The Department of Mass Communications has just celebrated its 20th anniversary.
It began in 1978 as a single course – Introduction to Broadcasting- and in 1984 received approval to offer the bachelor’s degree in mass communications through the Department of Communication Arts, currently known as the Department of English and Foreign Languages.
However, it was in 1985 that the department really launched its first class. A page four story in the July 1985 edition of The News Argus heralded the department’s launch, announcing a reception for the first 10 students enrolled.
The department has grown tremendously during the past two decades. Not only has there been an increase in the number of students (from 10 at its inception to 213 today), faculty and staff members, and equipment, but it has also grown in its mission to provide its students with the highest level of educational services.
Marilyn Roseboro, assistant dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, said the department has changed tremendously since when she was a student at WSSU. As one example of continuing efforts in the department, it is currently seeking accreditation from the Accreditation Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC).
“Reaching this milestone has taken many years of collaborative preparation by all stakeholders of the department,” Brian C. Blount, the chairman of the department, said. “There are many more goals that the department is targeting. However, the accomplishments to date would not be possible if the department did not have a nucleus of committed professionals.”
He added that the department is continuing to advance through the support of Chancellor Harold L. Martin.
Among other accomplishments, the department has increased the broadcasting power for WSNC-FM 90.5 radio station from 125 watts to 10,000 watts. The radio station has also acquired the National Public Radio (NPR) status.
Roseboro also pointed out that graduates of the program “have gone on to become TV anchorpersons and reporters,” she said. “When you pick up newspapers, you see bylines with the names of our graduates. You turn on ESPN 2, and you see Steven A. Smith, one of our graduates. You just see them doing all sorts of things.”
The campus newspaper, The News Argus, has experienced continuous development into a quality campus newspaper. Roseboro said she reported for The News Argus and became its
editor.
“I think I was actually the first editor to be paid,” she said. “And that’s probably because I complained about it.” Being the editor of the newspaper was not an easy task, she added.
“I enjoy seeing our mass communications students graduate each year and positively contribute to the media industry throughout the world,” Blount said.
and positively contribute to the media industry throughout the world,” Blount said.