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David Damm, MA
Professor of Communications
David Damm is a Professor of Communications, specializing in news writing and photography. Professor Damm earned his B.A. in communications, history and political science at the University of Iowa in Iowa City, and his M.A. in communication studies at the University of Iowa, with an emphasis in photography.
Damm spent 13 years in community journalism as a reporter and photographer for the Forest City (IA) Summit prior to joining the Waldorf faculty. He enjoys teaching a diverse set of courses in communications including Mass Media Law, News Writing, Intermediate Journalism, Mass Media and Society, Digital Imaging and Senior Capstone. Damm also leads Waldorf students on an educational tour of Europe (Italy, France and England) for three weeks every other spring/summer.
He continues to be active in his field as a newsletter editor and contributor to a variety of news outlets. Damm is the adviser to the college’s newspaper, which has regularly placed in national competitions for general excellence. His research interest is in convergence journalism—the need for beginning media members to be skilled in writing, audio, video and web areas.
Damm has twice been honored for his teaching excellence, once by the college’s Board of Regents and once by the student honor society. During his newspaper years he was honored for his news writing and photography and has had a photograph exhibited in the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.
He is a member of the Forest City Education Hall of Fame (1994).[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”1807″ img_size=”large”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]
Mark Newcom
Associate Professor of Communications, Director of Electronic Media
As a professor and mentor, Prof. Newcom is dedicated to teaching his students practical skills needed to excel in fields related to Digital production, including experiences using the latest technologies. In each of the classes he teaches, Prof. Newcom provides students with opportunities to produce professional pieces that may be used by clients in a “real world” setting, while they gain skills that can be applied in future careers. Like his departmental colleagues, he began teaching after a rewarding career in communications and continues to actively produce.
Prof. Newcom’s work in the field of video production began in 1989 after receiving his master of arts in communication from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. As a videographer for Younkers Video Production Network (YVPN) in Des Moines, he created monthly news programs designed to train sales associates and keep them informed about company policies and directives. While in Des Moines, he also worked as a free-lance videographer for the Principal Financial Group, Iowa Public Television (IPTV), and Pidgeon’s Furniture.
In 1992 and 1993, Prof. Newcom taught video production courses at Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, before joining the faculty of Waldorf College in the fall of 1993. As associate professor in communications and director of video production, he teaches all courses related to film, television, radio or audio post production and serves as advisor of KZOW-FM (the campus‚ 100-watt radio station) and WAL-TV (the campus‚ cable access channel).
In addition to the Board of Regents honor, Prof. Newcom was presented with the college’s Holmen Award for Professional Excellence in 2001. His spare time is spent reading trade journals, watching movies, working on his 1978 El Camino or building onto the accessible tree house in his family’s backyard.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”1786″ img_size=”large”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]
Tiffany Olson, MFA
Associate Professor of Communications
Tiffany Olson started out as a Fine Arts student at Waldorf College and, after graduating, worked as a graphic designer at a design/technology company in North Mankato, MN.
In 2003, Tiffany entered graduate school at Iowa State University in hopes of becoming a teacher. While finishing her thesis she started working part-time for Waldorf and in 2007, joined the team full-time.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”417905″ img_size=”large”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]
Heather Yeoman, MA
Assistant Professor of Communications and Humanities
Professor Yeoman has served on the Waldorf residential and online faculty since 2009, the year she first joined the college as communications director. She has worked in public relations since 1990, primarily in the non-profit sector. She enjoys teaching strategic writing and event planning and strives to create an energetic and interactive classroom experience. Her passion is mentoring students toward their fullest potential as communications professionals and all-around great human beings.
Prof. Yeoman received her bachelor of arts in public relations from Eastern Kentucky University and her master of arts in theology from Warburg Theological Seminary. In addition, Professor Yeoman is a registered yoga teacher and Jazzercise instructor and volunteers for Crisis Intervention Service. In her spare time, she likes to bike, work on her landscaping and be with friends, but her biggest loves are her spouse, children and beagle.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”261602″ img_size=”large”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]
Carlos Ruiz, BA
Media Arts Instructor, Media Arts Specialist
Carlos Ruiz is a visual artist. His professional background started in photography with a fine arts approach before earning his Bachelor’s of Art’s in Communications from Waldorf College.
His emphasis was in Digital Media, Graphic Design, Public Relations & Journalism. His primary focus was through film studies and produced/directed 9 short films before directing his first feature film, Rise of The Sea Urchins, in 2014 with 9 theaters opening the film in the midwest the following year.
In 2010, his photography was honored by the University of Colorado-Boulder, Boulder Valley, Rocky Mountain College of Art & Design and the Art Institute of Colorado.
In his spare time, Carlos spends his time watching films, fishing, writing screenplays, painting and spend time with his family.
Carlos is also the co-founder and Marketing Director of The North Iowa Film Festival (NIFF)[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”139562″ img_size=”large”][/vc_column][/vc_row]