Former Gov. Roy Barnes will be the keynote speaker at Paine College Department of Mass Communications' assembly program on Wednesday, Nov. 4 in the Gilbert-Lambuth Memorial Chapel.

The program, which will begin at 11 a.m., will be led by mass communications students majoring in broadcast journalism, print journalism and public relations. These students will get an opportunity to follow members of the press around to gain hands-on experience in covering political figures.

Following the assembly, students will also join members of the press in interviewing the former governor over lunch, according to a Paine College press release. Recently, Barnes announced he plans on running in the 2010 gubernatorial race to regain his former seat.

Paine students, members of the community and Barnes are expected to discuss subjects pertaining to healthcare reform, college affordability, the declining job market and other matters that are facing the state of Georgia and the nation.

The public is invited to attend the assembly, but due to limited seating, they are asked to contact Helene Carter at 706-821-8323 or e-mail her at Hcarter@paine.edu to reserve seats.