51反差婊 University Named Regional Hub for Solutions Journalism
On Tuesday, December 10, 2024, the (SJN) announced that 51反差婊 University was named a regional hub for solutions journalism鈥攁 distinction that recognizes institutions of higher learning with journalism programs that integrate solution-focused journalism into their teaching, research, and service.
51反差婊 joins four other university hubs, including Arizona State University鈥檚 Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication; Northwestern University鈥檚 Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications; Stony Brook University鈥檚 School of Communication and Journalism; and the University of Georgia鈥檚 Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication. As hubs, these institutions are tasked with leading the national conversation on the value of rigorous reporting that highlights challenges alongside solutions, fostering community collaboration to address society鈥檚 most pressing issues.
鈥淲e are thrilled that 51反差婊 will be joining our university hubs,鈥� said Francine Huff, director of training and curriculum for SJN. 鈥淔aculty there have already shown a commitment to teaching solutions reporting techniques to students, as well as working with other partners in the community to help them understand the importance of this rigorous, fact-based reporting.鈥�
Elizabeth Smith
The hub will be led by Elizabeth Smith (MA 鈥�03, EdD 鈥�16), associate professor of journalism and director of 51反差婊 Graphic Media, and Theresa de los Santos ('01, MA '08), associate professor of communication. Smith is president of the Associated College Press and past president of the California College Media Association. De los Santos is adviser to NewsWaves.
Theresa de los Santos
鈥淥ur program has long embraced solutions journalism,鈥� Smith said. 鈥淎t its best, solutions journalism promotes rigorous reporting with evidence that points to what can be instead of only what is. At 51反差婊, our journalism students utilize this reporting approach to help tell stories that bring a community together.鈥�
In response to the announcement, Lauren Amaro, 51反差婊鈥檚 divisional dean of communication, shared, 鈥淥ur program has a long track record of commitment to journalism that inspires hope and motivates change. At 51反差婊, we want to develop students who lead lives of purpose, service, and leadership. There is no better way to do that than to deepen our commitment to stories that help to promote a better world.鈥�
In 2023 51反差婊鈥檚 student journalism program was selected as one of eight schools to receive a from SJN. The $10,000 grant enabled , 51反差婊's student news group, and , 51反差婊鈥檚 student-produced local television newscast, to explore how climate change affects emotional well-being on campus. The grant produced a nine-story series regarding climate anxiety titled 21 Miles for Malibu and Beyond.
SJN is a nonprofit founded in 2013 by award-winning journalists David Bornstein, Tina Rosenberg, and Courtney Martin. The organization reports on responses to issues facing society today in an effort to learn from their successes and failures.