Get to know our newest teaching faculty member, Jesus Rivera. Jesus will teach courses in strategic communication, digital media and public relations.
Department News
Professor Mike Wagner to become SJMC Director
Professor Mike Wagner will become the 16th director of the School of Journalism and Mass Communication on July 1, 2026.
Highlights from the 2026 SJMC Spring Graduation Celebration
Read highlights from our 2026 spring graduation celebration, including keynote remarks from Zack Zaban, closing remarks from Director Katy Culver and photos from the event.
Distinguished Teaching Faculty Debra Pierce retires from the SJMC
Debra Pierce retires from UW–Madison’s SJMC after nearly two decades, leaving a legacy of innovation in digital media, AI, and strategic communication.
Zack Zaban, SVP and Global Media Business Director at Starcom, to Deliver Keynote Speech to Spring 2026 SJMC Graduates
Zack Zaban (BA’11), data and digital media strategy expert, will deliver the keynote address at the 2026 SJMC Graduation Celebration on May 8.
Pogorzelski Family Establishes Professorship in Honor of SJMC Director Kathleen Bartzen Culver
SJMC alumni Steve (BA’83) and Brenda Pogorzelski have donated $1 million to establish a professorship honoring longtime educator and mentor Kathleen Bartzen Culver.
New Faculty Q&A with Assistant Professor Tomás Dodds
This fall, Dr. Tomás Dodds joins the School of Journalism and Mass Communication as an assistant professor, launching the Public Tech Media Lab.
Meet Our Three New Staff Members
SJMC welcomed three new staff members this spring: Lauren “Lo” Anderson, Jamie Prey and Darby Winchel. Learn what drew them to the school and how they’re already making an impact.
Highlights from the 2025 SJMC Spring Graduation Celebration
See highlights from our 2025 Spring Graduation Celebration, including keynote remarks from alum David Grossman (BA’87), closing remarks from Director Katy Culver and photos and video from the event.
David Grossman, Founder & CEO of The Grossman Group and Award-Winning Author, to Deliver Keynote Speech to Spring 2025 SJMC Graduates
David Grossman (BA’87), award-winning author and renowned leadership communication expert, will deliver the keynote address at the 2025 SJMC Graduation Celebration on Friday, May 9.