April 28, 2020
National council formally reaccredits A.Q. Miller School of Journalism and Mass Communications
Submitted by A.Q. Miller School of Journalism and Mass Communications
The Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications has formally reaccredited K-State's A.Q. Miller School of Journalism and Mass Communications. The council, which is composed of educators and industry professionals, took the action on Saturday, April 25, voting unanimously to reaccredit the program for the next six years.
According to Steve Smethers, director of the A.Q. Miller School, the council's action is the third and final phase of a lengthy process that began with a visit from a team of professional accreditors in October 2019, followed by a formal review by ACEJMC's accrediting committee in March. That group voted to make a recommendation for reaccreditation to the council in advance of Saturday's action.
Smethers said the school is evaluated on nine standards, which include governance, curriculum and instruction, diversity and inclusiveness, faculty, research and creative activity, resources, student services, public service, and assessment. The October site team had found the A.Q. Miller School in compliance in all nine areas, and the accreditation committee concurred with those recommendations when reviewing K-State's application last month.
The A.Q. Miller School is one of 117 programs in the world to receive ACEJMC accreditation, a status the program has enjoyed almost continuously since 1947. Smethers said K-State began formally teaching journalism courses in 1910, making it one of the older programs in the country.
Smethers said K-State and KU's William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications are the only accredited programs in Kansas.
"Accreditation is a mark of excellence," he said. "It means that we maintain a cutting-edge curriculum with high standards, superior facilities, a faculty with impressive industry experience, and an impressive record of research and service. Our graduates are working in agencies, newsrooms and other media outlets across the Midwest. We're proud of that legacy and the service we perform for the people of Kansas."