The William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications at the University of Kansas was founded in 1944 to honor the outstanding journalism and Midwestern values that were the hallmark of the famed Emporia Gazette editor from which it derives its name.

Today, there are nearly 700 undergraduate and 70 graduate students enrolled in the School. Still known for its traditional commitment to excellence in writing and editing, in recent years the School has become nationally known for its leadership in creating a curriculum that reflects the convergence of media and disciplines in the 21st century digital workplace.

Undergraduate students all study the same core journalism skills before focusing on one of the two tracks, News and Information or Strategic Communications. Graduate students focus on News and Information or Strategic Communications, at the main Lawrence campus, or Integrated Marketing Communications, at the Edwards Campus in Overland Park, Kansas.

In fall 1997, faculty at the School of Journalism began the process of creating a curriculum to prepare students for rapidly changing careers in mass communications. The result was an innovative converged, cross-platform and cross-disciplinary program. Since 2000, students and faculty have benefited from the full effects of the change.

“One of the main drivers behind the curriculum change was the finding that, within five years, a majority of our graduates had changed careers,” Professor James Gentry, J-School dean at the time, said.

“The goal of the new curriculum is to prepare students to be more flexible, to give them a broader array of experiences and provide an environment for more critical thinking. The faculty agreed to do the best thing for the students by creating a collaborative and dynamic environment.”

The goal is to give students both conceptual understanding and hands-on experience of why things work as they do in the fields of communication.

Associate Dean David Guth cites the positive effects of the new curriculum in his students’ performance in the classroom and their success in finding internships and jobs.

“I think we hit our stride under the new curriculum in 2002,” Guth said. “While we are very pleased with where we are, the faculty will continue to examine how to teach more wisely and more effectively in terms of class content and management.”

Gentry agrees nothing was lost in the curriculum change, and says that in fact, students are even better prepared now.

“This balance in the curriculum gives students an edge,” Gentry said. “Graduates are well versed in the traditional aspects of journalism and have a unique understanding of the changing role of media in society. They graduate well prepared for a wide variety of careers in journalism and mass communications.”

Quill magazine, the magazine of the Society of Professional Journalists, said the J-School is "considered by many to be a model for innovative curriculum revision."

And the School’s 1999 re-accreditation report praised faculty members for “pioneering curricular efforts to prepare students for media convergence while maintaining its traditional emphasis on writing, reporting and editing.”

J-School students continue to consistently receive recognition from the William Randolph Hearst Foundation, Roy Howard Foundation, Dow Jones Newspaper Fund, Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Awards and other awards from prestigious advertising, broadcast, magazine and public relations industry organizations.

Students gain hands-on experience through professional internships and by producing national award-winning student media, including the University Daily Kansan newspaper and KUJH-TV. They participate in professional groups and even play a role in determining school policies.

“Our close connection to students is what makes us unique,” Guth said. “This is true not only for the School of Journalism but the entire university. We are blessed with great students who are career directed and very disciplined.”

The William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications is located in Stauffer-Flint Hall and the Dole Center at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kan.

For more information about the School of Journalism contact Jennifer Kinnard, Communications Coordinator, at jkinnard@ku.edu or 785-864-7644.