School of Communication & Media designated at Kennesaw State University[케네소주립대학교]
The former Department of Communication at Kennesaw State University has been renamed the School of Communication & Media to better position the 25-year-old program to serve more than 1,000 students each semester and pursue national accreditation.
President Daniel S. Papp announced the School’s new status at the official Opening of the University last week, noting the unique opportunity for growth in one of the University’s most popular academic programs, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.
“The new name will enhance opportunities for external fund-raising and respond more effectively and efficiently to student needs,” Papp said. “The School already graduates more students than any other communications program in the state except the University of Georgia’s. We see the potential for even more explosive growth.”
More than 1,500 students are enrolled in the School’s two undergraduate majors in communication and public relations, the master’s program in integrated global communication and an online graduate certificate in digital and social media. Communication ranks among the University’s top three academic programs in enrollment.
To meet the demands of growth, the School of Communication & Media will seek external funding and other resources. It also will pursue national accreditation through the Accrediting Council for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (ACEJMC), a credential held by only two other state institutions — University of Georgia and Savannah State University.
“It is exciting to look ahead to what a School of Communication & Media can accomplish,” said Robin Dorff, dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, which houses the new School. “We look forward to creating a program of national significance as we foster an environment that supports innovative teaching, research and faculty development.”
In the transition to the new school structure, administrators and faculty members anticipate changes and enhancements to the program.
“We are looking ahead to new trends, new technologies and new opportunities in the broad fields of communication and media,” said Barbara Gainey, director of the School of Communication & Media. “We plan to work with our faculty, staff, students and business partners to equip students to be leaders in the evolving communication workplace.”
Gainey also noted the School’s desire to develop its leadership in engaging with the professional community, including student internships; in global learning for graduate and undergraduate students; and in technology in the classrooms, digital media labs and studio facilities.
“Our goal is to prepare students with the communication knowledge, skills and experiences they need to make an instant impact in the workplace and their communities,” she said.
