

For Communication students at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, Heard and Davidson were
much more than classrooms. They are places where students learn, work and build long-lasting
communities.

As the buildings are soon to be taken down, three graduates from various years reflected on how
the communications department has grown over the years.

Ashley Smith, a 2003 mass communication/ journalism track graduate was very involved on
UMHB campus. She spent most of her time in: Student Government Association, Welcome
Week Mom and Dads, the yearbook committee and The Bells.

One of her favorite memories was taking a journalism class during 9/11 and interviewing
professors and students about their thoughts as this major event was happening. She said her
professors played an important role in developing her passion for both writing and storytelling.

Cody Weems, a 2016 journalism track graduate and current manager of UMHB Digital Media
Marketing and Communications, experienced the department during a huge transition in media.
He focused on print and sports journalism but became interested in public relations after taking
several PR classes within the department. He said there is“a lot of crossover” between journalism
and PR.

Weems saw “backpack journalism” grow, with reporters using Twitter for breaking news while
print journalism was barely hanging on. He spent much of his time in the student publications lab

and remembers one of his favorite parts being newspaper production afternoons due to the
community and good snacks.

Heard and Davidson also hold a special place in Weems’ memories. He described them as “little
siblings,” saying, “They can be annoying but only you can pick on them, no one else.” He said
having classes there was fun because the buildings created a small and cozy environment.

Lindsey Derheim, a 2025 graduate who majored in mass communications on the public relations
track, experienced a department that had continued to grow. She was involved in the Student
Event Planners Association, The Bells and many other organizations. She said the
communications department is “always growing” and described it as “a support system” rather
than a competition. She also said professors Paul Carr and Avery Green were very influential
during her time at UMHB, by constantly pouring into her in and outside of the classroom.

While each graduate experienced a different version of the communications department, their
memories point to the same idea: the people and experiences matter much more than the
buildings.

“It is the institution that holds all of the memories, not just the building,” Smith said.