We live in an increasingly connected and digitized world. And, as educators in the Hampton University Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications, we have a vital responsibility in preparing the next generation of journalism and strategic communicators for this decade’s technologically demanding career marketplace. 

During the last 10 years, the way we consume media has dramatically transformed our lives. Mobile phone use and social media communication skyrocketed 460 percent between 2011 and 2021. Nationally and globally, we have moved from using traditional media, to relying on digital media platforms. On average, people open their smartphones 58 times daily, while nearly 70 percent of people worldwide, use mobile phones. 

I’m proud to be the dean of our great journalism and communications school. I’m particularly excited about our new international vision, that includes building a Global Media Center. My stellar faculty, support staff and I are committed to providing our students with superb educational technology, information, and guidance. We’re committed to helping them excel and compete in today’s sophisticated media and communications world. Our integrated teaching approach provides students with both academic and experiential learning opportunities. We bring industry professionals and experts into our classrooms to help to train and mentor students. And we provide students with internships in which they interact with industry professionals and mentors in real-world work environments. As the new academic year begins, we are committed to this “real-world” focus.  

That means that our team must have an informed global perspective and the skills and technological savvy to properly prepare our students to venture out into the real world. In turn, we must equip students with state-of-the-art digital tools and latest multimedia learning skills. Hopefully, through our guidance, we will help them become adept at fact-checking and separating misinformation and disinformation from facts. Facts, in all cases, consist, not of hyperbole, conjecture nor opinions, but of fair, balanced and accurately checked information.  

Armed with these skills, our students will be strong candidates for promising careers, globally. We will complement teaching students foundational skills and competencies, by encouraging them to develop an entrepreneurial mindset. We also will strive to keep our students engaged and safe, as we celebrate their professional growth. To do our best, we also must keep our alumni and Advisory Council enthusiastically engaged. And, through our new President Darrell Williams’ vision and leadership, our “Home by the Sea” is poised to deliver America’s best student experience.  

Yours truly, 
Dean Julia A. Wilson