Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications

Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications. It is a prominent journalism and communications school within Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. Founded in 1923, it is one of the oldest programs of its kind in the United States and is widely recognized for its rigorous curriculum and strong professional focus. The school is named for the Scripps-Howard Newspapers chain, reflecting a long-standing partnership with the media industry.

History

The school's origins trace back to 1923 when the Department of Journalism was established at Ohio University under the leadership of John R. H. Pollard. A pivotal moment occurred in 1982 when the E. W. Scripps Company, through the Scripps Howard Foundation, provided a transformative endowment, leading to the renaming in honor of the Scripps-Howard Newspapers empire. This gift cemented a lasting relationship with the Scripps Howard Foundation, which continues to support student scholarships, faculty development, and the prestigious Scripps Howard Awards. Throughout its history, the school has evolved alongside major shifts in the media landscape, from the rise of broadcast journalism to the digital revolution, consistently adapting its curriculum to prepare graduates for careers at organizations like the Associated Press, CNN, and The Washington Post.

Academics

The school offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate degrees, including Bachelor of Science in Journalism and Master of Science in Journalism programs. Specialized sequences allow students to focus on areas such as news writing and editing, broadcast journalism, magazine journalism, strategic communication, and visual communication. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning, ethical reasoning, and multimedia storytelling, with core courses often taught by professionals with experience at outlets like NBC News and The New York Times. Graduate programs, including those focused on public relations and media arts and studies, are designed to develop advanced research and leadership skills. The school also administers the highly selective Carr Van Anda Program, which honors the longtime managing editor of The New York Times.

Facilities and resources

Students and faculty operate out of the state-of-the-art Scripps Hall, which houses modern newsrooms, television studios, control rooms, and editing suites that mirror professional environments. The building is also home to the Game Research and Immersive Design (GRID) Lab, a cutting-edge facility for exploring virtual reality and interactive media. The school manages several important public-facing entities, including the regional WOUB Public Media, a PBS and NPR member station that provides real-world experience in broadcasting and digital content creation. Other key resources include the E. W. Scripps School of Journalism Library archives and the Scripps Howard Foundation-funded Walter Cronkite Memorial, honoring the legendary CBS News anchor.

Student life and organizations

Student life is intensely activity-based, centered on producing professional media. The award-winning, student-run newspaper, The Post, provides daily journalism experience, while Athens MidDay, a live television newscast, airs on WOUB Public Media. Major student organizations include chapters of the Society of Professional Journalists, the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), and the National Association of Black Journalists. Students frequently participate in national competitions like the Hearst Journalism Awards and secure prestigious internships through the school's strong industry connections with companies such as The Walt Disney Company and Gannett. The annual Scripps Howard Awards ceremony often brings prominent journalists from networks like ABC News to campus.

Notable alumni and faculty

The school's alumni network includes many influential figures in media and communication. Notable graduates include Matt Lauer, former co-host of NBC's Today; Michele Norris, former host of NPR's All Things Considered; and Art Swift, former president of The Harris Poll. Distinguished faculty have included pioneers like Dr. Ralph Izard, a renowned journalism ethics scholar, and Amantha Perera, an international correspondent. The school also maintains strong ties with figures like Ted Koppel of Nightline and the late Daniel Schorr of CBS News, who have served as visiting professionals and lecturers, enriching the learning environment with insights from the highest levels of the profession. Category:Ohio University Category:Journalism schools in the United States