Gray Media Visits College of Humanities

Journalism’s role in society plays a vital role in the function of our democracy and our communities. The University of Utah’s journalism program is growing rapidly – with undergraduate journalism more than doubling over the past five years. This fall, we had a chance to learn from two industry professionals from Gray Media who visited campus to connect with University of Utah students. Gray Media is a multimedia company based in Atlanta with TV stations and digital communication networks that reach approximately 36% of television households in the U.S.

Over the course of a two-day visit, Jennifer Rigby, a Senior News Consultant, and Nicole Carros, a Talent Acquisition Specialist with Gray Media, met with five undergraduate classes, delivering presentations about careers in news media, internship opportunities, and fielding questions from students. Cameron Vakilian, Associate Director of Internships and Career Success for the College of Humanities, says, “In a networking-driven industry like journalism, building connections with seasoned professionals such as Jennifer and Nicole is essential. We were thrilled by the wealth of knowledge and insights they shared with us.”

This visit isn’t Rigby’s first interaction with the College of Humanities – she is an alum with a BA in Mass Communication (1984) and recently created the Jennifer Orme Rigby Endowed Scholarship in support of broadcast journalism students. “I'm enjoying a long career that I love. It started with my excellent education at the U, and now I want to give back,” says Rigby. “Local journalism is critical to our communities, now more than ever, and I'm passionate about encouraging and supporting young journalists to pursue this career. It's a joy to reconnect with my alma mater."

Jennifer established this scholarship in honor of her late parents, Ronald and Janice Orme, who didn’t attend college themselves, but worked hard to ensure there was no question that she and her siblings would attend and pursue their dreams. “Working with alumni like Jennifer who are passionate and committed to supporting students, both with financial support and personal networking, is incredibly inspiring. These scholarships often make the difference for students who wouldn’t otherwise be able to come to the U, and it is moving to witness the ways alumni like Jennifer make this possible through their generosity,” shares Morgan Stinson, Director of Advancement for the College of Humanities.

With nearly 80% of Communication students focused on some form of journalism or media, interest from students in this program continues to swell, alongside the growing need for ethically trained and job-ready journalists. In addition to classroom presentations, Rigby and Carros also toured the student broadcast studio, sharing valuable perspective as the college works to update this space to meet the needs of students. This department of communication is in the planning stages renovation to enable students to experience hands-on education in a state-of-the-art broadcast center and give them critical experience as they graduate and begin careers.

Students must have robust experience in streaming audio and video, advanced video production, podcasting, and live casting to be prepared for the professional field.  Avery Holton, Chair of the Department of Communication says, “media opportunities have advanced tremendously over the last several years, allowing students the chance to engage more deeply and more broadly in storytelling while making use of new platforms and technologies. We’re excited to bring even more of those opportunities here to the College of Humanities.”

The support of alumni and donors like Rigby is incredibly meaningful to students. “Journalism students are naturally curious and oriented to storytelling," said Marcie Young Cancio, Clinical Associate Professor of Communication. "Hearing stories from an alumna like Jennifer, who is working and succeeding in this field, is really impactful and can help broaden students’ horizons about where their degree can take them.”

Historical references to media as a “fourth estate” date back to 1840, when newspapers’ power to influence the public was gaining momentum. News media came to serve as a counterbalance to the three existing seats of power in European political systems – the nobility or gentry, the clergy, and the commons. The fourth estate has played an evolving and crucial role in the health of governance systems for hundreds of years, and educating the next generation of broadcast journalists to be critical thinkers, ethical actors, and champions of the free press is a deeply collaborative effort in which the College of Humanities is proud to join.

To learn more about how your philanthropy can support students in the College of Humanities, please reach out to Morgan Stinson, Director of Advancement, or donate to the Jennifer O. Rigby Endowed Scholarship to support journalism students!