College of Journalism and Mass Communications News

Kylie Graham of Olathe, Kan., Brenda Maytorena of Puebla City, Mexico and Natalie Saenz of Scottsbluff were chosen as student fellows for the Carnegie-Knight News21 Program at Arizona State University (ASU). During the spring semester they’ll attend a weekly virtual seminar led by News21 Executive Editor Jacqueline Petchel, a former senior editor for investigations and enterprise at the Houston Chronicle.

Journalism Prof. Gary Kebbel has retired after 10 years in the College of Journalism and Mass Communications, two as dean. As a faculty member, Kebbel was a grant partner with the Asian American Journalism Association and the National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association to embed a diversity reporter in the college for a year. He received grants from UNL and from the Stevens Initiative (run by the Aspen Institute) to create a global news class where his students talked weekly with students in Oman about world issues. He also created classes in mobile media and in social media event planning.

“I’m very proud of these hardworking students,” Griffin said. “Many of these initiatives were completed at the peak of the pandemic, and these student leaders pushed forward and truly shined during a period of great adversity.”

The global coronavirus pandemic of 2020 has presented unprecedented challenges for everyone, including colleges and universities.  During all the turmoil throughout the year, the College of Journalism and Mass Communications has remained committed to educating the next generation of journalists and communicators during every up and down throughout the year. 

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

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. 

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