Campus News

UK Journalism Program Receives Outstanding Review From ACEJMC

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 30, 2015) — The Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications spent four days at the University of Kentucky’s College of Communication and Information evaluating the Journalism program, and has recommended the program for re-accreditation.

The ACEJMC team listed the following as major strengths of the Journalism program: a faculty that is dedicated to student success and well regarded across the campus; a curriculum revision that focused on integrating the broadcast and print programs; a strong commitment to standards of professional journalism; an outstanding record of community service and outreach and a culture that honors and supports diversity and inclusion.

“A very big thank you to all of the journalism majors who met with the team during their visit," said Beth Barnes, director of the School of Journalism and Telecommunications. "The team members told me this morning during their exit interview with me how impressed they were by our students and the enthusiasm for the major.” 

Dan O’Hair, dean of the College of Communication and Information added, “Dr. Barnes and her colleagues deserve many accolades for continuing the fine tradition of journalism education at UK in a manner that is recognized by the highest authority of journalism accreditation.”

The Accrediting Committee will meet in Chicago in March 2015 to accept the team’s recommendation or make its own recommendation. These recommendations will then move to the Accrediting Council in Phoenix. There, the council will make the final decision on the UK Journalism Program’s status. 

As noted on its website, ACEJMC accredits programs in journalism and mass communications at colleges and universities in the United States, Puerto Rico and outside the country. Programs requesting a review by ACEJMC are evaluated every six years and, after the evaluative process, receive one of three determinations: accredited/reaccredited, provisional or denial.

MEDIA CONTACT: Sarah Geegan, (859) 257-5365; sarah.geegan@uky.edu