Name: Laila Abbas Laila Abbas, a Ph.D. student and teaching assistant in the SJMC, was recently awarded the Top Dissertation Award Honorable Mention from the International Communication Association’s (ICA) Activism, Communication and Social Justice Interest Group. Her thesis, “Emotionally Stimulated Activism on TikTok: The Impact of Exposure to Audiovisual Moral Violation on Collective Action in the ‘Woman, Life, Freedom’ Movement,” explores how digital content can spark political e...| School of Journalism and Mass Communication – UW–Madison
Name: Enjoyiana Nururdin Title and Organization: Local Government Reporter, The Cap Times Graduation Year and Degree: 2021 BA in Journalism Enjoyiana Nururdin is a local government reporter for The Cap Times in Madison, Wisconsin. Born and raised in Madison, she studied reporting at the SJMC, where she was an active campus leader. Nururdin served as a Center for Academic Excellence Scholar, Managing Editor of The Black Voice and a contributor to the Black History Month Planning Committee. She...| School of Journalism and Mass Communication – UW–Madison
Thanks to a remarkable outpouring of support from our alumni and friends, the School of Journalism and Mass Communication had yet another record-breaking Day of the Badger fundraising sprint. In addition to breaking our school’s record for number of gifts given to SJMC during Day of the Badger, we also beat the Department of Communication Arts in a race to 200 gifts, crossing the finish line well ahead of our competitor. Here’s a look at how we did this year. 1848 minutes of giving $35,60...| School of Journalism and Mass Communication – UW–Madison
School of Journalism and Mass Communication (SJMC) Associate Professors Chris Cascio and Kathryn McGarr are the recipients of the 2025 Vilas Associates Award. This award is given by the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Education and supports recipients as they advance their research to new levels over the course of two years. The award recognizes “new and ongoing research of the highest quality and significance” for tenure-track assistant professors and tenured facu...| School of Journalism and Mass Communication – UW–Madison
This spring, with guidance from School of Journalism and Mass Communication teaching faculty Adam Schrager, UW–Madison Posse scholars took part in a storytelling workshop designed to help them share their lived experiences with clarity and confidence. The event highlighted the SJMC’s growing investment in partnerships that center student voices and expand the reach of journalism education across campus. Teaching faculty Adam Schrager led Posse scholars through a storytelling workshop desi...| School of Journalism and Mass Communication – UW–Madison
Photo by Bryce Richter / UW–Madison Before students master the art of crafting the perfect nut graf or developing an effective strategic social media campaign, they often find something just as important: community. This past fall, professors Karyn Riddle and Kathryn McGarr ensured that even first-year students outside of the School of Journalism and Mass Communication experienced that sense of connection through two newly created courses designed to make a sprawling campus feel a little sm...| School of Journalism and Mass Communication – UW–Madison
Students in professor Sue Robinson’s J475: Practicing Communication for Social Change worked with four community partners to teach teens storytelling skills and work on strategic communication, fundraising, podcasting and other projects. In two courses this spring, Helen Firstbrook Franklin Professor of Journalism Sue Robinson brought the Wisconsin Idea to life, connecting students in two of her courses with the greater Madison community to apply their skills in storytelling, advocacy and s...| School of Journalism and Mass Communication – UW–Madison
As I reflect on this past year, the word that comes to mind most is resilience. Higher education has faced no shortage of challenges in recent months. From budget uncertainties and shifting student expectations to a rapidly evolving media landscape, the pressure on institutions like ours has been unrelenting. Despite this, I’m proud SJMC has not only endured, but continued to thrive. Our remarkable students, faculty and staff have proven to be adaptable, creative and committed to our shared...| School of Journalism and Mass Communication – UW–Madison
Graduate teaching assistants are a vital part of the SJMC academic experience. From leading discussion sections and presenting in lectures to behind-the-scenes work like grading assignments and helping develop course curriculum, TAs are crucial to maintaining our reputation for educational excellence. This year, four TAs were awarded campus-wide and college-level awards for their work both in and out of the classroom. They shared what these awards mean to them and what they find most rewardin...| School of Journalism and Mass Communication – UW–Madison
Professor Young Mie Kim (left) was awarded the Phi Beta Kappa Teaching Excellence Award after being nominated by SJMC senior Kate Lewicki (X’26) this spring. This spring, Professor Young Mie Kim was awarded the Phi Beta Kappa Teaching Excellence Award and recognized for her impact on her students and influence on their intellectual and human development. Each year, students elected to Phi Beta Kappa nominate their favorite professors with the recipient selected by Phi Beta Kappa officers. K...| School of Journalism and Mass Communication – UW–Madison
This spring, the School of Journalism and Mass Communication welcomed three new staff members to the team: Lauren “Lo” Anderson, Jamie Prey and Darby Winchel. All three have already started making their mark by strengthening relationship with our students, faculty and alumni communities. Get to know our new team members and what they’re most excited about in their new roles. Lauren “Lo” Anderson – Undergraduate Academic Advisor Hometown: Verona, Wisconsin Educational background: B...| School of Journalism and Mass Communication – UW–Madison
Teaching Faculty Stacy Forster was awarded Distinguished Status for her outstanding teaching contributions and dedication to her students. (Photo by Bryce Richter / UW-Madison Teaching Faculty Stacy Forster recently earned Distinguished Status, the highest designation for teaching faculty at UW–Madison. This status recognizes Forster’s outstanding teaching contributions and dedication to her students. Forster joined the SJMC in 2012 and teaches several key courses in both reporting and st...| School of Journalism and Mass Communication – UW–Madison
Ten years after Tom Mulhern’s passing, his legacy lives on through a scholarship for aspiring sports journalists and a commemorative coffee blend created by his family. Learn how “Mully’s Roast” is helping fund the future of honest, heartfelt sports reporting.| School of Journalism and Mass Communication
The School of Journalism and Mass Communication proudly honored the legacy of Jack M. McLeod at ICA's annual conference in Denver. The event included remarks from a wide range of Jack's advisees, colleagues and friends.| School of Journalism and Mass Communication
Dhavan Shah is a Jack M. McLeod Professor of Communication Research at the UW-Madison School of Journalism and Mass Communication.| School of Journalism and Mass Communication
Name: Tahereh Rahimi Tahereh Rahimi, a Ph.D. candidate in the SJMC, was awarded the Top Student Paper Award from the International Communication Association’s (ICA) Communication History Division. Her paper, “The Institutionalization of Press Control in Iran During the Qajar Era,” was recognized for its scholarly contribution to understanding historical media systems and power structures. According to the ICA newsletter, the competition was fierce, and Rahimi’s work stood out among a ...| School of Journalism and Mass Communication – UW–Madison
Four months into the Trump presidency, a new UW-Madison report finds surprising insights on how Americans think about Trump’s first 100 days.| School of Journalism and Mass Communication
Name: Abby Youran Qin Abby Youran Qin, a Ph.D. student in the SJMC, received the Top Student Paper Award from the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC). AEJMC is a nonprofit organization that supports excellence in journalism and mass communication education. Qin’s research was recognized by the AEJMC’s Political Communication Division, focusing on how media shapes politics, public opinion, campaigns, and democratic participation. Qin’s paper, “What Do...| School of Journalism and Mass Communication – UW–Madison
As we wrap up the 2024-2025 academic year, we're reflecting on the achievements of our students, faculty and staff, numerous events and other important moments that made this year so special.| School of Journalism and Mass Communication
Name: Rachel Hale Title and Organization: Youth Mental Health Reporting Fellow at USA TODAY Graduation Year and Degrees: 2024 BAs in Journalism and Political Science Rachel Hale (BA’24) was recently awarded the Religion News Association’s Chandler Award for Excellence in Student Religion Reporting for her article, “Fractured Solidarity: The Strain of the Israel-Hamas War on Wisconsin’s Jewish Community.” Hale’s reporting covered the immediate aftermath of October 7 through the gro...| School of Journalism and Mass Communication – UW–Madison
UW–Madison’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication spring graduation celebration was held Friday, May 9, with over 200 undergraduates, eight professional master’s degree recipients, three research master’s recipients and six Ph.D. recipients celebrating at the Wisconsin Institute for Discovery. These graduates, along with their families and friends, heard from Director Kathleen Bartzen Culver, Professor and Director of Graduation Studies Mike Wagner and keynote speaker David Gro...| School of Journalism and Mass Communication – UW–Madison
The School of Journalism and Mass Communication’s 2025 Alumni Awards Ceremony will occur on Friday, April 25 and will honor a group of accomplished alumni, faculty and staff members, as well as undergraduate and graduate students. The group of alumni we will be celebrating spans career paths from teaching, digital media, law, entrepreneurship and more. Our impressive alumni will be recognized alongside our James L. Baughman Senior Achievement Award winners, Teaching Excellence Award and Lea...| School of Journalism and Mass Communication – UW–Madison
Samuel Freedman is an award-winning author, professor, and journalist. He is the author of 10 books, most recently “Into the Bright Sunshine: Young Hubert Humphrey and the Fight for Civil Rights.” His books have been finalists for the Pulitzer Prize (“The Inheritance”) and the National Book Award (“Small Victories”) and have won the Sidney Hillman Award for Book Journalism (“Into the Bright Sunshine”), the New York Pubic Library’s Helen M. Bernstein Award for Excellence in J...| School of Journalism and Mass Communication – UW–Madison
Conor Caloia was one of the founders of Forward Madison FC and is now the Chief Operating Officer and Managing Partner of the club and Breese Stevens Field. He is also the managing partner of hummel North America, a 101-year old Danish Sportswear brand focused on soccer. In his roles at Forward Madison, Caloia worked with the community to develop the name, team colors and identity and has been recognized by the League as the President of the Year three consecutive years. Caloia started his ca...| School of Journalism and Mass Communication – UW–Madison
Dr. JungHwan Yang is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication and the David F. Linowes Faculty Fellow at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Yang’s research explores how individuals access, engage with and respond to political information in today’s fragmented media landscape. His current work investigates media coverage of real-world events, particularly mass shootings and police shootings, to uncover biases in news production and analyze which events receive...| School of Journalism and Mass Communication – UW–Madison
Gerald Baldasty is a professor emeritus in Communication at the University of Washington. Baldasty served as a faculty member at Washington from 1978 until his retirement from full-time teaching and administrative roles in 2019. His research and teaching focused on journalism history, with an emphasis on the politics and business of U.S. mass media in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. He is the author of numerous research articles and three books: Commercialization of News in the Ninete...| School of Journalism and Mass Communication – UW–Madison
Explore the exciting career of Renee Moe, the Chief Executive Officer of United Way of Dane County and 2025 Distinguished Service Award winner.| School of Journalism and Mass Communication
David Grossman (BA’87), award-winning author and renowned leadership communication expert, will deliver the keynote address at the 2025 SJMC Graduation Celebration on Friday, May 9.| School of Journalism and Mass Communication
Learn about the Advertising Club through our series SJMC Communities which highlights student organizations available to SJMC students.| School of Journalism and Mass Communication
On February 22, three SJMC students, Oliver Gerharz, Ray Krisch and Joey Bonadonna, were selected by the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association Foundation (WBAF) to receive their WBA Student Scholarship at the WBA Student Forum at Lambeau Field. The WBA Student Scholarships are awarded each year to students studying broadcasting in Wisconsin. All of the recipients have gained experience and excelled as members of the student-run radio station WSUM. WSUM General Manager Kelsey Brannan has worked c...| School of Journalism and Mass Communication – UW–Madison
Support the SJMC during Day of the Badger on April 8 and 9. Pay it forward to current and future generations of SJMC students.| School of Journalism and Mass Communication
Name: Yanshu Sybil Wang Expected Graduation Date: May 2029 School of Journalism and Mass Communication PhD student Yanshu Sybil Wang was recently awarded the Fall Mini Fellowship from the UW–Madison Robert F. and Jean E. Holtz Center for Science & Technology Studies to support her research on AI literacy and its impact on adolescents. Her project explores how young people critically evaluate AI-generated body image content on social media and how their understanding of AI influences their t...| School of Journalism and Mass Communication – UW–Madison
This is the first installment in the SJMC Communities series which highlights the wide variety of student organizations available to SJMC students. These organizations allow students to pursue their passions, hone their leadership skills, make new friends and explore potential careers all while building their resumes. The Association for Women in Communications (AWC) is an independent student organization focused on empowering and supporting women as they explore careers in the ever changing ...| School of Journalism and Mass Communication – UW–Madison
Many of our SJMC faculty members have had the pleasure of meeting and working alongside their significant others at UW–Madison. This Valentine’s Day, we’re celebrating the multitude of “Badger Love Stories” that have flourished across campus and within Vilas Hall. Jing Wang and Sijia Yang Jing Wang is an assistant professor and Sijia Yang is an associate professor both working at SJMC. How did you meet? We first met in Beijing where we studied in the same university. What is you...| School of Journalism and Mass Communication – UW–Madison
SJMC alum Jonathan Mills discusses what he's most proud of in his career and his advice for current students hoping to work in sports media.| School of Journalism and Mass Communication
(MADISON, Wis.) As the next presidential administration begins this week, a new University of Wisconsin-Madison survey report on American voters found surprising insights on what drove votes in the closest national vote for president since 2000. The survey found big gaps in partisan attitudes toward equity and prejudice in American society, consistent with past research by the research team and other scholars. On racial attitudes, Democrats were much likelier to acknowledge systemic racism as...| School of Journalism and Mass Communication – UW–Madison
Nine new adjunct instructors and lecturers are venturing into Vilas Hall this spring. These faculty members intend to create a learning environment that incorporates real-world experiences across various fields. Get to know our adjunct instructors and lecturers joining the School of Journalism and Mass Communication this semester. Adjunct Instructors Pat Hastings Pat Hastings has worn many hats throughout her career, working in radio and television as a reporter and producer and owned her...| School of Journalism and Mass Communication – UW–Madison
Alum Dr. Ross Dahlke returned to Vilas and joined the School of Journalism and Mass Communication as an assistant professor.| School of Journalism and Mass Communication
Last week, four of our Professional M.A. students presented portfolios of their journalistic work and completed their masters degrees.| School of Journalism and Mass Communication
James Hanson, left, and Anthony Thomas, right, worked together to develop, pitch and launch the restaurant deal-finder app Saveory. Hanson was inspired by a an end-of-semester project in J202. A J202: Mass Communication Practices group project transformed from an assignment to an entrepreneurial adventure this summer for SJMC junior James Hanson. Hanson used the ideas from his lab’s final project to launch Saveory, a restaurant deal-finder app that has already been gaining traffic on campus...| School of Journalism and Mass Communication – UW–Madison
A UW-Madison survey found surprising insights on the partisan divides that shaped voting patterns in critical Midwest battleground states.| School of Journalism and Mass Communication
Students in Distinguished Teaching Faculty member Deb Pierce’s J463: Digital Media Strategies class developed a website as well as marketing and promotional campaigns for the Milwaukee diaper Mission, a Milwaukee-based nonprofit that provides families with free diapers and period supplies. It is not often that students have the opportunity to gain real-world experience in a classroom setting. The School of Journalism and Mass Communication makes this opportunity possible through 400-level c...| School of Journalism and Mass Communication – UW–Madison
This past November, the Chicago/Midwest Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences announced that distinguished emeritus teaching faculty member Pat Hastings had won the 2025 Silver Circle Award for her outstanding contributions to the television industry. Created in 1992, the Silver Circle honors exceptional individuals who have devoted 25 years or more to the television industry, performed distinguished service and made an enduring contribution to the industry. Hastings i...| School of Journalism and Mass Communication – UW–Madison
Students in Evjue Centennial Professor Doug McLeod’s J445: Creative Campaign Messages class traveled to Taylor, Melrose and DeForest, WI to develop creative messaging campaigns for the villages. The Wisconsin Idea, the concept of connecting the university to the state as a way of moving forward together, is the cornerstone of the School of Journalism and Mass Communication’s mission. The School holds true to this idea through project-based courses like J445: Creative Campaign Messages and...| School of Journalism and Mass Communication – UW–Madison
Bruce “Rudy” Martzke (BA’64), longtime USA Today sports media columnist and 1996 UW–Madison School of Journalism and Mass Communication Distinguished Service Award winner, died on November 20, 2024 at the age of 82. A sports journalism pioneer, Martzke authored a sports broadcast column for 23 years that heavily influenced broadcast executives, producers, announcers and fans alike during a time when newspaper sports sections paid little attention to the happenings of radio and televis...| School of Journalism and Mass Communication – UW–Madison
Name: Alec Luhn Title and Organization: Reporting fellow, the Pulitzer Center and Scientific American Graduation Year and Degree: 2010 BA in Journalism SJMC alum Alec Luhn (BA’10) was recently awarded the Eric and Wendy Schmidt Award for Excellence in Science Communications from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine as well as the 2024 American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Kavli Science Journalism Award, the oldest science journalism award in the...| School of Journalism and Mass Communication – UW–Madison
Name: Jess Miller Expected Graduation Date: May 2025 A central component of our Professional Masters program is the development of a specialty in journalism. Students have the opportunity to take classes outside of the School of Journalism and Mass Communication to explore their interests and develop skills in a particular area which is exactly why current Professional Masters student Jess Miller chose to apply. Miller has taken advantage of the program’s flexibility to dive deeper into his...| School of Journalism and Mass Communication – UW–Madison
Danny Parker (PhD ’24) graduated last spring and is now an assistant professor in Cornell University’s Department of Communication. Watch the video below to learn about Danny’s experiences in the SJMC graduate program, her favorite memories and the skills that prepared her for a successful career in academia. Curious about how the SJMC graduate program can help shape your future? Learn more about our grad program The post PhD Alumni Spotlight: Danny Parker (PhD’24) appeared first on S...| School of Journalism and Mass Communication – UW–Madison
Thank you “Flock”stars! This year’s Fill the Hill was a record-breaking success and we are so grateful for all of the gifts made to the SJMC Annual Fund. Your support during Fill the Hill will help provide our students with scholarships, create professional development and networking opportunities, and support instructors as they develop experiences that best prepare students for ever-changing media landscapes. Check out how we did. Fill the Hill 2024 by the numbers 12th annual Fill the...| School of Journalism and Mass Communication – UW–Madison
Evjue Centennial Professor Doug McLeod has been appointed by UW–Madison Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin as Chair of the UW–Madison Athletic Board. McLeod has served on the Athletic Board since 2018 and has held leadership roles as the Western Collegiate Hockey Association Faculty Representative and the Faculty Co-Chair of the Academics and Compliance Sub-Committee as well as served as a member on each of the Board’s four subcommittees. McLeod replaced Ann Sheehy, an associate professor and ...| School of Journalism and Mass Communication – UW–Madison
Each year, the School of Journalism and Mass Communication employs students to assist with a wide variety of tasks, including communications and social media, prospective student advising and tours, event planning and more. Meet the students proudly representing the SJMC this year. Olivia Bartman – Director’s Fellow Olivia is a senior in the SJMC with concentrations in journalism and strategic communication as well as certificates in Gender & Women’s Studies and Education Policy Issues....| School of Journalism and Mass Communication – UW–Madison
J-School junior, Heewone Lim, was awarded the Global Gateway Initiative fellowship that is allowing her to study abroad in Utrecht, Netherlands this semester. Like many other students, Lim knew she wanted to make study abroad part of her college experience. The Global Gateway Initiative made her aspiration achievable. “I took a gap year before coming to UW and I traveled a bit on my own, made a Dutch friend, visited Utrecht, and I really liked it,” Lim said. “I saw that there was ...| School of Journalism and Mass Communication – UW–Madison
On Oct. 24–25 the flamingos are migrating back to campus and settling on Bascom Hill to celebrate one of UW–Madison’s favorite traditions, Fill the Hill. Beginning at 5 p.m. on Oct. 24, for every donation the J-School receives another pink flamingo will “flock” to Bascom and be added to the hill. The tradition of flooding Bascom Hill with flamingos began in 1979 not as a fundraiser, but rather, as a prank. The Pail and Shovel Party from the student government planted 1,008 pink plas...| School of Journalism and Mass Communication – UW–Madison
First year Ph.D. student Chenjie Zheng recently received the Top Student Paper Award from the Family Communication Division at the National Communication Association 2024 Conference. Her paper explored intergenerational negotiations surrounding weddings in contemporary China. Watch the video below to learn more about Chenjie and her research. The post Graduate Student Highlight: Chenjie Zheng appeared first on School of Journalism and Mass Communication.| School of Journalism and Mass Communication – UW–Madison
A great deal of learning occurs inside the walls of Vilas Hall, including after class hours. Two years ago a group of Ph.D. students wrangled their hunger to learn Jurgen Habermas’ Theory of Communicative Action and created a reading group with emeritus Vilas Distinguished Achievement Professor Lewis Friedland. Friedland has been teaching Habermas’ theory for the entirety of his career at the SJMC and even into retirement. He has also made the topic the central focus of his research pro...| School of Journalism and Mass Communication – UW–Madison
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is home to one of the first schools of journalism and mass communication in the United States. The School, as a department within the College of Letters and Science, is part of one of the nation’s finest public universities and enjoys intellectual resources, teaching and research laboratories, and various sources of research support. Our undergraduates choose a study area of emphasis – strategic communication/public relations, journalism, or both. More ...| School of Journalism and Mass Communication – UW–Madison
The School of Journalism and Mass Communication is excited to welcome seven new members to its Board of Visitors: Herman Baumann (BA’75), Laura Brenner (BA’87), Angela Dallman (BA’89), David Grossman (BA’87), Patty Loew (MA’92, PhD’98), Sandy Newman (BA’98) and Courtney Quaye (BA’99). These new members have distinguished themselves in their respective fields and will provide insights from a variety of industries, including strategic communication, law, indigenous affairs, acad...| School of Journalism and Mass Communication – UW–Madison
Greg Hughes poses with Snoop Dog at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. Name: Greg Hughes Title and Organization: Executive Vice President, Communications, NBC Sports Graduation Year and Degree: 1986, BA in Broadcast Journalism While many of us watched the 2024 Summer Olympic coverage from the comfort of our desks or couches, J-School alum Greg Hughes got a front row seat to the action. Thanks to the work of Hughes and his publicity and communications team, this year’s Paris Games massively ex...| School of Journalism and Mass Communication – UW–Madison
As part of a group hire supported by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and the College of Letters and Science at UW-Madison, The University of Wisconsin-Madison’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication, Department of Political Science and the Department of Psychology seek two full-time Assistant Professors beginning August 18, 2025, with a demonstrated commitment to excellence in research and teaching and an emphasis on communication, social identity and civil society. Each su...| School of Journalism and Mass Communication – UW–Madison
We have 11 new adjunct instructors and lecturers stepping into Vilas Hall this fall. These individuals are looking to foster a strong learning experience for students by having them learn from their experiences as industry professionals in a wide range of fields. Get to know our adjunct instructors and lecturers who will be returning home to Vilas Hall this semester. Adjunct Instructors Tom Beckman Tom Beckman is the owner of 28 Power Communications, a full service communications agency. ...| School of Journalism and Mass Communication – UW–Madison
PhD and Research MA graduates pose together at the 2024 SJMC Graduation Celebration. With summer quickly coming to a close, many of our 2024 Ph.D. alumni are moving on to their next adventures. Nearly 87 percent of our Ph.D. graduates are placed in university positions, with 47 percent placed in top-tier research institutions. About 13 percent find careers in government, private or nonprofit sectors. We are incredibly proud of our graduates and the work that they have done while at the SJMC. ...| School of Journalism and Mass Communication – UW–Madison
Join Manu Raju (’02), CNN Anchor of Inside Politics Sunday and Chief Congressional Correspondent, on September 19 for an interactive talk and Q&A. Raju has developed a reputation as a reporter who can find out what politicians are privately discussing out of the public’s view and is well known for his sharp and skillful questioning. In this timely talk, “Cutting through Chaos: Behind-the-Scenes of Today’s Political Landscape,” Raju will share an exclusive peek behind the curtain of ...| School of Journalism and Mass Communication – UW–Madison
One of the hallmarks of our Research M.A. and Ph.D. programs is the opportunity for students to work on and often lead collaborative research projects. Our internationally recognized program prepares students with the quantitative and qualitative research skills necessary to conduct field-leading research and many of our students publish their work throughout their time at the School of Journalism and Mass Communication. In spring 2024, several of our students published their research in majo...| School of Journalism and Mass Communication – UW–Madison
From August 7-11, faculty and graduate students from the School of Journalism and Mass Communication will be traveling to Philadelphia to attend the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication’s 2024 Annual Conference. At the event the individuals will have the opportunity to learn, share and socialize with colleagues in the field. All of the sessions featuring members of the SJMC will be listed below as well as a social hosted alongside the University of Minnesota and th...| School of Journalism and Mass Communication – UW–Madison
Name: Bree Bunzel Title and Organization: Director of Marketing: Customer Marketing & Advocacy, Dropbox Graduation Year and Degree: 2011 JBA in Journalism and Mass Communication Alum Bree Bunzel (JBA’11) was very active during her time on campus. She took part in The Badger Herald as the Advertising Display Manager and Advertising Director and was a member of the American Advertising Federation (AAF) and the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). In Bunzel’s current role at Dropbox s...| School of Journalism and Mass Communication – UW–Madison
Longtime Media, Information and Communication Career Advisor, Pam Garcia-Rivera, is closing her office door one final time as she retires this July. Garcia-Rivera joined the J-School in Spring 2014 and has been creating a lasting impact since. “One of the great parts of this job is hearing students rave about people like Pam and how they feel they owe their first internship to her or that their career trajectory is because of advice that she gave them on their resume,” said Kathleen Bar...| School of Journalism and Mass Communication – UW–Madison
A team of researchers from the Mass Communication Research Center has been awarded the Research Forward grant to assist in the completion of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Terrarium. The team consists of Jack M. McLeod Professor of Communication Research Dhavan Shah and Associate Professor Sijia Yang from SJMC as well as professors from the Psychology and Computer Science departments. The Research Forward initiative funds projects from any of the four educational divisions that are conside...| School of Journalism and Mass Communication – UW–Madison
Name: Sirinda (Siri) Pairin Title and Organization: Engagement and Communications Manager at the Wisconsin School of Business Graduation year and degree: 2015 B.A. in journalism with a certificate in digital studies J-School alum Sirinda Pairin was named one of the most influential Asian American leaders in Madison this year by Madison365. In Pairin’s current role with the Wisconsin School of Business, she places an emphasis on climate, culture, and belonging. We discussed Pairin’s emot...| School of Journalism and Mass Communication – UW–Madison
The spring 2024 edition of Vilas Insider is here and heading to your mailbox soon! Read the digital versions of the stories included in the print version with additional content available here. Letter from the Director Student News PhD Student Jisoo Kim Awarded Phi Kappa Phi Dissertation Fellowship From Theory to Practice: New Digital Media Analytics Certificate Fuses Data and Communication School News Innovators in Education: J-School Students and Educators Embrace AI Center for Communicatio...| School of Journalism and Mass Communication – UW–Madison
Jisoo Kim, PhD student and instructor at the School of Journalism and Mass Communication was recently selected as a 2024 recipient of a Dissertation Fellowship by The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi. Phi Kappa Phi is the nation’s oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society and the $10,000 fellowships are designed to support active Society members in the dissertation writing stage of doctoral study. Kim is one of 15 recipients nationwide to receive this award. “I feel ...| School of Journalism and Mass Communication – UW–Madison
Katy Culver, Incoming Director and Associate Professor at SJMC As my first year as director comes to a close, I feel immensely proud of the community we have built here in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication. Our students brought home a whopping 65 awards for their excellence from prestigious associations, including the American Advertising Federation, Society for Professional Journalists, Association for Women in Communication and the National Center on Disability and Journalism,...| School of Journalism and Mass Communication – UW–Madison
In the artificial intelligence (AI) revolution, the traditional landscape of education is undergoing profound changes. With generative AI tools like ChatGPT, anyone can access tools that generate human-like text based on endless possibilities of questions. As AI continues to permeate every aspect of our lives, its integration into education is an inevitable part of the future of learning. At the heart of this transformation in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication are the people: st...| School of Journalism and Mass Communication – UW–Madison
Mike Wagner, professor in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication and director of the Center for Communication and Civic Renewal, was named the William T. Evjue Distinguished Chair for the Wisconsin Idea to recognize his outstanding contributions to outreach and service. The Evjue Chair, established by the William T. Evjue Foundation, is designed to enhance and further the legacy of the nearly 120-year-old Wisconsin Idea, which holds that the boundaries of the university are boundarie...| School of Journalism and Mass Communication – UW–Madison
In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, the role of analytics has become increasingly important for businesses worldwide. Data removes the guesswork from business strategies and decisions, providing concrete insights into consumer behavior, content performance and market trends. Monitoring this data through digital media analytics is not just beneficial – it’s essential for staying competitive in a rapidly changing market. In preparing students for the real world, two J-School professo...| School of Journalism and Mass Communication – UW–Madison
J202 lab students led by TA and PhD student Kruthika Kamath pose during a Day of the Badger celebration at Vilas Hall.Thanks to a generous outpouring of support from our alumni and friends, Day of the Badger 2024 was a record-breaking success! We are so thankful for the immense support of our J-School community. Here’s a look at how we did this year: 1848 minutes of giving $51,627 dollars raised for the School of Journalism and Mass Communication Annual Fund, which provides discretionary su...| School of Journalism and Mass Communication – UW–Madison
It is an incredible privilege to financially support passionate students and watch them follow their dreams of becoming top tier communication professionals. It is another to provide that same support long after you’ve gone. For the Eklund family, that was exactly the kind of lasting impact they wanted to have on students. Laurence (BA’27) and Ethel Eklund knew that they wanted to leave a legacy of support for communicators far into the future. In 1994, the Eklunds created an estate plan ...| School of Journalism and Mass Communication – UW–Madison
Ray Anderson, Professor Emeritus and former foreign correspondent for the New York Times, died on September 24, 2023 in Middleton, Wisconsin. He was 96. During his 15-year career as a professor in the University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Journalism and Mass Communication, Ray mentored countless students and was dedicated to seeing them succeed beyond the walls of Vilas Hall. He taught graduate seminars in specialized reporting, as well as courses in feature writing, public affairs repo...| School of Journalism and Mass Communication – UW–Madison
This past spring, five of our Professional M.A. students celebrated the completion of their degrees. Throughout their time in the SJMC, the graduates, Kelly Holm, Courtney Bingham, Omar Taimoore Waheed, Noreen Sharif, and Katrina Williams, enhanced their skills in a variety of journalistic and strategic communication areas. The group refined their expertise in print, broadcast and digital journalism to prepare themselves for the challenges of the professional world. Take a look at...| School of Journalism and Mass Communication – UW–Madison
The UW-Madison School of Journalism and Mass Communication has been training the next generation of trailblazing journalists for nearly 120 years and the immense talent of our student journalists seems to only get better with each passing year. This year, 55 students, The Badger Herald, Curb Magazine, The Daily Cardinal, Madison Commons and WSUM were received a total of 65 awards from a variety of professional associations including, The Milwaukee Press Club, the National Center on Disability...| School of Journalism and Mass Communication – UW–Madison
The Center for Communication and Civic Renewal (CCCR) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication (SJMC) is embarking on groundbreaking research aimed at significantly broadening our collective understanding of 21st-century communication and civic life. Over the next five years, Principal Investigators Professors Mike Wagner and Dhavan Shah will lead a multi-method approach to explore national, state, and local levels of civic engagement. This approa...| School of Journalism and Mass Communication – UW–Madison
The School of Journalism and Mass Communication’s 2024 Alumni Awards Ceremony will take place Friday, April 26 and will celebrate a group of accomplished alumni, faculty and staff members, undergraduate and graduate students. This year’s impressive list of accomplished alumni includes a variety of careers in teaching, digital communications, restaurant management, sports coaching and broadcasting. They will be honored along with our James L. Baughman Senior Achievement Award winners, Teac...| School of Journalism and Mass Communication – UW–Madison
Woohyun Yoo is an associate professor and Chair of the Department of Media and Communication at Incheon National University, South Korea and one of the Sharon Dunwoody Early Career Award winners. Yoo’s research is focused on the convergence of new media technologies, health communication and message effects. His work delves into various aspects of health communication such as e-Health, m-Health, computer-mediated support, cancer communication and interpersonal communication with healthcare ...| School of Journalism and Mass Communication – UW–Madison
Dr. Patty Loew is Professor Emerita at Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications and one of this year’s Distinguished Service Award winners. She retired in August 2023 after directing the Center for Native American and Indigenous Research at Northwestern University and teaching at the Medill School for seven years. A citizen of Mashkiiziibiig, the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe, Dr. Loew is a former broadcast journalist in pu...| School of Journalism and Mass Communication – UW–Madison
On April 9, the Society of Professional Journalists Region 6 announced its winners of the 2023 Mark of Excellence Awards and 12 awards were given to J-School students. This award recognizes excellence in collegiate journalism across several categories including print, art/graphics/multimedia, radio and television broadcast. SPJ’s Region 6 represents Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin and winners in each category will go on to compete at the national level among other winner...| School of Journalism and Mass Communication – UW–Madison
Deborah Blum (MA’82), Pulitzer Prize-winning science journalist and best-selling author, has been selected to deliver the keynote address at the 2024 School of Journalism and Mass Communication Graduation Celebration on Friday, May 10. A science writer with a long-standing interest in poison, Blum has published six books, including the New York Times bestseller The Poisoner’s Handbook and The Poison Squad, both of which eventually became PBS documentaries. She has also written about toxic...| School of Journalism and Mass Communication – UW–Madison
This is the fourth and final installment of our Women’s History Month series celebrating J-School women in research. Indri Maulidar is a Ph.D. student studying burnout and mental health in newsrooms. Through her research, she has interviewed journalists who cover natural disasters and the long-term effects of that profession. Tell us a bit about your research. I study burnout and mental health in the newsrooms through comparative media study lens. I use qualitative methods and interviewed j...| School of Journalism and Mass Communication – UW–Madison
This is the third installment in our Women’s History Month series celebrating J-School women in research. Susan Robinson is a Helen Firstbrook Franklin Professor of Journalism. Specializing in Journalism Studies, she delves into reshaping trust within journalism by advocating for engagement practices over traditional norms, emphasizing areas of marginalization at the local community level. Through applied research, she collaborates with newsrooms to implement evidence-based strategies aimed...| School of Journalism and Mass Communication – UW–Madison
On February 24, the winners of the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association (WBA) 2023 Student Awards for Excellence were announced and three awards were given to J-School students for their broadcasting work and WSUM received seven awards. The WBA Student Awards for Excellence recognize students’ work in broadcasting at the collegiate level for several categories including television, radio, podcasts, and multimedia. Congratulations to all J-School students and the WSUM team for their excellent ...| School of Journalism and Mass Communication – UW–Madison
Our second Women’s History Month feature will highlight the work of Kruthika Kamath, a Ph.D. student in the J-School. Kamath’s research covers a range of topics from social justice in media to patterns of care in social movements. Tell us a bit about your research. My research pedagogy lies in studying social movements, women’s studies, digital media, news coverage, and persuasive communication. I study the patterns and performance of care and acknowledgment (or lack of) in social media...| School of Journalism and Mass Communication – UW–Madison
Madison Commons, a hyperlocal news site run by the School of Journalism and Mass Communication, is dedicated to supporting local journalism and training students to work within a community with solutions-oriented storytelling. Show your support today, March 5, 2024, during The Big Share! Organized by Community Shares of Wisconsin, The Big Share is a 32-hour time of online giving supporting a wide range of Wisconsin nonprofits, including Madison Commons. Madison Commons is not funded by a gran...| School of Journalism and Mass Communication – UW–Madison
March is Women’s History Month and to celebrate we’re highlighting some of our amazing J-School women in research. This week, we are excited to feature Xiaoya Jiang, a Ph.D. student studying public opinion. Her work centers on measuring public opinion and using strategic communication to promote pro-social public opinion on critical issues in the digital media era. Tell us a bit about your research. I study public opinion using computational approaches. To get started, I assess public opi...| School of Journalism and Mass Communication – UW–Madison
Day of the Badger is back this April 16-17, 2024! Each year, alumni, friends and students of UW–Madison come together for 1,848 minutes to show off their Badger pride and support continuing educational excellence and opportunities for future generations of J-Schoolers. Celebrate 2023 was a record-setting year as J-School alumni and friends raised $41,206.84 from 184 gifts for the School’s annual fund. Plus, thanks to a generous group of current and former Board of Visitor members, we ...| School of Journalism and Mass Communication – UW–Madison
Doug McLeod, Evjue Centennial Professor, has won the Chancellor’s Distinguished Teaching Award. He is one of five faculty members on campus who were selected to receive the Chancellor’s award, an honor that has been given out since 1973 to recognize UW-Madison’s best educators. Doug McLeod, Evjue Centennial Professor McLeod joined the J-School faculty in 2000 and has been a champion of the Wisconsin Idea, consistently incorporating hands-on learning into his courses and teaching student...| School of Journalism and Mass Communication – UW–Madison
Mitchell Bard (M.A., Ph.D.’15) Generation Z is characterized by their status as social media natives. Yet, objective journalism is still important to them, according to Mitchell Bard (M.A., Ph.D.’15) and Jasun Carr (Ph.D.’12), who co-authored the new book “Journalism in the Generation Z Age.” Bard and Carr are both UW–Madison Ph.D. graduates. Both of them are associate professors at universities, Bard at Iona University and Carr at Idaho State University. Bard’s inspiration ...| School of Journalism and Mass Communication – UW–Madison
This Sunday, February 11, the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49’ers will go head-to-head in Super Bowl LVIII. While football may be the main event for most, J-School students, faculty and staff know that the real competition happens off the field as the world’s top strategic communicators put their best ads forward. In honor of this year’s Super Bowl, J-School faculty and staff shared their favorite Super Bowl ads. Apple Macintosh: 1984 (1984) “I have vivid memories of watch...| School of Journalism and Mass Communication – UW–Madison
Name: Miquéla Thornton Expected Graduation Date: May 2025 One of the key facets of the J-School’s Professional Master’s program is the chance for students to design their degree path around their interests and passions. That’s what drew current professional master’s student Miquéla Thornton to the J-School. Thornton’s reporting focuses on climate change and environmental justice with stories ranging from science and tech to politics and business. She shares more about her work and...| School of Journalism and Mass Communication – UW–Madison
J-School senior Audrey Thibert recently received an Overseas Press Club Foundation Scholar Award for her dedication to international reporting. This award is given to young journalists to gain experience in overseas reporting and will provide funding to allow her to pursue an international reporting project in the coming months. “I think going into international reporting can be really difficult. The OPC continues to fund and encourage young reporters in a time when it’s a little bit mo...| School of Journalism and Mass Communication – UW–Madison
Join Andy Katz, a seasoned sports reporter renowned for his contributions to ESPN, Big Ten Network, NCAA and Turner Sports on February 22nd for an interactive talk and Q&A. With a wealth of experience navigating challenging situations, Katz brings a unique perspective to the table, making his upcoming presentation a must-attend event. In his talk, “Resiliency in Today’s Fast-Paced Sports Media – Dealing with & Thriving from Adversity,” the UW alum will share insights gained from nav...| School of Journalism and Mass Communication – UW–Madison
The Journalism Reading Room is a book-lined, plant-bearing study space on the second floor of Vilas Hall. J-Schoolers cycle through every day for some quiet study time or to pick up equipment for various projects. For the first time this fall, Michelle Foster, Project Assistant Librarian, decided to have each of her four student employees choose a project to work on throughout the semester. “The projects are meant to help increase engagement with the JRR and to give the student circulatio...| School of Journalism and Mass Communication – UW–Madison
