With the spring semester in full swing, I want to take time to reflect on what we’ve been able to accomplish in the past months. Our students and instructors successfully transitioned back to in-person learning and continue to achieve great things both in and out of the classroom. Our faculty are conducting impactful research on misinformation, health communication, journalism practices and more. And of course, our alumni and friends of the school have been instrumental in ensuring the success of the department. Looking ahead to the rest of the semester, I want to encourage all of our alumni to continue supporting the J-School, especially during the upcoming Day of the Badger event, April 5-6. With a donation to the School of Journalism and Mass Communication, you can support current students and share your J-School pride. Thank you!

Join us in supporting the J-School during our annual day of giving. When we hit 117 donors, we'll unlock an additional $12,500!

Crossroads Communication Conference: The annual graduate student-led event returned in person this month! Congratulations to all involved.

This year, two J-School seniors were recognized for their exceptional work and commitment to the field of broadcast news. Gaby Vinick and Kim Leadholm accepted their awards at the WBA Student Seminar.

School of Journalism and Mass Communication Board of Visitors member and UW alum Rob Master (Political Science BA’93) will return for the fall 2022 semester to teach J564 Media and the Consumer in the Digital Age.

Alum and former Board of Visitors chair Ben Deutsch (BA’85) will return to SJMC this summer to teach Journalism 475: Corporate Communication.

Sharon Dunwoody, Evjue-Bascom Professor Emerita of the School of Journalism and Mass Communication and a leader in science communication research, died February 4, 2022, after undergoing treatment for cancer in recent months.

Beyond her path-breaking scholarship and public outreach, Sharon was an incredible colleague, mentor, teacher and friend.

Kind, patient, wise, thoughtful and generous, Sharon Dunwoody was an embodiment and reflection of the best of us. She leaves an enormous footprint in the field and in our school and an even larger hole in our hearts.

Dave Black, who inspired generations of students as general manager of UW–Madison’s student radio station WSUM 91.7 FM, has died at age 66.

Through his own dedication to broadcast journalism and radio programming, Dave made an impression on students at UW-Madison and instilled the University’s value of sifting and winnowing.

Dave was a steadfast leader, a dedicated mentor and a beloved colleague and friend.