Good news for journos
Great news in the New Mexico Business Weekly, which reports that the University of New Mexico's Communications and Journalism Department has regained its accreditation status.
The department has been without accreditation for five years, much to the dismay of many New Mexico journalists (including this writer) who had attended UNM's journalism school. While accreditation is voluntary, it is a distinction nonetheless.
In 2003, department heads voluntarily withdrew their application for accreditation when accreditors expressed concerns about the department.
Indeed, the accreditors' concerns "about the integrated nature of the department," in the words of a 2003 department newsletter, echoed the sentiments of many who attended back when UNM had a standalone School of Journalism.
Many J-school supporters were dismayed when it was merged with mass communications and communications programs in 1992, fearing journalism would take a back seat to public relations. As it is, the J-school once headed by best-selling author Tony Hillerman took a back seat even in name as the two merged into the new Department of Communications and Journalism (now called C&J).
Renovation of the old J-school building itself was finished last summer and the historic structure is worth a visit. Designed by famous Southwest architect John Gaw Meem, the Pueblo revival-style building was erected in 1948 for the journalism school and UNM Press. It was reopened and began holding classes last fall.
Be the first to comment