Skip to main content

College of Journalism and Mass Communications 2020 Annual Report

Student working in breakout room on project
Shari VeilShari R. Veil, MBA, Ph.D.
Dean & Professor

What a year! 2020 was filled with challenges and incredible accomplishments.

Our students covered the Iowa Caucuses and tracked political news coverage. They covered Covid-19 for the New York Times and used traffic patterns to provide local insight on the pandemic. They covered Husker Sports, even when they couldn’t attend the games. They dove even deeper into understanding climate change and received national attention for their coverage of the climate crisis. They worked on advertising and public relations campaigns for more than 50 university partners, community businesses and not-for-profit organizations.

Hundreds of stories were distributed to news organizations across the state through the Nebraska News Service, and our award cabinets are once again busting at the hinges with plaques and trophies for outstanding student work.

We moved all of our classes online in the middle of the spring semester, supported almost 60 students with paid internships over the summer and completely reorganized Andersen Hall to create a safe environment for the fall.

While we couldn’t study abroad, we collaborated with students from Oman in the global news class and are working to revamp Global Eyewitness for future semesters.

Read More

Transitioning in a Pandemic

student wearing face mask
Commitment to students carries college through pandemic

The global coronavirus pandemic of 2020 has presented unprecedented challenges for everyone, including colleges and universities. 

Amy Struthers and Shari Veil
CoJMC has smooth transition during a rocky year

Shari Veil looked forward to moving to Lincoln and becoming the dean of the College of Journalism and Mass Communications after she was hired in December 2019.

New Faculty

Chris Graves

Chris Graves joined the college in August 2020 as an assistant professor in journalism.

Graves is a Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter who held positions at the Cincinnati Enquirer, the Minneapolis Star Tribune and Minnesota Public Radio before joining the college.

Meet Chris
Chris Graves portrait
Jessica Walsh

Jessica Walsh joined the college in January 2020 as an assistant professor in journalism.

Walsh held positions at The Associated Press, the Patriot Ledger and the Boston Herald before joining the college.

Meet Jessica
Jessica Walsh portrait

Classroom & Student Experiences

student takes photo for Jacht
Summer internship program helps college's students and industry partners

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit Nebraska in the Spring of 2020, many College of Journalism and Mass Communications students lost their summer jobs and internships.

student talk sitting in the grass
Peer mentor program helps new students adjust and student mentors grow

The College of Journalism and Mass Communications piloted the peer mentor program in fall 2019, and fully implemented the program this Fall 2020 semester.

students talk at a table
Emergency support helps students in a pinch

For most working adults, a stolen bike is not a big deal. But if you are a college student, your bike might be the only way for you to get to class or the part-time job you need to pay the rent. 

Bailey Lauerman Logo
Bailey Lauerman establishes diversity and creativity scholarship

Bailey Lauerman, an integrated marketing, design, public relations, social, digital, and production agency in Nebraska, is funding a new scholarship for students in the College of Journalism and Mass Communications

Omaha World-Herald Logo
Omaha World-Herald Fellows get a taste of the real world

Founded in 2008, the Omaha World-Herald Fellows program provides emerging journalists with the chance to learn from working journalists and apply for a coveted fellowship with the organization

Microphone
Nebraska leads global discussion on leveraging virtual connections in the classroom

In September, Nebraska was one of four institutions to host the Virtual International Seminar.

Election 2020: Student CoverageStudents gain real-world experience in American democracy

Throughout 2020, College of Mass Communications and Journalism students had the opportunity to experience the process of American democracy in a few different ways.

The first opportunity was in the beginning of February when twelve students traveled to Iowa to report on the caucuses. They made connections with news organizations, photographers and multimedia journalists from all over the country and world. CoJMC faculty members Jill Martin, Olga Pierce and John Shrader accompanied the students.

Read the Story

Diversity & Inclusion

Trina Creighton
Creighton facilitates conversation about race with CoJMC students, faculty and staff

After the murder of George Floyd, Trina Creighton felt like she became a new person. After watching something so tragic and horrendous, she knew she could no longer “stay in her place.”

D.A. Graham speaks to students during Anchor Week.
Jacht Agency celebrates diversity and inclusion through Anchor Week activities

Diversity and inclusion have always been strong pillars of Jacht, and Anchor Week gives students the opportunity to recognize that among their peers.

students
"The Circle" seeks to foster a sense of community on campus

A group of students in the College of Journalism and Mass Communications (CoJMC) founded the club because they saw the need for raw and real conversations across UNL’s campus.

Research & Impact

Covid map
Huskers assist New York Times’ COVID-19 coverage

A University of Nebraska–Lincoln alumnus, faculty member and student are part of The New York Times’ extensive coverage of the 2019 novel coronavirus pandemic.

old toy after flood
Climate change depth report gains national attention

Climate Change Nebraska, a yearlong student depth-reporting project at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, gained national attention when it was featured in Katie Couric’s newsletter “Wake-up Call” in October 2020. 

words be creative design
University launches innovative center to study how technology is governed

The Nebraska Governance and Technology Center, approved by the Board of Regents in February, will give students and faculty opportunities possible at only a handful of universities across the globe.

See All the Publications and Creative Activity

Welcome to Andersen HallRenovation creates welcoming spaces for students

This spring, the College of Journalism and Mass Communications will cut the ribbon on a renovation of the lobby to Andersen Hall, the college’s home.

Andersen Hall was almost entirely renovated in 2001 when the University decided to turn the old Security Mutual Life building on Lincoln’s Centennial Mall into the home of the CoJMC.

One area that was not updated during the 2001 renovation was the lobby. Dark wood veneer, marble trim and low ceilings were left in place.

Read the Story

Alumni Engagement

pen, paper and coffee
Big Red reunions welcome alums from seven decades

When Shari Veil assumed the role of dean of the College of Journalism and Mass Communications in July 2020, she was determined to continue hosting alumni events despite the global pandemic.

words be creative design
Guest speaker program brings alumni back to the classroom

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Journalism and Mass Communication launched a guest speaker program in July 2020 to bring alumni back to the classroom.

Charting our future
78 join strategic planning committee, including 21 alumni and industry partners

In August 2020, the College of Journalism and Mass Communications launched a year-long strategic planning process to lay the groundwork for the future.

By the Numbers

1,137Students Enrolled
US States mapStates Students Come From
Welcome to NebraskaScholarships Awarded
213First-generation Students
5 peopleNew Faculty Positions Secured for 2021
79Awards Received
268Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
World MapCountries Students Come From

Honors and Awards

American Advertising Federation Nebraska
  • Gold Addy, Elements of Advertising - Photography, Sumit Jagdale
  • Silver Addy, Elements of Advertising - Photography, Sumit Jagdale
  • Gold Addy, Elements of Advertising - Photography, Julia Strilkivsky
  • Silver Addy, Integrated Brand Identity, Sarah Thompson 
  • Silver Addy, TV Advertising, UNL National Student Advertising Competition Team
  • Gold Addy, Consumer Campaign, UNL National Student Advertising Competition Team
  • Best Copy, UNL National Student Advertising Competition Team
American Advertising Federation
  • Most Promising Multicultural Student Award, Celine Hayes
  • Most Promising Multicultural Student Award, Kimberly Chungong
  • Most Promising Multicultural Student Award, Kyla Jackson
  • Most Promising Multicultural Student Award, Ann Milroy
American Marketing Association Nebraska
  • PRISM Award, Marketing Maverick, Fox Sports Class
  • PRISM Award, Apps, Fox Sports Class
  • Merit Award, Apps, Fox Sports Class
  • Merit Award, Marketing Research, Fox Sports Class 
  • PRISM Award, Marketing Research, UNL National Student Advertising Competition Team
  • PRISM Award, Media Plans, UNL National Student Advertising Competition Team
  • Merit Award, Consumer Marketing Campaign, UNL National Student Advertising Competition Team
Broadcast Education Association
  • Festival of Media Arts, 2nd Place, Allie Snow 
Hearst Journalism Awards
  • Radio Championships, 5th Place, Allie Snow
  • Best Use of Radio for News Coverage, Allie Snow
  • Multimedia I/Narrative Video Storytelling, 8th place, Kenneth Ferriera
  • Multimedia I/Narrative Video Storytelling, 12th place, Isaiah Somanas
Midwest Broadcast Journalism Association
  • Eric Sevareid Award, First Place, Hard Feature Student Market Radio, Natalie Saenz
  • Eric Sevareid Award, Award of Merit, Audio Student Market Radio, Natalie Saenz
  • Eric Sevareid Award, First Place, General Reporting Student Market Radio, Acacia Wetzstein
  • Eric Sevareid Award, First Place, Student Market Television, Allie Snow
  • Eric Sevareid Award, Award of Merit, Individual Multimedia Storytelling, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
  • Eric Sevareid Award, Award of Merit, Sports Play-by-Play Student Market Radio, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
  • Eric Sevareid Award, Award of Merit, Student Market Television, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
  • Eric Sevareid Award, First Place, Sportscast/Program Student Market Radio, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
  • Eric Sevareid Award, Award of Merit, Team Multimedia Storytelling, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
National Broadcasting Society
  • Student Electronic Media Top Prize, Public Service Announcement, Alec Cromer and Brenna Doherty
  • Student Electronic Media Top Prize, Video Promotional Announcement, Anne Milroy and Audrey Brooker
  • Student Electronic Media Top Prize, Public Service Announcement, Alec Cromer and Brenna Doherty
  • Student Electronic Media Honorable Mention, Instructional/Corporate/Promotional, Emily Morrow, Elijah Herbel and Anne Milroy
Nebraska Broadcasters Association
  • Pinnacle Award, Best News Story, Allie Snow
  • Pinnacle Award, Best News Feature, Morgan Holen
  • Pinnacle Award, Best Sports Story, Casey Surma
  • Pinnacle Award, Best Live Sports Event, Dustyn Stortzum
  • Pinnacle Award, Best Promotional Announcement, Audrey Brooker and Anne Milroy
  • Pinnacle Award, Best Radio News Story, Acacia Wetzstein
  • Pinnacle Award, Best Radio Sports Story, Will Bauer
National Alumni Association
  • Doc Elliott Award, Alfred "Bud" Pagel
News21
  • Program Participant, Natalie Saenz
  • Program Participant, Kylie Graham
  • Program Participant, Brenda Maytorena
Public Relations Society of America
  • Public Relations Society of America, Star Chapter Award, UNL Public Relations Student Society Chapter 
Public Relations Society of America Nebraska Chapter
  • Paper Anvil Award, Outstanding Branding Campaign, UNL PRSSA Chapter
  • Paper Anvil Award, Outstanding Community or Nonprofit Event, UNL PRSSA Chapter
  • Paper Anvil Award, Outstanding Community or Nonprofit Event, UNL PRSSA Chapter
  • Paper Anvil Award, Outstanding Professional Development, UNL PRSSA Chapter
  • Paper Anvil Award, Outstanding PRSSA Chapter Project, UNL PRSSA Chapter
  • Paper Anvil Award, Outstanding Classroom Campaign, UNL PRSSA Chapter
  • Paper Anvil Award, Strategy to Address a Problem, UNL PRSSA Chapter
  • Paper Anvil Award, Outstanding Relationship-Building Project, UNL PRSSA Chapter
Society of Professional Journalists, Region 7
  • Mark of Excellence Award, Radio Finalist, Natalie Saenz
  • Mark of Excellence Award, Radio News Reporting Winner, Acacia Wertzstein
  • Mark of Excellence Award, Television General News Reporting Finalist, Allie Snow
  • Mark of Excellence Award, Television Feature Reporting Finalist, Aaron Housenga
  • Mark of Excellence Award, Online News Reporting Finalist, Elizabeth Rembert
  • Mark of Excellence Award, Online Feature Reporting Winner, Alli Davis 
  • Mark of Excellence Award, Online Feature Reporting Finalist, Isaiah Somanas
  • Mark of Excellence Award, Online In-Depth Reporting Winner, Nebraska Mosaic
  • Mark of Excellence Award, Online Sports Reporting Finalist, Ben Jones
  • Mark of Excellence Award, Best Affiliated Website, Left in the Dark
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
  • Student Involvement, Outstanding New Adviser Award, Jemalyn Griffin 
  • Parents' Recognition Award, Patti Harney
  • Parents' Recognition Award, Brandon Nutting
  • Parents' Recognition Award, Monte Olson
  • Parents' Recognition Award, Jill Arth
  • Parents' Recognition Award, Andrea Gaghagen
  • Parents' Recognition Award, Rick Alloway
  • Parents' Recognition Award, Luis Peon-Casanova
  • Parents' Recognition Award, John Shrader
  • Parents' Recognition Award, Alex Fernando
  • Parents' Recognition Award, John Bender
  • Parents' Recognition Award, Jill Martin 
  • Parents' Recognition Award, Joe Starita
  • Parents' Recognition Award, Matt Waite
  • College Distinguished Teaching Award, Sue Bullard
  • Nancy Kenny Academic Business Leader Award, Haley Hamel
University of Nebraska
  • University of Nebraska, Staff Kudos Award, Susan Oestmann