The Communication and Media department at Samford University is hosting tabling events in the University Center this month to promote awareness about its academic programs.
The CAM department, as it’s called for short, comprises what used to be the Journalism and Mass Communications department and the Communication Studies department[. Upon being named the new Department Chair last fall, Professor Ignatius Fosu appointed a committee to recommend a new department name to better reflect the merge. , A faculty vote finalized the new name, which was announced earlier this year. Junior JMC student Grace Anne Kennard organized a campaign to promote awareness about the merge in March.
“I am working with two of my peers in the Public Relations Practicum class to organize and run the campaign because so many of our peers don’t know that a merge has even taken place,” Kennard said.
The merge has proven beneficial to students and staff within this department, creating more opportunities for collaboration and partnership.
“Journalism and mass communication programs of study have a natural connection with communication studies, and vice versa,” Assistant Professor of Communication and Media Nia Johnson said. “The merging of our departments has expanded the resources and opportunities we are able to offer all our students, with hopefully even more to come in the future.”
In a press release issued March 5, the department announced that tabling events would take place every Friday during the month of March from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m in the University Center.
“At each tabling event, we will have resources to learn more about the merger, such as a poster and sign up via Google Form to receive an infographic that holds more information,” Kennard said. “Also, we are about to release a video on social media in the coming week featuring (Communication and Media Chair) Dr. Fosu answering many questions students have asked via a survey sent out through the CAM list-serve.”
In addition to announcing the tabling event, the CAM press release also stated what degree programs are offered within the department.
“The newly renamed Department of Communication and Media is comprised of two majors and three minors: B.A. in Journalism and Mass Communication, B.A. in Communication Studies, Film Studies Minor, Sports Media Minor and Communication Studies Minor,” the press release said. “We offer professional training for both majors and assist students in connecting with internship opportunities locally and nationwide.”
The CAM department is enthusiastic about this consolidation and the opportunity to work together.
“It’s been exciting getting to know the faculty and students in Communication Studies and planning for ways we can collaborate and take advantage of this partnership to improve the educational experience for everyone in our new Department of Communication and Media,” Johnson said.
