Artificial intelligence has enormous potential to transform the world as we currently know it. Education, the economy, health, politics. From simple text generation to advanced efficiencies in scholarly research, no sector is beyond the reach of AI tools. However, the power of AI presents us with existential questions. Careful attention to ethics and security is critical to maximize the benefits of AI and mitigate considerable risks.

In February 2024, Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin launched the Wisconsin Research, Innovation and Scholarly Excellence (RISE) Initiative, an interdisciplinary research and faculty hiring effort to address significant, complex challenges facing Wisconsin and the world. The first area of focus is AI, and I am delighted to share that the School of Journalism and Mass Communication will be part of this first wave of hiring and research advancement, as one of a handful of programs authorized to hire a new tenure-track faculty member focused on AI. This support from UW-Madison and the College of Letters & Science is clear evidence that our forward-looking research and teaching are recognized across campus.

Hiring a new faculty colleague through RISE-AI will provide a wealth of resources and opportunities for our undergraduate and graduate students and will further enhance the cutting-edge education they need to succeed in today’s dynamic work environments and to develop tomorrow’s research innovations.

On, Wisconsin!

Save the date for Fill the Hill! Support current J-Schoolers starting at 5 p.m. on Oct. 24 through 5 p.m. on Oct. 25.

The SJMC is thrilled to welcome seven new members to its Board if Visitors: Herman Baumann (BA’75), Laura Brenner (BA’87), Angela Dallman (BA’89), David Grossman (BA’87), Patty Loew (MA’92, PhD’98), Sandy Newman (BA’98) and Courtney Quaye (BA’99). These new members have distinguished themselves in their respective fields and will provide insights from a variety of industries, including strategic communication, law, indigenous affairs, academia and broadcast news.

UW–Madison released it's Top 5 Hottest Certificates with the Sports Communication Certificate coming in third with over 251 students added to the program between fall 2019 and fall 2023. The certificate equips students with hands-on training and knowledge for success in the fast-paced worlds of sports journalism, marketing, media and PR.

Many of the 2024 Ph.D. graduates are venturing out into the world and pursuing their new adventures.

Heewone Lim received the Global Gateway Initiative Fellowship to support her fall semester abroad in Utrecht, Netherlands. In addition to financial support, the Initiative furthers the Wisconsin Idea by requiring fellows to create blog posts throughout their experience abroad.

Two years ago, a group of six Ph.D. students along with emeritus professor Lew Friedland formed a book club to read, discuss and analyze Jurgen Habermas' "Theory of Communicative Action." Known for its density and complexity, the two volume series challenged the group and forged a bond between them.

This fall, we welcomed 11 new adjunct instructors and lecturers to Vilas. These individuals are already fostering a strong learning experience for our student by incorporating their own experiences as industry professionals and scholars in a wide range of fields.

While many of us watched the 2024 Summer Olympic coverage from the comfort of our desks or couches, alum Greg Hughes got a front row seat to the action. Over the years, Hughes has been involved with Olympics coverage for several Games and handles publicity, image management, crisis management and strategy around NBC Sports broadcasts.

We are so proud of what our alumni go on to accomplish once they leave Vilas, and we want to brag about it to current J-School students and visitors. Please submit this form to be highlighted on one of the screens in our 5th-floor lobby.