Executive summary:
The college's strategic plan exemplifies a robust dedication to fostering alumni and industry engagement, driving public and professional service and advancing scholastic journalism. Aim seven focuses on addressing critical industry challenges, while Aim eight seeks to establish a comprehensive program that fosters meaningful connections with donors and the community. A wide variety of initiatives support these aims.
To enhance engagement with alumni, the college implemented several strategies as part of its strategic plan. These efforts included creating formal alumni groups, facilitating discussions between alumni and faculty during campus visits and strengthening informal relationships with professional associations. Recognizing the importance of this endeavor, the college hired a dedicated full-time alumni engagement and events coordinator to provide ongoing support.
In addition to alumni engagement, the college's faculty actively participate in public and professional service. They serve as journal article reviewers, content judges, board members and keynote speakers, contributing their expertise to various endeavors. To further demonstrate its commitment to professional service and knowledge sharing, the college hosts an array of lectures, workshops and programs. These include prestigious events such as the Seline Lecture Series, Hearst Visiting Professionals, Dick Worick Visiting Professorship, Roper Visiting Professional in Sports Journalism and media training workshops. The college also actively engages in public service by organizing political debates, supporting forums like E.N. Thompson Forum and Flatwater Forum, and promoting issues of democracy and media through Campus Voices, in-depth reports, and service-oriented curriculum projects.
The college maintains regular communication through various channels to maintain a strong connection with alumni. Monthly newsletters, an annual report, and the Nebraska Quarterly magazine provide updates and highlights. Additionally, the college hosts receptions, virtual reunions, homecoming events and a scholarship brunch, creating networking opportunities and connections among alumni. Leveraging the power of social media platforms such as X, formerly known as Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram, the college keeps alumni informed and engaged in the latest developments and achievements.
The college's dedication to scholastic journalism is evident through its support and initiatives in this field. A la carte workshops, Nebraska High School Press Association sponsorship, and summer camps enable high school students to learn from the experienced faculty at the College of Journalism and Mass Communications, as well as Nebraska journalists and industry professionals. These programs foster their skills and passion for journalism and media and contribute to the industry’s future.
Please respond to each of the following instructions:
1. Describe the unit’s contact with alumni, professionals and professional organizations to keep curriculum and instruction current and to promote the exchange of ideas. Contact may include alumni and professional involvement in advisory boards, curriculum development, guest speaking, placement, internships and fundraising. Provide advisory board members’ names and contact information.
Throughout this standard, alumni of the UNL College of Journalism and Mass Communications are indicated by the inclusion of their graduation year in parentheses following their name.
The college’s desire to enhance engagement with alumni is included in our strategic plan, where Aim 8 is to “Create a robust alumni, donor and community engagement program.” To achieve this aim, the college has established several formal alumni groups, structured discussions with faculty as part of alumni visits to campus and expanded upon our more informal relationships with professional associations. To support these activities, the college hired a full-time alumni engagement and events coordinator in January 2023.
Strategic Planning Committee
In August 2020, the college launched a strategic planning process to lay the groundwork for the future of the college. Faculty and staff met for the fall retreat to discuss the state of higher education and our industries, competition, university and college. We identified trends, gaps, opportunities, questions, concerns and insights related to our environment. Faculty and staff were surveyed to determine our purpose, collective strengths, opportunities and aspirations. Building on this foundation, 78 college stakeholders, including 48 faculty and staff, 9 current students and 21 alumni and industry partners were asked to engage in an expansive and inclusive strategic planning process.
Stakeholders were assigned to seven task forces specific to mission, vision and values; external operations; people and internal operations; undergraduate academic operations; graduate academic operations; scholarship and creative activity; and student experiences and experiential learning. A review committee composed of alumni and emeritus faculty was established to provide feedback on the distinctive capabilities, strategies, action steps and measures drafted by each task force. Over the next six months, the task forces presented draft plans, and all committee members were invited to comment during meetings and provide feedback anonymously online. Each iteration was also posted to the college website and shared through the alumni newsletter, encouraging alumni to provide comments and suggestions through the online feedback form. The review committee summarized the comments and feedback and recommended revisions.
In April 2021, the task force co-chairs met to review each task force action plan and identify strategic aims that would direct the college for the next five years. These aims, dubbed “game changers,” embraced our distinctive capabilities, aligned with our values, drove our mission and would help us realize our vision. The strategic planning committee co-chairs drafted a plan around the aims and in line with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln N2025 Strategic Plan. Aims were aligned with our value statements and targets were determined by the dean and director of business and operations. The plan was presented to the full strategic planning committee on May 7, 2021, and approved by the college faculty and staff on May 14, 2021. Alumni and industry partner members of the strategic planning committee and task forces included:
- Greg Andersen (1997), CEO, Bailey Lauerman
- Harry Argue (1968), banking industry consultant
- Matt Boyd (1999), assistant vice president, University of Nebraska Foundation
- LaSharah Bunting (1996), director of journalism, Knight Foundation
- Chad Davis, chief innovation officer, Nebraska Public Media
- Lyle Denniston (1955), dean emeritus, Supreme Court Press Corps
- Sandy Dose (1968), senior vice president, Stifel Financial Corp.
- Deb Fiddelke (1990), chief communications and marketing officer, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
- Chelsea Hampton (2019), doctoral student, University of Florida
- Lauryn Higgins (2018), news assistant, New York Times
- Margaret Holman (1973), president, Holman Consulting
- Steve Jordon, reporter, Omaha World-Herald (retired)
- Adam Kroft (2014), CEO, redthread
- Paula Lavigne (1998), reporter, ESPN
- Kelly Mosier (2006), director of Hudl Studios, Hudl
- Mike Reilley (1989), data journalism professor, University of Illinois-Chicago
- Tyler Thomas (2010), director of integrated content, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
- Allen Vaughan, general manager, Daily Nebraskan
- Lyn Wineman (1989), president and chief strategist, KidGlov
- Kellie Wostrel (2009), senior vice president and public relations director, Swanson Russell
The positions listed above were those planning committee members held when the strategic plan was developed. Individuals may have changed positions since 2021. To view the strategic plan, please click here.
Professionals-in-Residence
With the launch of the Experience Lab in the fall of 2021, the college engaged local industry leaders as professionals-in-residence (PIRs) to mentor students in the college’s media outlets and agencies. The PIRs were not asked to volunteer personal time. Instead, Dean Veil engaged with editors, publishers, CEOs and owners to donate paid company time each week to the program. Each PIR visits campus for approximately 90 minutes a week to mentor students.
They provide feedback on student work, the overall operations of the media outlets and agencies and on the preparation for participation provided by the college’s curriculum. The PIRs for 2022-2023 were:
- Bayley Bischof, assignment manager/senior reporter, 10/11 News
- Eva Coppinger, video producer, ASA & EVA Media
- Shaun Cummins, senior technical director, KLKN-TV
- Hannah Davis (2021), marketing coordinator, Union Bank & Trust
- Erin Doernemann (2020), marketing and design specialist, Apple Roofing
- Amy Ebbeka, co-owner and creative director, Ebbeka Design
- Randy Hawthorne (1992), product manager, Nelnet
- Derek Hernandez, director of brand and content, Mentor Collective
- Amie Just, sports columnist, Lincoln Journal Star
- Mikel Lauber, director of news, 10/11 News
- Mike McKnight (1976), investigative reporter, WOWT-TV
- Austin Pistulka (2017), broadcast/digital production director, Rural Radio Association
- Mary Kay Quinlan (1972), emeritus associate professor and former associate dean, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
- Ryan Rothman (2017), marketing and digital media coordinator, University of Nebraska
- DeWayne Taylor, radio host, NRG media
- Mike Tobias (1986), senior producer, Nebraska Public Media
- Jon Vanderford (1993), executive producer and host, KOLN/KGIN TV
- Andrew Ward (2014), morning anchor, KLKN-TV
- Ellis Whitney, senior content producer, 10/11 News
- Matt Wynn, executive director, Nebraska Journalism Trust
For a full list of past PIRs, please click here.
Comprehensive Campaign Committee
In the fall of 2022, the college launched a Comprehensive Campaign fundraising committee to support college fundraising activities as part of the University of Nebraska Foundation’s “Only in Nebraska” campaign. This five-year fundraising campaign aims to raise $14.7 million to support the college’s strategic priorities by 2027. The comprehensive campaign committee includes:
- Charlyne Berens, professor emeritus and former associate dean
- Eric Brown (1967), president, Rural Lifestyle Marketing
- LaSharah Bunting (1996), CEO, Online News Association
- Randy Essex (1983), environmental and health editor, Detroit Free Press
- Randy Hawthorne (1992), product manager, Nelnet
- Margaret Holman, chair (1973), president, Holman Consulting
- Meg Lauerman (2000), communications consultant
- Jim Lauerman (1969), retired founder, Bailey Lauerman
- Mario Scalora, director, UNL Public Policy Center
- Jay Wilkinson (1988), founder and CEO, Firespring
- Jeff Zeleny (1996), chief national affairs correspondent, CNN
Curriculum Review Committee
In the fall of 2022, the college put out a call for alumni to engage in curriculum review committees. The committees met in spring 2023 to provide feedback on the college’s four undergraduate majors to ensure they meet industry needs and align with the ACEJMC learning outcomes.
Committee members were provided access to an overview of the college’s curriculum and all syllabi for courses in the major were reviewed. They completed a survey to provide feedback on each of the programs. Committee members then met with faculty in each major to review the feedback and make recommendations for improvement. Members of the Curriculum Review Committees included:
Advertising and Public Relations
- Anna Fobair (2018), account supervisor, Ketchum
- Kelly Mosier (2006), senior director of Hudl Studios, Hudl
- Jim Vranicar (1990), COO, Signal Theory
- Tyler Riewer (2004), creative director, Charity:Water
Broadcasting
- Will Bauer (2020), Metro East reporter, St. Louis Public Radio
- Ami Graham (1993), general manager, Broadcast House
- Kristine Johnson, anchor, CBS 2 NY
- Clay Masters (2007), host/correspondent, Iowa Public Radio
Journalism
- Matthew Hansen (2003), executive editor, Flatwater Free Press
- Jane Hirt (1989), consultant, M. Harris & Co.
- Paula Lavigne (1998), investigative reporter, ESPN
Sports Media and Communication
- Sean Callahan (2003), owner/publisher, HuskersOnline
- Chris DeRuyscher (2000), senior director of ballpark entertainment, Texas Rangers
- Anthony Galvan (2009), VP of brand and communications, Hudl
- J.J. Jurgens (1998), senior writer, producer, CBS Marketing
For a summary of the committee’s recommendations and steps to be taken to improve the college’s curriculum, please see Standard 3.
Dean’s Advisory Board
In spring 2023, the college launched a dean’s advisory board to provide counsel to the dean on the college’s priorities, strategies and goals. Board members serve three-year terms and meet quarterly to exchange ideas and provide feedback on the future of our industries. Members of the Dean’s Advisory Board include:
- Emily Doskow (2002), chief marketing officer, Leo Burnett
- Colette Stallbaumer (1992), general manager, Microsoft 365
- Angel Jennings, chair (2008), assistant managing editor, Los Angeles Times
- Jenna Johnson (2007), deputy democracy editor, the Washington Post
- Dionne Searcey, secretary (1993), reporter, the New York Times
- Paige Dimakos (2013), CEO, The Draft Network
- Ericka Galbraith (2000), coordinator producer, ESPN
- Ben Lupo, esports streamer
- Tia Newcomer (1995), CEO, CaringBridge
- Ronald Ng (1993), global chief creative officer, MRM
- Brittany Jones Cooper (2008), host/reporter, Yahoo News
- Courtney Rodgers (2007), senior vice president of business operations, Hudl
- Juan Perez (2009), education reporter, Politico
- Josh Planos (2014), VP of communications and public relations, Better Business Bureau of Omaha
- Tony Sattler (2003), executive vice president, director of experience & Insights, Swanson Russell
- LaSharah Bunting, vice chair, (1996), CEO, Online News Association
Employer Panelists
The college engages alumni and industry professionals in the required zero credit hour Professional Development/Sophomore Experience course. This course focuses on resume and cover letter preparation, interviewing skills and strategies for internship and job searches. The course meets once a week for five weeks, and one week is dedicated to an industry panel where professionals discuss what they seek in employees and how students can make themselves stand out in the job search process. In 2022-2023, the following individuals served as employer panelists:
- A.J. Mattheis, director of projects and hiring, redthread
- Caelan Debban (2021), morning show host, Flood Communications
- Alex Lantz (2014), assistant city editor, Lincoln Journal Star
- Allie Snow (2020), social media specialist, ESPN
- Jamie Riha (2010), marketing director, Unanimous
- Cole Miller (2011), evening anchor, 10/11 News
- Geoff Exstrom (2022), staff writer, Inside Nebraska
- Whitney Todd (2022), social media manager, Arbor Day Foundation
- Soleil Smithberg (2021), motion designer, Barkley
- Holly Socha, recruiter, Hudl
- Elsie Stormberg (2020), reporter/photographer, UNO Marketing
- Hannah Stodolka (2020), producer, Nebraska Public Media
- Kaleb Henry, sports director, NRG Media
- Elise Hernandez-Wieseman (2010), account director, Archrival
- Matt Wynn, executive director, Nebraska Journalism Trust
- Charlie Stephen, lead strategist, Hudl
- Peyton Stoike (2020), visual content creator, Baltimore Orioles
- Clay Masters (2007), host/correspondent, Iowa Public Radio
- Hailey Konnath (2014), reporter, Law 360
- Landon Caldwell (2019), group ticket sales executive, Omaha Storm Chasers
- Mia Azizah (2020), assistant director of marketing, UNL
- Tyler Loebig (2020), designer, Swanson Russell
- Beau Poehlman (2015), video production supervisor, Ameritas
- Jaci John (2017), social media manager, USA Gymnastics
- Margaret Davenport (2017), writer/producer, Swanson Russell
In addition to these activities, the college maintains relationships with several Nebraska media associations, including the Nebraska Press Association, Nebraska Broadcasters Association and the Lincoln American Marketing Association.
For many years, the college has partnered with the Nebraska Press Association on the annual Nebraska Journalism Hall of Fame banquet, which honors accomplished Nebraska journalists. In 2023, during the Nebraska Press Association Convention, the college hosted a panel discussion moderated by Dean Veil and featuring CoJMC faculty Matt Waite, Shoun Hill, Chris Graves and Jason Stamm, to discuss emerging trends in media/journalism technology and practice, including trends in artificial intelligence and data science, deep fakes and viral videos, audience engagement and accountability journalism.
The college has also worked closely with the Nebraska Broadcasters Association for many years. The association was integral in supporting the replacement of the transmitter and tower for 90.3 KRNU in 2021, offering technical expertise and feedback to ensure the project met industry standards. The association also contributed financially to the construction of the Don and Lorena Meier Studio and worked with the college to arrange a variety of studio visits that informed the plans for the studio control room. Dean Veil was honored with the Friend of Nebraska Broadcasting Award in 2023.
The Lincoln American Marketing Association has partnered with the college to host a regular workshop series for local professionals, known as the AMA SkillsSchool. These workshops bring in industry experts and are open to AMA members and students from the college. The association also partners each fall on a “Meet the Pros” event that provides students the opportunity to network with local industry professionals.
2. List examples of professional and public service activities undertaken by members of the faculty during the review period. Limit to five examples per faculty member. The unit has the option of providing a complete list in a separate digital file. Do not include service to the unit or institution; this information should be presented in Standard 1, Question 7.
See a full list of activities here.
Rick Alloway, associate professor
Professional Service
Alloway, R. (2012 – present). Judge and Coordinator of Judging, Montana Association of Broadcasters
Alloway, R. (2022) Judge, Festival of Media Arts, Broadcast Education Association
Alloway, R. (1992 – 2021) Producer and Host, Governor’s Monthly Call-In Radio Program, Nebraska Broadcasters Association
Public Service
Alloway, R. (2011 – present) Master of Ceremonies, Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet, Lincoln Southeast High School
Alloway, R. (1987 – present) Master of Ceremonies, Career Development Conference, Nebraska Distributive Education Clubs of America
Cory Armstrong, professor
Professional Service
Armstrong, C. (2020 – present) Editorial Review Board Member, Journalism & Mass Communication Quarterly
Armstrong, C. (2017 – present) Member/Reviewer/Conference Discussant, Broadcast Education Association
Armstrong, C. (2017 – present) Member/Reviewer/Discussant, International Communication Association
Armstrong, C. (2007 – present) Associate Editor (2007-2016) and/or Editorial Board member, Mass Communication & Society
Armstrong, C. (2005 – present) Editorial Review Board Member, Newspaper Research Journal
Sharon Baldinelli, assistant professor of practice
Professional Service
Baldinelli, S. (2022) Attendee, Meeting, 2nd Annual Midwest Public Health Innovation and Research Expo
Baldinelli, S. (2022) Conference Discussant, Commission on the Status of Women, Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication
Baldinelli, S. (2022) Attendee, Meeting, Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication
Baldinelli, S. (2022) Attendee, Meeting, Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication
Baldinelli, S. (2019-present) Member, Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication
Kelli Boling, assistant professor
Professional Service
Boling, K. (2023) Doctoral Dissertation Outside Committee Member, Temple University
Boling, K. (2023) Reviewer, Conference Paper, Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication, Commission on the Status of Women
Boling, K. (2023) Reviewer, Conference Paper, Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication, Minorities and Communication Division
Boling, K. (2019 – 2022) Co-Research Chair, Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication
Public Service
Boling, K. (2022 – present) Volunteer, RISE
Kelli Britten, assistant professor of practice
Professional Service
Britten, K. (2022) Governor, American Advertising Federation District 9
Britten, K. (2021 – 2022) Lieutenant Governor, American Advertising Federation District 9
Britten, K. (2021 – 2022) Committee Member, National American Advertising Awards Committee, American Advertising Federation
Britten, K. (2016 – 2021) Chair/Co-Chair, Board of Directors, American Advertising Federation Lincoln
Public Service
Britten, K. (2006 -2019) Volunteer, Junior Achievement
Alan Eno, associate professor of practice
Professional Service
Eno, A. (2023), Judge, State Journalism Competition, Nebraska School Activities Association
Eno, A. (2022), Judge, State Journalism Competition, Nebraska School Activities Association
Eno, A. (2021), Judge, State Journalism Competition, Nebraska School Activities Association
Public Service
Eno, A. (2010 – present) Member, Senior Video Team, College View Church
Eno, A. (2018 – present) Board Member, College Graphic Design Advisory Board, Union College
Ken Fischer, assistant professor of practice
Professional Service
Fischer, K. (2022 – present) Awards Committee Member, Broadcast and Mobile Journalism Division, Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication
Fischer, K. (2022) Reviewer, Conference Papers, Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication
Fischer, K. (2022, 2023) Judge, Festival of Media Arts, Broadcast Education Association
Fischer, K. (2022, 2023) Panel Producer & Attendee, Broadcast Education Association Conference
Fischer, K. (2023) Attendee, Midwest Broadcast Journalism Association Conference
Chris Graves, assistant professor
Professional Service
Graves, C. (2023, 2022, 2021) Judge, Newhouse School Robin Toner Program in Political Reporting, Syracuse University
Graves, C. (2023). Future Technology in Journalism, Nebraska Press Association, panelist
Graves, C. (2021 – 2022) Conference Program Chair, Nebraska Courts
Graves, C. & Hassler, M. (2021). Solutions Journalism, U.S. State Department, IREX, Mandela Fellowship Reciprocal Exchange, lecturer
Graves, C. (2021). Compassionate Reporting, USA Today/Cincinnati Enquirer, lecture
Graves, C. (2023). Future Technology in Journalism, Nebraska Press Association, panelist
Jemalyn Griffin, assistant professor of practice
Professional Service
Griffin, J. (2022 – present) Chair/Co-Chair, Board of Directors of a Professional Organization, Educators Academy, Public Relations Society of America
Griffin, J. (2021) Workshop Organizer, Social Media, Ethics & PR Landscape, Public Relations Society of America – Omaha Chapter
Griffin, J. (2019 – 2020) Program Organizer, Bateman Case Study Competition, Public Relations Student Society of America
Public Service
Griffin, J. (2022 – present) Board of Directors, Mourning Hope Grief Center
Griffin, J. (2022) Session Chair, Asian Community and Cultural Center
Frauke Hachtmann, professor
Professional Service
Hachtmann, F. (2020 – present) Editorial Review Board Member, Journalism and Mass Communication Educator
Hachtmann, F. (2017 – present) Editorial Review Board Member, International Journal of Sport Communication
Hachtmann, F. (2014 – present) Editorial Review Board Member, Journal of Digital and Social Media Marketing
Hachtmann, F. (2011 – present) Editorial Review Board Member, Journal of Advertising Education
Hachtmann, F. (2023) Committee Member, Communication Committee, American Academy of Advertising
Michelle Hassler, associate professor of practice
Professional Service
Hassler, M. (2022) Nominating Committee Member, Nebraska Press Association
Hassler, M. (2017-2023) Judge, Journalism Education Association Student Journalist of the Year competition.
Hassler, M. (2019) Presenter, Nebraska Press Association spring convention.
Public Service
Hassler, M. (2020) Workshop organizer and presenter, U.S. State Department’s Mandela Washington Fellowship Reciprocal Exchange.
Hassler, M. (2017 - 2019) Board Member, Midwest African Museum of Art, Culture and Resource Center.
Shoun Hill, assistant professor of practice
Professional Service
Hill, S. (2023) Judge, reFocus Awards
Hill, S. (2022) Judge, International Photography Awards
Valerie Jones, associate professor
Professional Service
Jones, V. (2023) Committee Member, Australian-American Fulbright Alumni Association, 2023
Jones, V. (2022) Reviewer, Journal Article, Journal of Brand Strategy
Jones, V. (2017, 2022) Attendee/Presenter, Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication Annual Conference
Public Service
Jones, V. (2019 -2022) Committee Chair, Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools
Jones, V. (2018 -2022) Board Member, Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools
Dane Kiambi, associate professor
Professional Service
Kiambi, D. (2023) Reviewer, Journal Article, Journal of Communication Management
Kiambi, D. (2023) Reviewer, Textbook, Routledge / Taylor & Francis
Kiambi, D. (Jan. 2023 – May 2023) Vice Chair, Research Committee, Educators Academy, Public Relations Society of America
Kiambi, D. (2021) Reviewer, Journal Article, Public Relations Review
Kiambi, D. (2019) Reviewer, Journal Article, Journalism and Mass Communication Quarterly
Ciera Kirkpatrick, assistant professor
Professional Service
Kirkpatrick, C. (2022 – present) Committee Member, Media Team, Communicating Science, Health, Environment and Risk Division, Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication Education
Kirkpatrick, C. (2022 – 2023) Reviewer, Journal Article, Journalism & Media
Kirkpatrick, C. (2021 – 2023) Reviewer/Discussant, Conference Paper, International Communication Association
Kirkpatrick, C. (2022) Committee Member, SciComm Conference
Kirkpatrick, C. (2022) Reviewer, Journal Article, Health Communication
Laurie Lee, professor
Professional Service
Lee, L. (2016 – present) Editorial Review Board Member, Journal of Communication and Technology
Lee, L. (2023) Task Force Transition Committee Member, Broadcast Education Association and NBS/NEMA/AERho
Lee, L. (2023) Reviewer, Journal Article, Stanford Law Review
Lee, L. (2023) Judge, Contest Entries, Broadcast Education Association, Best of Festival
Lee, L. (2022) Reviewer, Journal Article, Journal of Communication and Technology
Maria Marron, professor
Professional Service
Marron, M. (2019–present) Committee Member, International Association for Media and Communication Research
Marron, M. (2022-present) Board Member, Omaha Press Club Foundation
Marron, M. (2023) Chair, External Review Site Team, Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management, Commission on Academic Accreditation, United Arab Emirates
Marron, M. (2023) Reviewer, Papers for Media Ethics and Political Communication divisions, Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communications
Public Service
Marron, M. (2021- present) Board Member/Treasurer, Edenton South Homeowners Association
Jill Martin, assistant professor of practice
Professional Service
Martin, J. (2021) Member, Nebraska Press Association
Barney McCoy, professor
Professional Service
McCoy, B. (2007 – present) Member, Broadcast Education Association
McCoy, B. (2009 – present) Member, Natl. Academy of Television Arts and Sciences
McCoy, B. (2010 – present) Member, Midwest Broadcast Journalists Association
Public Service
McCoy, B. (2019 - present) Presenter, Nebraska High School Press Association
McCoy, B. (2019 – present) Media Facilitator, Nebraska Emergency Management Agency
Brian Petrotta, assistant professor
Professional Service
Petrotta, B. (2021 – present) Communications/Research Chair, Sports Communication Interest Group, Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication
Petrotta, B. (2023) Reviewer, Ad Hoc Reviewer, Communication and Sport
Petrotta, B. (2022) Reviewer, Ad Hoc Reviewer, Sports Communication Interest Group, Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication
Dave Remund, assistant professor of practice
Professional Service
Remund, D. (2023) Scholarship Judge, Public Relations Society of America Foundation
Remund, D. (2023) Judge, Florida Public Relations Society of America.
Kaci Richter, assistant professor of practice
Professional Service
Richter, K. (2022) Reviewer, Ad Hoc Reviewer, Nebraska Humanities, Lincoln
Richter, K. (2019 - 2022) Voice talent, KIWR-FM
Richter, K. (2022, Interviewer/Talent, KIWR and Omaha Symphony Orchestra
Richter, K. (2019) Attendee, Meeting, Public Relations Society of America
Richter, K. (2019) Attendee, Meeting, Nebraska Women in Higher Education Leadership
John Shrader, associate professor
Professional Service
Shrader, J. (2021- present) Chair, Sports Faculty, Broadcast Education Association, Festival of Media Arts
Shrader, J. (2019 – present) Member, coordinating committee, Broadcast Education Association Latin America
Shrader, J. (2022) External Tenure Review, Brigham Young University
Public Service
Shrader, J. (2023) Presenter, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Women’s Club
Shrader, J. (2023) Instructor, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
Jason Stamm, assistant professor
Professional Service
Stamm, J. (2022 – present) Committee Member, Sports Communication Interest Group, Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication
Stamm, J. (2022 – present) Reviewer, Journal Article, The Howard Journal of Communications
Stamm, J. (2023) Reviewer/Discussant, Conference Paper, Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication
Stamm, J. (2023) Reviewer, Ad Hoc Reviewer, Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication
Public Service
Stamm, J. (2022 – 2023) Classroom Volunteer, Cavett Elementary School
Shari Veil, professor
Professional Service
Veil, S. (2021-current) Hall of Fame Selection Committee, Nebraska Press Association
Veil, S. (2020) Research Chair, Public Relations Division, National Communication Association
Public Service
Veil, S. (2023-current) Board of Directors, Rotary 14
Veil, S. (2022-current) Board of Directors, Boys and Girls Club of Lincoln/Lancaster County
Veil, S. (2022-current) Marketing Committee, Bravebe Child Advocacy Center
Adam Wagler, associate professor
Professional Service
Wagler, A. (2023) Reviewer, Advertising Division, Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication
Wagler, A. (2023) Reviewer, Communication Technology Division, Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication
Wagler, A. (2022) Reviewer, Ad Hoc Reviewer, University of Kentucky
Wagler, A. (2020-2021) Reviewer, Journal Article, Journal of Communication Technology
Wagler, A. (2020-2021) Reviewer, Journal Article, Journal of Current Issues & Research in Advertising
Jessica Walsh, assistant professor
Professional Service
Walsh, J. (2021 – present) Conference Program Chair, Community Journalism Interest Group, Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication
Walsh, J. (2020 – present) Committee Member, Communicating Science, Health, Environment and Risk Division, Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication
Walsh, J. (2023) Reviewer, Journal Article, Journalism Practice
Walsh, J. (2022) Reviewer, Textbook, SAGE Textbook Publishing
Public Service
Walsh, J. (2017 - present) Vice President, Secretary, Friends of Pioneers Park Nature Center
Bryan Wang, associate professor
Professional Service
Wang, B. (2020 – present) Reviewer/Discussant, Conference Paper, Communication Technology Division, Association for Education in Journalism & Mass Communication
Wang, B. (2017 – present) Committee Member, Communication Theory & Methodology Executive Committee
Wang, B. (2015 – present) Reviewer, Journal Article, Journalism and Mass Communication Quarterly
Wang, B. (2023) Reviewer, Journal Article, American Politics Research
Wang, B. (2023) Reviewer, Journal Article, Journal of Creative Communications
Joe Weber, professor
Professional Service
Weber, J. (2021-present) Co-Editor, Book, Routledge
Weber, J. (2010 – 2022) Member of the Board of Trustees, Omaha Press Club Foundation
Weber, J. (2021) Reviewer, Book, University of Massachusetts Press
Public Service
Weber, J. (2019) Guest Speaker, Nebraska Rural Electric Association
Weber, J. (2018) Guest Speaker, Carol Yoakum Family Resource Center Coffee Club
Changmin Yan, associate professor
Professional Service
Yan, C. (2016 – present) Editorial Review Board Member, Media Psychology
Yan, C. (2012 – present) Reviewer, Journal Article, Communication Research
Yan, C. (2012 – present) Reviewer, Journal Article, Health Communication
Public Service
Yan, C. (2017) Judge, 2017 Oath Advertising Knock-out, Yahoo!
Yan, C. (2015-2016) Chair, Marketing Sub-Committee, 10 Health TV Steering Committee, City of Lincoln.
3. Summarize the professional and public service activities undertaken by the unit. Include short courses, continuing education, institutes, press meetings; judging of contests; sponsorship of speakers addressing communication issues of public consequence and concern; and similar activities.
The college is committed to advancing our industry's skills and knowledge, including students, alumni, industry and professionals. Additionally, the college is committed to advancing issues of democracy and media and Nebraska and the nation.
To advance the skills and knowledge of members of the media, the college hosts regular lectures by accomplished professionals and provides media training workshops to organizations seeking to improve their media relations skills.
Seline Lecture Series
The Seline Lecture Series was founded in 2010. The series brings in professional journalists to provide public lectures and speak in classes throughout the college. In 2022, the series was revamped to focus specifically on the future of journalism. During that year, Professor Joe Weber incorporated the series in his special topics course, the News Business-Pathbreaking Models. Three speakers talked about how their organizations are adopting innovative business models to ensure longevity in local news. The speakers were Sewell Chan, editor of The Texas Tribune, Larry Ryckman, editor and co-founder of Colorado Sun, and Celeste LeCompte, chief audience officer of Chicago Public Media.
In 2023, the series continued to focus on the future of journalism, bringing in Jenna Johnson, deputy democracy editor for the Washington Post, to discuss the future of journalism in a polarized political environment facing the continued rise of misinformation. The Seline Lecture is free and open to the public. It is broadcast on 90.3 KRNU and the college’s YouTube Channel.
The Seline Lectureship is supported by a fund established by the Seline Family in memory of their parents S. Allen and Kathleen D. Seline for the years they devoted to helping young people of Nebraska. For a complete list of Seline lecturers, please click here.
Hearst Visiting Professionals
Each year, the college invites an esteemed professional to campus as Hearst Visiting Professionals to provide insight and information on their area of expertise. In 2023, the college hosted Diane Brayton, executive vice president and general counsel for the New York Times. Brayton provided her insights on media law and First Amendment issues to students in the college, the College of Law and members of the public. Lectures by Hearst visiting professionals are free and open to the public. They are also aired on 90.3 KRNU and streamed on the college’s YouTube Channel.
The Hearst Visiting Professionals program is supported through an endowment created by the William Randolph Hearst Foundation. For a complete list of Hearst visiting professionals, please click here.
Dick Worick Visiting Professorship
In 2023, the college relaunched the Dick Worick Visiting Professorship, which had been on hiatus due to changing leadership in the college and the onset of COVID-19. The Dick Worick Visting Professorship brings in a prominent expert in market research to work with classes and the college’s competition teams and to provide workshops to local industry professionals. In 2023, the college hosted Jennifer Urich, CEO and co-founder of Sparrow Strategy.
Urich spent two weeks on campus meeting with a variety of classes and student groups. She also provided an industry workshop on strategy development as part of the college’s AMA SkillsSchool partnership. Urich continued to mentor students following her visit using virtual meeting tools, such as Zoom.
Established in 2017, the Dick Worick Visiting Professorship is supported by donations from Dick Worick, a 1977 graduate and founder of The MSR Group, a market research firm in Omaha, Nebraska.
Roper Visiting Professional in Sports Journalism
Annually, the college hosts a Roper Visiting Professional in Sports Journalism, bringing an esteemed professional to campus to speak with students and provide a public lecture on an emerging issue or topic in sports media. In fall 2022, the college hosted Thomas Horky, professor of sport communication at Macromedia University in Hamburg, Germany, from August to October. Horky spoke with a variety of classes, mentored junior faculty in sports media and communication to improve their research, taught a pop-up class on media and the World Cup and gave a public lecture titled, “European Sports and Media: The 2022 Football World Cup.” The lecture was streamed to the college’s YouTube channel.
The Roper Visiting Professional Program was established in 2001 and is supported by an endowment created by Lynn Roper, a 1970 graduate, and her husband, Dana.
In addition to formal lectureship programs, the college routinely hosts lectures and talks by prominent and accomplished alumni.
Other Talks
In fall 2022, the college hosted a book talk by Jane Olson. Olson (1964) is the former chairman of the board of Human Rights Watch and recently published a book about her experiences, “World Citizen: Journeys of a Humanitarian.” The book talk took place at the International Quilt Museum in Lincoln and was free and open to the public. It also was streamed live on the college’s YouTube Channel.
In spring 2023, the college hosted a book signing with 1951 graduate Marylou Luther. Luther has been a prominent fashion journalist for more than 70 years, working for publications such as the Des Moines Register, the L.A. Times and the Chicago Tribune. Her book, “Be-Spoke,” offers insights into the creative process and lives of the most important fashion designers of our time. The book signing was held at the Cosmopolitan Club in New York City. It was free and open to alumni and Nebraskans living in New York. The talk was recorded and is available for viewing on the UNL Media Hub.
Media Trainings
In 2022-2023, the college launched media training workshops to help organizations improve their employees’ ability to interact with local media organizations. They have been conducted by faculty within the college. During the year, the college offered five workshops to students enrolled in the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Public Health. Additionally, the college established a service center that will allow for the expansion of the workshops to other campus units and external partners, with additional workshops planned for the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Public Health, Nebraska Local Public Health Directors, Nebraska National Guard and U.S. Strategic Command in 2023-2024.
Mobile Me & You
Since 2015, the college has hosted an annual conference Mobile Me & You, in partnership with Northwestern University and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The conference engages news organizations and industry leaders on the latest trends and topics in mobile media. The fall 2022 conference included speakers from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Northwestern University, University of Southern California Annenberg School, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, University of Missouri, Knight Foundation, Wall Street Journal, Syracuse University, Loric Games, American Press Institute, Santa Clara University and CNN Digital.
Political Debates
In 2022-2023, the college partnered with local television station, Channel 8 KLKN, to host two political debates. In fall 2023, the college hosted a congressional debate between former Nebraska State Sen. Patty Pansing Brooks and Rep. Mike Flood, who were vying for the Nebraska First Congressional District seat. In spring 2022, the college hosted a Lincoln mayoral debate between incumbent Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird and former Nebraska State Sen. Suzanne Geist.
Both debates were hosted in Andersen Hall, and media production students in the college worked alongside professionals from KLKN to produce the debates. Additionally, students in the college’s Experience Lab covered the debates for their media platforms.
The college regularly sponsors and engages in activities that advance issues of democracy and media in Nebraska and the nation, including Democracy Day.
E.N. Thompson Forum
The college is an active supporter of the E.N. Thompson Forum, whose mission is to bring a diversity of viewpoints on international and public policy issues to the university and the residents of the state to promote understanding and encourage debate. Dean Veil serves as the E.N. Thompson Forum Committee Chair and Professor Frauke Hachtmann is a member of the committee. In 2022-2023, the E.N. Thomspon Forum brought six prominent speakers to campus to discuss the theme “Creativity to Solve Global Challenges.” The E.N. Thomspon Forum is free and open to the public. It is streamed online and aired on LNKTV in Lincoln.
Flatwater Forum
In 2022-2023, the college sponsored a Flatwater Forum, in partnership with the Flatwater Free Press, a Nebraska nonprofit news organization focused on investigations and feature stories. The forum, titled “Nebraska’s Prisons at a Crossroads,” brought together a diversity of viewpoints on issues facing the Nebraska Department of Corrections. The forum was free and open to the public. It was also streamed live on the college’s YouTube channel.
Campus Voices
For more than 20 years, the college has hosted a weekly radio show, Campus Voices. Hosted by Rick Alloway, associate professor of broadcasting and general manager of 90.3 KRNU, Campus Voices expands the reach of University of Nebraska-Lincoln faculty and alumni through in-depth interviews on individual areas of expertise. During 2022-2023, Campus Voices aired interviews with:
- Candice Millard, author, River of the Gods: Genius, Courage and Betrayal in the Search for the Source of the Nile
- Tyler Riewer (2004), creative director, Charity:Water
- Jane Olson (1964), former board chair, Human Rights Watch
- Jonathan Lopes, contemporary artist, and Margaret Bohls, associate professor of art, UNL
- Caroline Clements, public relations and membership coordinator, University of Nebraska State Museum
- Jane Chen, co-founder and CEO, Embrace Global
- Jenna Johnson (2007), deputy democracy editor, Washington Post
- Nathan He (2018), assistant director of alumni engagement, Nebraska Alumni Association
- Ronnie Green, chancellor, UNL
- Josh Planos (2014), VP of communications and public relations, Better Business Bureau Omaha
- Dionne Searcey (1993), reporter, The New York Times
- Juan Perez, Jr. (2009), education reporter, Politico
- Emily Doskow (2002), chief marketing officer, Leo Burnett
- Tia Newcomer (1995), CEO, CaringBridge
- Rear Adm. Robert E. Wirth, deputy director, Strategic Targeting and Nuclear Mission Planning, U.S. Strategic Command
Campus Voices airs every Sunday on 90.3 KRNU in Lincoln, is available for online streaming through KRNU2, the station’s companion web stream, and is available for download as a podcast at https://krnu.nebraskanewsservice.net/shows/krnu-campus-voices/.
Service through the curriculum
The college regularly engages students in promoting and advancing issues important to Nebraskans through depth reports, podcasts, published coursework and projects with Nebraska businesses and organizations.
The college’s award-winning depth reporting program focuses on producing professional-quality depth reports on topics of social importance. In 2017, the college took home the grand prize in the Robert F. Kennedy Journalism awards for the 2016 depth reporting project, Wounds of Whiteclay. The project examined the impact of alcohol sales in Whiteclay, Nebraska, on the nearby Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. This award was the first time in the Kennedy Awards 49-year history that the grand prize was awarded to a collegiate project.
In 2020, the college produced a depth report Climate Change Nebraska, that examined the causes of climate change and its impact on Nebraska, as well as potential solutions for the crisis. The report gained national media attention from outfits such as The Guardian and Katie Couric’s “Wake-Up Call.”
In 2021, the college produced a depth report Being Black in Lincoln that featured a series of 12 profiles of African American community members in Lincoln, Nebraska. The series was published in the Lincoln Journal Star and won the college journalism award at the Rober F. Kennedy Human Rights Journalism Awards.
In 2022, the college partnered with the Omaha World-Herald to examine reporting on race-related stories throughout its history. On Dec. 18, 2022, the Omaha World-Herald published 18 student reports from the Racial Reckoning course accompanied by an editorial column on the project.
Also in 2022, the college received a $4.65 million dollar gift to create the Deepe Family Endowed Chair in Depth Reporting. The size of the gift allowed the college to hire two faculty members, Linda White and Pulitzer Prize winner Chris Graves, beginning in August 2023 to further advance depth reporting in the college.
In addition to depth reports, which elevate issues of social importance, the college also works with students to publish work that advances issues important to Nebraskans.
In 2021-2022, the college launched 93 counties. The bi-weekly podcast tells stories from each of Nebraska’s counties. The podcasts are available on the college’s Nebraska News Service website and are available for download on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
The college’s journalism and broadcasting capstone course, News Lab, focuses on developing stories important to Nebraskans in print, audio and video. The stories are published on the Nebraska News Service website and distributed to more than 100 Nebraska media outlets for publication through the Nebraska News Service’s wire service.
Two of the college’s advertising and public relations capstone courses, Campaigns and Jacht, regularly work with Nebraska business, nonprofit organizations and government agencies to develop advertising and public relations campaigns. In 2022-2023, some of their clients included: Nebraska Public Media, Kids Chance of Nebraska, Nebraska Department of Transportation, People’s City Mission, Pink Bandana, Rotary International, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Print Services and Wellbeing Initiative, Inc.
4. Describe the unit’s methods for communicating with alumni, such as newsletters or other publications. Provide the web link(s) for communication during the previous academic year or provide print copies in the workroom.
The college routinely communicates with alumni through newsletters, reports, events and social media.
Monthly Newsletter
Each month the college publishes an alumni newsletter that is distributed digitally to all living alumni with an active email address. The current distribution list includes 4,394 alumni.
The newsletter regularly features stories about the accomplishments of the college’s faculty, staff and students. Additionally, the newsletter features stories about the accomplishments of alumni. Between July 1, 2022, and June 30, 2023, the college published 12 alumni newsletters containing a total of 230 stories. Past alumni newsletters are available here.
Annual Report
In 2020, the college began publishing an annual report on college achievements. The report is distributed digitally to all alumni. Print copies are shared with college faculty, staff, members of the college’s strategic planning committee and engaged alumni at college-sponsored events. Annual reports are available for 2020, 2021 and 2022.
Alumni Magazine
The college is also regularly featured in Nebraska Quarterly, a quarterly magazine published by the Nebraska Alumni Association. The winter, spring and summer editions are sent to members of the Nebraska Alumni Association. The fall edition is sent to all Nebraska alumni.
In addition to frequent communications, the college also regularly engages alumni at receptions and events. These events allow alumni to learn about the college and interact with other alumni to build networks and enhance their connections.
Drinks with the Dean
The college’s dean has regularly hosted receptions, known as Drinks with the Dean, at locations throughout the country. These informal receptions are held at local Nebraska Watch Party locations maintained by the Nebraska Alumni Association. All local alumni are invited to attend. During the receptions, the dean provides information on current happenings in the college and uses the opportunity to learn more about our alumni. Drinks with the Dean began in 2018 with Interim Dean Amy Struthers and has been continued by Dean Veil.
In 2022-2023, the college hosted Drinks with the Dean events in Minneapolis, Omaha, Lincoln, Chicago, Washington, D.C., Denver, Nashville, New York, Dallas and Kansas City. To see past Drinks with the Dean locations, please click here. To see an example invitation, please click here.
Reunions
Beginning in 2020, the college has regularly hosted a series of virtual alumni reunions allowing alumni to engage with each other over Zoom. The events are organized by decade and are hosted by the dean. In fall 2022, the college hosted virtual reunions for alumni graduating in the following years: 1959 and before, 1960-1969, 1970-1979, 1980-1989, 1990-1999, 2000-2009, 2010-2019, 2020 and after. To see past reunion dates, please click here. To see an example invitation, please click here.
Homecoming
Each fall, the college hosts a Homecoming Reception the night before the Husker homecoming football game. The event coincides with the campus homecoming parade. All CoJMC alumni are invited to attend. The event offers alumni an opportunity to connect with each other and, through tours of college facilities, learn about recent changes and happenings in the college.
Scholarship Brunch
In October 2022, the college launched an annual scholarship brunch, to connect scholarship donors with the recipients of their generosity. The event acknowledged each scholarship recipient and provided photographs of the donors and recipients. The inaugural event featured remarks from Greg Andersen, CEO of Bailey Lauerman, who established the Bailey Lauerman Scholarship for Student Opportunity the previous year, and Dulce Garcia, a senior advertising and public relations major who received the scholarship. The college will continue to host this event annually, with the 2023 event scheduled for Nov. 4, 2023. See the student and donor invitations.
Other Events
The college also holds events that engage alumni and industry partners and communicate about college accomplishments. In October 2021, the college hosted Ribbon Cutting for the Agency and Experience Lab, featuring remarks from Chancellor Ronnie Green, Dean Veil and Experience Lab Co-Directors Jill Martin and Jemalyn Griffin. In November 2022, the college hosted a Ribbon Cutting for the Don and Lorena Meier Studio that featured remarks from representatives of the college, the Nebraska Broadcasters Association and the Don and Lorena Meier Foundation. In March 2023, the college hosted an opening for the Pepsi Unlimited Sports Lab that featured remarks from representatives of the college and Pepsi-Cola of Lincoln. These events were open to area alumni, students and industry partners.
Social Media
The college also uses social media to communicate and engage with alumni. X, formerly known as Twitter, and LinkedIn are the primary platforms the college uses to engage alumni. However, recent alumni have been engaged on Instagram.
To review the college’s social media activity, please visit our Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram pages.
5. Describe the unit’s support of scholastic (high school) journalism and communications, including workshops, visiting lectures, critiques of student work, etc.
The college regularly supports scholastic journalism through workshops, after school programs, summer camps and sponsorship of the Nebraska High School Press Association.
A la carte workshops
In spring 2019, the college expanded an a la carte workshop program that allows high school teachers to request workshops taught by faculty or student ambassadors. Teachers can select from pre-designed workshops or engage with the college to tailor a custom workshop to the needs of their students. In 2022-2023, the college taught 79 a la carte workshops throughout Nebraska, as well as in Kansas City and North Sioux City, South Dakota. For a complete listing of workshops, please click here. The number of workshops completed by the college has been steadily increasing each year, except for 2020-2021, when most Nebraska high schools didn’t allow visitors due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Nebraska High School Press Association
The college has a long history of supporting the Nebraska High School Press Association. One faculty member is assigned to serve as the association’s executive director. That position is currently held by Michelle Hassler, associate professor of practice. The college hosts the association’s fall convention, which brings Nebraska high school students to the UNL campus to learn from CoJMC faculty and Nebraska journalists. The Oct. 17, 2022, conference brought more than 750 students from 48 Nebraska high schools to campus. Additionally, every July the college hosts the association’s annual summer workshop, where around 100 Nebraska high school students who work on their school publications take a deep dive into journalism.
Bay High
In fall 2022, the college launched a partnership with Bay High, a Lincoln Public Schools focus program. The program targets students interested in digital storytelling and enrolls a disproportionate number of underrepresented students, 27% in 2022-2023. The college partnered with Bay High to offer an after-school program aimed at working with students to produce stories of interest to Generation Z for publication by Rabble Media, a local youth media platform.
The college developed plans during 2022-2023, to expand our partnership with Bay High through a dual hire that will not only teach classes in the college but will also teach journalism classes at Bay High.
Summer Camps
In 2015, the college launched a summer media academy where high school students from throughout the United States came for a week-long, hands-on learning experience in journalism and media. In 2019, the college partnered with Nebraska 4-H to continue offering the media academy as part of the university’s Big Red Summer Camp Program. During the camp, students attend workshops with CoJMC faculty and then work on a digital storytelling project. In summer 2022, campers used digital media skills to tell stories for two on-campus organizations, the Sheldon Museum of Art and Morrill Hall, the University of Nebraska State Museum. In summer 2023, the college expanded the summer camp program by offering a second camp focused on media and communication in esports.
School Publications Course
The college has a long-standing partnership with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Education and Human Sciences to routinely teach a school publications course. The course prepares students pursuing a degree in secondary education the skills needed to teach high school journalism courses or serve as school newspaper or yearbook advisers. The course is offered every other spring semester.