When Lamar Gayfield first considered going back to school, he wasn’t thinking about camera angles or production timelines—he was thinking about second chances. A nontraditional student from St. Louis, he enrolled in SEMO’s Mass Media program with a clear goal: to build a future that blends his passions for sports, music, and film into a purpose-driven career.
Now preparing to graduate with a degree in mass media with a focus on TV and Film, he says the department has not only helped him gain technical skills but has also reshaped his view of what’s possible.
Supportive Faculty Who Go Beyond the Classroom
What truly sets SEMO’s mass media program apart, he says, is the faculty. Professors like Dr. Tamara Zellars-Buck, Fred Jones, and Mike Simmons have made a lasting impact.
“They do more than just teach the class,” Gayfield said. “They really care about you. They see what you’re good at and help you focus on that. They don’t judge you; they uplift you.”
It’s the personalized mentorship and genuine care that helped him feel confident, supported, and seen.
“Coming from where I come from, that means a lot,” he said.
From the Studio to the Real World: Hands-On Experience
Through coursework and involvement in campus productions like ESPN+, he’s had the opportunity to work behind and in front of the camera, gaining valuable experience in directing, acting, editing, and production.
“Every project helped me grow. I remember acting in a Family Feud skit, and I played Steve Harvey. I never thought I’d have fun acting, but I did,” he said.
Class projects challenged him to explore screenwriting, production planning, and visual storytelling, all essential skills for his future in media.
Turning Passion into a Platform: A Streaming Service for New Creators
Alongside his brother, he co-founded a business: a streaming service built to give new and independent filmmakers a place to share their work.
“There’s not a lot of space for beginner creators to showcase their films,” he said. “We wanted to build something like Netflix or YouTube but focus on people who are just getting started.”
He and his brother even presented the business plan to faculty at SEMO. The feedback?
“It was honest and helpful. They gave us constructive advice, told us where we could tighten things up. And, they supported us all the way. They’re rooting for us.”
Advice for Future Mass Media Students
His journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s been meaningful. And now that he’s nearing graduation, he’s got advice for others considering SEMO’s Mass Media program:
- Want it for Yourself: “You’ve got to love what you’re doing. Be open to creating new relationships, opportunities, and experiences.”
- Be Open to Growth: “Use your professors. You will get more than just school experience; you’ll get life experience.”
- Take Advantage of Opportunities: “You can do anything you put your mind to.”
Looking Ahead with Purpose
After graduation, he plans to pursue a job in sports media while continuing to grow the streaming service. Eventually, Gayfield hopes to combine his interests in music, business, and film into something that gives others the same kind of opportunity he’s had.
“I’m purpose-driven,” he said. “I chase purpose. I try to be genuine in everything I do. Everything I’m doing now—I believe that’s my purpose.”