Dean's Update June 2021

Wednesday, June 23, 2021 - 9:00am

Dear Alumni and Friends,

This morning I met with the 20 students who will be launching our pilot program for the Experience Lab in the fall. These already impressive young professionals are spending their summer learning to lead. They recently completed the CliftonStrengths assessment, and over the next couple days, they will work with alumna and TRG Arts President Keri Mesropov to identify strategies to leverage their strengths and come together as a team. 

Throughout the summer, they will work with co-directors Jemalyn Griffin and Jill Martin to establish the policies and procedures for the Experience Lab. This fall, alongside designated faculty and professionals in residence, they will oversee students across the college producing content or developing strategy for our student-run advertising and public relations agencies Jacht and Buoy, statewide wire service the Nebraska News Service, news show Nebraska Nightly, sports journalism outfit UNLimited Sports, Nebraska webzine Heartland or college radio station 90.3 KRNU. 

Driving our new strategic plan, our vision is to be a national leader in experiential journalism and mass communications education. The Experience Lab will make that vision a reality. Every one of our students will earn credit developing their portfolios and honing their writing, design, presentation, photography, production, editing, teambuilding, problem-solving and leadership skills outside the traditional classroom. 

I am incredibly proud of the work our faculty, staff and students are putting into building this program, but we are not doing it on our own. The Nebraska Broadcasters Association, KMTV, KLKN, KOLN, Bailey Lauerman, Firespring, KidGlov and Ameritas were the first to offer their support of this endeavor by funding the studio remodel for the News Lab, sponsoring “war rooms” in the Agency Lab and/or providing talented staff with paid work hours to join our program as professionals in residence. 

Over the next couple months, we will continue to expand our partnerships and recruit professionals to the team. If you are interested in getting involved with the Experience Lab, please email me directly. You can also support the Experience Lab through the CoJMC Experience Fund or join us at one of the upcoming Drinks with Dean to learn more. I look forward to hearing from you! 

Go Big Red!  

Shari 

Dean Shari Veil