Monmouth University’s Public Relations and Journalism program has been named to PRNEWS’ 2021 Education A-List on Friday, Feb. 12. The award recognizes the 35 best institutions of higher education advancing of PR and communication professionals in the U.S.
Specialist Professor of Communication, Alexis Nulle, said that some of the key elements to making this list were how well the programs prepare students for continued success in their existing jobs and along their future career paths. She said it also looked at the course delivery options and innovation of the programs to keep current with the changing landscape of the major.
“Our students and faculty are some of the most visionary and creative individuals with their own individual talents. Each faculty member brings their own area of expertise and specific area of interest which is advantageous and beneficial to our students comprehensive learning experience,” said Nulle.
She said that the Communication Department also has some of the country’s most highly recognized student organizations such as The Outlook, WMCX, and PRSSA.
“I’m fortunate to serve as faculty co-advisor of our nationally accredited PRSSA and Shadow PR Firm along with my very talented colleague, Professor Mary Harris, APR,” said Nulle. “It’s such a rewarding experience to see my students excel in their major while running a nationally accredited PR firm on campus.”
John Morano, Professor of Journalism and faculty advisor for The Outlook, considers the award an important honor on several levels. He said it is an external, independent validation of what the faculty is trying to accomplish in the program. It signals to the University that the department is moving in the right direction, getting noteworthy results and are respected by professionals of the highest order.
“My hope for the future is that we can maintain this level of excellence and build upon it. I don’t see why we can’t,” said Morano.
“We are not wired to settle for ‘good enough’. We’re regularly discussing how we can improve ourselves and our program, about what we can do to better prepare students for life beyond Monmouth,” said Morano.
Melissa Badamo, senior English student and Editor-in-Chief of The Outlook, said she is not surprised that the Communication Department won this award.
“With their vast experience in the field of journalism and PR, our professors prepare and inspire students to excel in these fields,” said Badamo.
She said that the facilities in the Plangere Center for Communication play a role in student success at Monmouth. Badamo said that the space dedicated to The Outlook office allows the editors to gain experience working in an actual newsroom, honing their newswriting, editing, graphic design, and interpersonal skills. She also said that The Outlook allows students to experience the field of journalism first-hand.
“Since pursuing a journalism minor my sophomore year, the communication department has transformed my college career. For example, becoming Features Editor then Editor-in-Chief of The Outlook allowed me to receive an internship at the Asbury Park Press last summer,” said Badamo.
She said before taking journalism classes at Monmouth, she never considered a career in journalism.
“I wouldn’t be where I am today without The Outlook, the journalism department, and its professors,” said Badamo.
Matthew Cutillo, Managing Editor of The Outlook, detailed the Communication Department’s influence on his work.
“Without the support of my professors and colleagues, I would be a completely different writer,” Cutillo said. “Every day I’m grateful for the consistent support and top-notch education I recieve from the University. Without it, the skills I’m able to apply to The Outlook would be far less. Every journalism class I’ve taken has slowly built myself and my peers into the young, aspiring journalists we are today.”
Cutillo says that he notices this appreciation in other clubs as well.
“You can tell across the board, we are all satisfied,” Cutillo said. “Any student who participates in a club or organization feels as though it’s a natural progression from our coursework.
Marina Vujnovic, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Communication, said that the communication degree is often misunderstood and there is this myth that somehow if one does not know what to study, but they want an easy degree, that they should study communication.
“A communication degree is a robust liberal arts program with clear career paths that lead to employment in the media industry, journalism, public relations, and marketing, political communication, and much more,” said Vujnovic. “Our faculty is often faced with instances where we need to debunk this myth on campus and outside of the campus.”
She also said that this award confirms that the University’s communication degree is on par with those at top American institutions such as Columbia University or George Washington University. Vujnovic said that to her, the first and foremost duty to being a Monmouth University Communication Professor is to work with her students.
She said, “There are few things to compare with being a witness to student discovery and growth. And to be a part of that is the most fulfilling experience. It is also working with such talented and dedicated faculty colleagues that we have here in the Department of Communication.”
Vujnovic said that the Communication Department is constantly looking to improve to be the best in education standards, and to serve their student’s needs.
“This award is a recognition of this mission. And that’s why it means so much,” said Vujnovic.
IMAGE TAKEN from Monmouth University Instagram
PHOTO TAKEN by Anthony DePrimo
