Hussman School of Journalism and Media welcomes newest class

As UNC hits the halfway point in the fall semester, the latest admits to the Hussman School of Journalism and Media are already looking forward to the spring.

The Hussman School accepted its newest class this week. Senior Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies Charlie Tuggle, who helped curate the class, said the new students will bring diversity to the school. 

"We have 31 percent of this class as people of color, which I think is pretty good for us and the University as a whole, and our numbers are really steady, which is good as it shows people are still interested in the field," Tuggle said. "That we have a good steady flow of students into the school and that it’s really diverse.”

Tuggle said 200 regular admits, 50 assured-admits and 36 transfer students make up this class. 

Hussman School professor Deb Aikat said being admitted to the school has gotten more difficult recently. Not all students go into journalism, he said — some are interested in media, public relations and more. 

“Every year, we are getting brighter students, and it is because it’s getting more competitive to get into the journalism school,” Aikat said. 

Aikat said the ideal Hussman student possesses certain qualities — including being curious and aware of the world around them and being able to communicate in various methods. He also said Hussman students are good researchers and are aware of technological trends.

“It not only helps you in your work, but it gives insight into how you can analyze data to arrive at different conclusions,” he said.

Tuggle emphasized that Hussman students should be passionate about what they do.

“We also look a lot at essays, and one thing I look for in particular is what I call ‘fire in the belly,’ which is a passion for what they do, whether that’s on the PR side, journalism side, etc.,” Tuggle said.

Kamryn Hailey, a sophomore journalism major, is one of the students admitted into the Hussman School. She said she was originally undecided when she arrived at UNC, but then discovered her passion for journalism.

"Since UNC has a good journalism school, I wanted to give that a shot," Hailey said. "Therefore, in January, I declared myself pre-MEJO and then of course I applied this semester.”

Camila Moreno-Lizarazo, a sophomore journalism major, was also admitted into the school. 

“I was undecided when I came in as a freshman, but then I took MEJO 101 as an extra class just to see what was out there, and then from there I realized I really do care about journalism and what I can do from a degree from the Hussman School,” Moreno-Lizarazo said. “So, after my first semester, I was really dedicated to making that happen.”

Moreno-Lizarazo said she is looking forward to taking more advanced classes in the Hussman School.

“I think going ahead in my classes, I’ve already taken the core classes, but now that I’m in Hussman, it gives me a better chance to get into the advanced classes, like graphic design or magazine writing,” Moreno-Lizarazo said. “So, really start focusing on journalism.”

Hailey said she is most looking forward to the school’s networking opportunities and the relationships she can form with her professors and peers. 

"Already, other Hussman students are following me on Twitter and Instagram," Hailey said. "And I just feel that it’s already starting with networking and going to events and just talking to new people."

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