This is a time of reflection and recommitment to the media and strategic communications principles that we hold so dear. To diversifying newsrooms and corporate C-suites. To training aspiring journalists and strategic communicators for global competition.

There are 107 HBCUs in America. Only nine have accredited journalism and communications schools.  The Hampton University Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications is proud to be one of the nine and is fully accredited by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC).

With nearly 250 students in our school who are almost evenly divided between two majors, journalism and strategic communications, our school is a quality training ground for students acquiring skills by media industry standards. Our 12 fulltime faculty and staff members are experts in their fields who embrace our students like family.

One national TV network referred to our school as “Small yet Mighty.” We agree with that branding but fully understand what makes us mighty are our students. Our students excel in the classroom. Become leaders of national organizations. Earn scholarships. And When They Compete – They Win!

From the national Hearst award competition in investigative journalism where SHSJC students won first place for a story on climate change – to the Absentee Voter Guide developed by SHSJC students that was published nationally – to the Knight Science Journalism at MIT fellowship where students are learning science writing and reporting, our students are winners.

We will continue embracing our profession and embrace new digital technology such as AI and ChatGPT. We are expanding our podcasting capabilities in our new podcast rooms and maintain current, industry-specific curriculum, including introducing our students to Science Journalism and Business Journalism (including financial literacy). We will continue working to ensure our students gain hands-on experiences through internships and mentorships and building industry relationships. And will continue tapping into our Advisory Council that is comprised of industry professionals to lend a hand.

As dean of the Scripps Howard School for three and a half years, I remain committed to academic excellence, building industry partnerships and increasing scholarship funds for our students. My team and I are focused on meeting the competency goals as defined by the Accrediting Council for Education in Journalism and Mass Communications with which we received full accreditation. We will ensure our students continue focusing on the ethical collection of information that is fact-based and fact-checked with support from credible and reliable sources. They will continue learning the importance of analytical thinking processes and objectivity and data visualization.

Our students are the next generation of storytellers. Of our Black stories. Our Black history. Let’s continue to invest in our students as a reliable, well-trained pipeline of diverse talent who are experiencing the #1 student experience in America at Hampton University.

Julia A. Wilson 
Dean,  Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications