Dear Friends:
It is my honor to share some exciting news about our department. We have recently undergone a name change and I am happy to announce that our new name is the Department of Communication and Media.
Here is some background–Our previous two departments, Department of Journalism and Mass Communication and Department of Communication Studies, were merged a few years ago to form the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication and Communication Studies. That department name was rather long and cumbersome for a unified department name. It was also confusing for prospective students. There was a need to have a new department name that reflected who we are as a collective department and what we do for undergraduates at Samford University.
When I assumed office as department chair last fall, I formed a committee to research and recommend a new name. The committee, which was headed by professor David Shipley, reviewed the names of similar departments across the country. They considered more than 300 department names, looking at trends, frequencies and even the unusual and esoteric. Based on their analysis, they produced a shortlist which was subsequently ranked by our faculty. The top two names were subjected to a faculty vote, out of which our new name emerged. This name was approved at the December meeting of the board of trustees.
Communication and Media encompasses the work of both former departments and provides a sense of unity for future curriculum reform and a rash of other activities. We are very excited at this new chapter and what it presents. We are currently working on curriculum changes to better prepare our students for the evolving communication and media world. You are welcome to share any curriculum suggestions with the head of our curriculum committee, professor Clay Carey.
Thank you for your continued interest and support for our department. As always, do not hesitate to contact me if I can answer any questions.
Sincerely,
Chair, Department of Communication and Media
