Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication
| Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication | |
|---|---|
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| Established | 1913 |
| Type | Public |
| Parent institution | University of Oklahoma |
| Location | Norman, Oklahoma, USA |
| Undergraduates | 1,208 (Fall '09) |
| Postgraduates | 81 (Fall '09) |
| Website | www |
The Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication is the journalism unit of the University of Oklahoma in Norman. The College is named for the former longtime publishers of The Oklahoman.
In 1897, five years after the University of Oklahoma opened its doors, the first student ran newspaper, The Umpire, made its debut. In 1903 it became a semiweekly news publication called the University Oklahoman. Subsequently, by 1916 the paper had taken on the name that it still carries today, The Oklahoma Daily.
Sensing the need for professional training, some of The Umpire staff asked for a class in newspaper fundamentals. This first journalism course was placed within the English department as a one-semester two-credit course entitled English 33. Jerome Dowd, a Sociology/Economics professor and Theodore Brewer, head of the English Department, taught it. Since both had worked in the newspaper business before becoming professors, Dowd as an editor and Brewer as a staff member, they were well able to teach the first class of eight students. By 1910, Mr. Brewer had become the only teacher.
By 1912, as demand for more classes grew, Professor Brewer realized the need for a complete school of journalism. This need was also recognized by then OU President Stratton D. Brooks, who applied to the State Board of Education for a separate journalism school.
On May 24, 1913, the Board approved President Brooks' request, and the School of Journalism, located within the College of Arts and Sciences, was born. The school was to officially began in the fall semester on September 1, 1913.
Professor Theodore Brewer was appointed as the first director of the new School of Journalism, and along with Jerome Dowd, became the first two professors.
The first permanent building specifically for journalism was Copeland Hall, built in 1958. It remained in Copeland Hall until the opening of Gaylord Hall in 2004.
Formerly known as the H.H. Herbert School of Journalism and Mass Communication, in 2000 the Gaylord family gave $22 million dollars to the university. As such, the school was elevated to college status, and both the college and facility were renamed for the Gaylord family in return. The Gaylord Family is the former longtime publishers of The Oklahoman which sold in 2011.
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