Reposted from the Oklahoma Christian University site:

With the rapid growth of social media as a strategic business tool, communication students in college are expected to have current knowledge about best practices.

To that end, Oklahoma Christian University has partnered with Mike Koehler, president and partner at Smirk New Media, to provide students with a strategic social media and reputation management class. Koehler is uniquely qualified to teach the class as his Oklahoma City-based company specializes in social media strategy, online content and digital and web-based success.

“I’m thrilled to be able to offer this class to the Oklahoma Christian community,” Koehler said. “Social media is a passion of mine and I’m glad to share that with students. Social media is becoming a more powerful part of public relations and marketing every day, so equipping students with the skills to manage and create strategies is going to be key for their careers.”

According to Larry Jurney, chair and professor of the university’s communication department, the class will help OC students continue to stand out when seeking internships and post-graduation employment.

“Social media is a powerful force in our society, as evidenced by today’s headlines such as the ice bucket challenge,” Jurney said. “Our students need to know how to maintain a good reputation through social media and how to protect it. They also need to know how to use social media correctly. It can accomplish great things for good, especially in service to others.”

The class will include lectures, discussions, online and in-person guest professionals and applied assignments. A few national experts in social media will Skype into the class or lead a live Twitter chat with students. In addition, the students will develop a comprehensive social media and reputation management plan for a real organization. Students will also present their ideas in the form of a strategy pitch.

“I want students to have practical knowledge that gives them a foundation to build upon,” Koehler said. “Effective management of social media and reputation requires a truly strategic, long-term plan. This class will emphasize how important strategy is. I believe this experience will helps OC’s students get a head-start on achieving career success.”

About Smirk New Media

Smirk New Media has helped organizations large and small create robust social media strategies, craft quality online content and protect their brands’ digital reputations. Smirk New Media’s social media consulting team in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Kansas City and Springfield, Mo., works hard to promote and protect its clients’ online successes. Before launching Smirk New Media, President and Chief Strategist Mike Koehler led the new media development for Oklahoma’s largest website and its largest public relations firm. For more information, visit www.smirknewmedia.com.