College of Journalism and Mass Communications 2020 Annual Report
Shari 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.
Transitioning in a Pandemic
Commitment to students carries college through pandemic
The global coronavirus pandemic of 2020 has presented unprecedented challenges for everyone, including colleges and universities.
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
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
Classroom & Student Experiences
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.
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.
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.
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.
Diversity & Inclusion
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.”
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.
"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
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.
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.
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.
Alumni Engagement
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.
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.
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
Students Enrolled
States Students Come From
Scholarships Awarded
First-generation Students
New Faculty Positions Secured for 2021
Awards Received
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
Countries Students Come From