Tuesday Morning Update: TMU 8(9), August 23, 2011

Robinson leads Black Studies. Assistant Professor Cynthia Robinson has been appointed as interim chair of the Department of Black Studies. College of Arts and Sciences Dean David Boocker made the appointment in July in consultation with College of Communication, Fine Arts and Media Dean Gail F. Baker. They said Robinson's extensive experience at UNO and in the community will benefit students in the department. At the same time, the two deans believe the interim appointment offers Robinson a new opportunity for growth in leadership. Robinson continues to teach and conduct research in the School of Communication while she serves the interim appointment. Robinson "will provide leadership concerning the department's future of a B.S. degree, the hiring of a new chair and new faculty member," Boocker said, "and try to make the department more open and connected to other units in our college and across the campus."

New Masters of Arts. The School of Communication graduated several M.A. students who presented new research this summer. Jessica Bernhardt was among those defending a thesis, "Comparing Perception and Reality: A Mixed Methodological Approach Comparing Women's Perception of the Female Body Image to magazine Portrayal of Body Image," Adviser Adam Tyma said. Wendy Townley also defended her thesis, "Stories, Stresses and Strains: What Working Media Experience When Covering Human Tragedy," Adviser Jeremy Lipschultz said. Townley interviewed reporters who had covered the Von Maur shootings and other traumatic events.

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Excellence in action. UNO Television aired, "The Life of Harold Dow: A Consider This Special in July and August on NET across Nebraska. The program was featured on NET1, NET2 and on The Knowledge Network (TKN). Dow began his career at UNO and KETV, Omaha before becoming a correspondent for CBS News and the 48 Hours broadcast. School of Communication Alumnus Rudy Smith was among friends of Dow interviewed for the show. *** Bruce Johansen has signed a contract for a 150,000-word Encyclopedia of the American Indian Movement by Greenwood Press. He also recently authored, "Twitless in the 21st Century" for The News-Times in Danbury, CT. *** Gail F. Baker made two presentations at the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication meeting in St. Louis. She spoke at a panel entitled, "Effective Strategies for Teaching in the Digital Age" during a pre-conference workshop. Baker also was a panelist on, "So You're an Administrator, or Might Be One Someday: A Conversation with Colleagues Already in Leadership Roles." Baker talked about working with upper administration.

Alumni notes. Dave Krajicek has published, Death by Rock n' Roll as an Amazon Kindle single . The exclusive offering is part of a new true crime venture, Crimescape, which is an affiliate of Rosetta Books. The book chronicles famous murders -- John Lennon, Sam Cooke, Marvin Gaye -- and also includes less well-known cases. "I also spoke with Corky Laing, the drummer for Mountain, who had many fascinating and frank things to say about the downside of stardom," Krajicek said. *** Ben Bohall, a May graduate who worked at KVNO as an announcer and news reporter/anchor, has been hired by NET Radio in Lincoln. *** The wife of a UNO journalism graduate killed at the World Trade Center attack on 9/11 will be at Ground Zero for the ceremony this year. Jerry Paskins' name will be read on September 11, which is the tenth anniversary of the attack.

Events and photos. Faculty and graduate students returned to campus Aug. 13 to prepare for the upcoming semester. UNO has a new version of the online Blackboard content sharing and classroom management system. The School of Communication also upgraded one of its Arts and Sciences labs with new Apple iMac computers and HDTV projection system for presentations. Graduate teaching assistants also received training from Karen Dwyer and Sherrie Wilson on teaching techniques.