Potter College News

When asked about the skills he is developing in the M.A. program in Communication, Tom Kenley explained, “The key to being successful in communication is not catchy writing, although, that helps.  Rather, it is the ability to unearth relevant data, analyze it, and use it to create an actionable strategy.”
Tom Kenley, Communications Specialist at Rogers Group Inc. and current President of the Nashville Chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC), is pursuing a master’s degree in Organizational Communication.

When asked about his passion for communication, Kenley shared, “The value of a thought, an idea, or a strategy is always limited by the ability to express it. When properly communicated, the source of the idea is validated and the intended audience members – the colleagues, the congregation, the team members, and the students – are enlightened, and the organization is more connected. It’s the ultimate win-win.”

Kenley’s career path took him through many doors in the communication world: teaching, writing, editing, public relations, and corporate communications. With his experience and passion for communication, Kenley knew he had the ability to take the communications department of Rogers Group Inc. to the next level, so he began to pursue a graduate degree from WKU. Kenley knew entering the graduate communication program at WKU would expose him to communication research and knowledge that easily translates into his position at Rogers Group, Inc. He is especially grateful for the company’s tuition reimbursement program and encourages other potential students to seek out opportunities such as these.

Kenley is also working closely with the WKU chapter of IABC, sharing his real-world knowledge and experiences. Currently, he is organizing a panel of communication professionals to speak with students on campus.

Tom Kenley is one of many outstanding students in the graduate program. His professional experience is invaluable in the classroom. If you are interested in more information about the master’s program in Organizational Communication, contact Blair Thompson at blair.thompson@wku

~Lauren Cline, Student