AMES, Iowa -- The Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC) -- the agency responsible for the evaluation of professional journalism and mass communications programs in colleges and universities -- unanimously approved the Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication at Iowa State University for re-accreditation. The Accrediting Committee in Chicago and the site team also unanimously recommended full re-accreditation for the Greenlee School earlier this year.
The re-accreditation for an additional six-year term advances the Greenlee School's status among the longest continuously accredited journalism programs in the country.
"We are delighted that the Greenlee School has been reaccredited for another six years," said Michael Whiteford, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. "The school has made some remarkable changes since it last went through the process of reaccreditation and I'm pleased that the significance of these changes has been recognized."
The Accrediting Council described the Greenlee School as a strong school in all respects, especially its internship program, coordinated by Kim McDonough. The council also cited the school's rigorous skills courses in its recommendation.
"The converged and streamlined curricula were very well received, perhaps as models for others," said Greenlee School Director and Professor Michael Bugeja. "It was noted that advising was important with our pedagogy, and advising was one of our strengths because it enhanced retention."
Bugeja also reports that research productivity was praised by the council. The site team also noted in its report the "substantive increase in faculty scholarship appropriate for a Research I university," as well as quality advising by faculty and staff and a high level of student participation in student media and organizations.
The site team praised "energetic and enthusiastic students who value the Greenlee School faculty and staff" and touted the leadership of the school that has raised its profile on campus and nationally in the discipline.
The Greenlee School's mission also was lauded, with the site team affirming that the unit "serves the industry and the public by reinforcing the principles of journalism and mass communication education, by generating knowledge that can be applied to professional practice, and by providing expertise and communication support to development efforts at the international, national and local levels."
Bugeja credits the unanimous re-accreditations to the dedication of faculty and staff in serving students through good and bad budget times, remembering their commitment to the state of Iowa in the land-grant tradition.
"We also have some of the most dedicated, creative and zealous students as majors in advertising and journalism and mass communication," he said. "This is in keeping with the talents and accomplishments of our alumni base."
Bugeja also applauds the school's Advisory Council for supporting the school as mentors, benefactors and role models.
