Gaylord Students Visit London

Students from the Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication, as well as Intelligence Community scholars, spent a week in London learning from top media and security professionals. 

In September, professor Mike Boettcher accompanied on the trip three Gaylord students, Libbey Dean, Katie Hallum and Xavier Rhone. The purpose was to expose journalism students to international security issues. 

“The point of the trip was for them to spend a week at King’s College in London, which is one of the premier global security institutions in the world. They received instruction from some of the top British scholars and practitioners in the global security realm,” said Boettcher. 

Hallum, a journalism and international security studies sophomore, described the lessons learned and connections made overseas as valuable. 

“It really opened my eyes to how other people in the global community operate and the importance of understanding that,” Hallum said. 

The trip was mostly funded by the University of Oklahoma Center for Intelligence and National Security. Director of the CINS Larry Regens was also on the trip, and Boettcher is a senior fellow at the center. 

While in London, students met with Gaylord alumna Katie den Daas, who is the London Bureau chief for ABC News. Den Daas was born and raised in Jenks. 

When she wasn’t in meetings, Hallum said she was out exploring local attractions and shops. Her favorite stop was The English Rose, a quaint tea shop with the “best” hot chocolate and cake. 

“I don’t think I’ve ever had anything better,” said Hallum. 

Hallum took many photographs while strolling the London streets, even snapping a shot of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson walking beside her. 

Although the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted travel over the past year and a half, the group made it safely overseas with a nine-hour flight from Dallas. 

“The experience was amazing. I had so much fun and learned so much,” said Hallum. “I made a lot of great contacts, too.”