Arkansas State University is putting the “J” back in journalism.
The university has announced a board of trustees-approved resolution to create the School of Media & Journalism as an area of excellence within the College of Liberal Arts & Communication.
Journalism — broadcast, print and related fields — has previously been taught under the ASU Department of Media. The ASU Department of Communication taught sales, social media management, crisis and organizational communication and corporate training.
Both departments have existed since the of College of Liberal Arts & Communications was formed in 2015 and Carl Cates was named Dean. A search will be conducted for a director for the School of Media & Journalism.
While ASU has continued to turn out print and radio-television journalists, ASU officials felt there was something of an identity issue on the journalism side.
“We never abandoned journalism in our curriculum,” ASU System President Chuck Welch said in a statement. “But renaming the department will provide greater focus and let everyone know we’re proud of this marquee program with a long tradition of excellence.”
Welch noted that the university is known for producing teachers, nurses and journalists, but there are schools for nursing and education while there was no such name recognition for prospective journalism students.
“The School of Media & Journalism name is consistent with our schools of nursing and education as key focuses of the university,” he said.
Technology and economics have led to rapid changes in journalism in the United States. Social media and multimedia platforms have contributed to a decline in print, with many newspapers ceasing publication or opting to produce only online versions of their product.
According to the Pew Research Center, newsroom employment declined 23 percent from 2008 to 2017. Meanwhile, the Bureau of Labor statistics projects a 9 percent growth in public relations employment from 2016-2026.
Such trends led Arkansas State to form its separate media and communications departments, reflecting the electronic media influence on journalism and the evolving nature of the industry.
The number of ASU students who majored in print journalism was in decline before 2015. But, according to school figures, fall enrollment in the now-renamed School of Media & Journalism was up by 53 students, a 19 percent increase to a total enrollment of 328, since 2015.
ASU Chancellor Kelly Damphousse said the university would continue to keep up with changes in the journalism profession, but noted that core journalism education is important whether a student is interested in multimedia, public relations or social or digital media management.
“Our journalism and media programs will continue to address the needs of the fast-changing communication landscape,” he said.