Welcome to the
Scripps Howard Center for Media Studies

The Scripps Howard Center for Media Studies at the University of Southern Indiana represents one of the finest opportunities in mass communication education in the Midwest.

The Scripps Howard Center is anchored by a multi-purpose teaching computer laboratory where students edit digital video, develop Web sites, study digital photography and craft enticing graphics for an array of modern communication purposes. The 17-unit Macintosh dual processor (featuring both Mac and PC platforms) laboratory primarily serves students in advertising, broadcasting, journalism and public relations.

The Center, which is made possible through a $200,000 grant from the Scripps Howard Foundation headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, features the Burleigh reading room where communications students can examine magazines, videos, newspapers and other reference materials.

In the reading room, students can display photographs, PowerPoint presentations, videotapes, motion pictures and new media products. All student organizations in the department, such as the Public Relations Student Society of America, the American Advertising Federation, and the Society of Professional Journalists, hold meetings in the reading room.

Communication edge

However, the Scripps Howard Center is more than a computer laboratory. The Center is the department's focal point for special activities ranging from professional journalism seminars to a place where high school media advisers can learn from one another. The Scripps Howard Center has become the nucleus for:

• Professionals in residence
• Symposium on Social Media
• Roundtables on emerging news issues and trends
• Outreach programs for Tri-state high schools
• Publications workshops and practicums
• High School Media Day for Tri-state journalism students

A new beginning

As more students and more faculty contribute to the impetus of mass communication activity, the Scripps Howard Center will continue to generate educational opportunities not only for USI students but also for media professionals, regional educators, middle school students and the general public. The department is building a foundation for the digital future of communication education. Some of these additional objectives include:

• Sponsor of journalism, broadcast, advertising and public relations and communications studies advisory councils
• Graduate courses for high school media advisers
• A student-operated, youth-oriented news service for area media
• Student-run advertising/public relations agency
• Summer minority workshop for high school students
• Special diversity workshop
• Summer workshop for middle school reporters

For additional information, contact the center's director, Dr. Gael L. Cooper, professor of public relations, or Dr. J. Wayne Rinks, chair of the Communications Department, which is housed in the Liberal Arts Building.