Contact Information
Office:
Haag Hall, Room 202
5120 Rockhill Road
Kansas City, MO 64110-2499
Email: com-j@umkc.edu
Phone: (816) 235-1337
Department Chair: Ye Wang
Department Description
The Department of Communication and Journalism prepares students to think creatively and critically while developing strong oral, written, and visual communication skills essential for success in diverse careers. Graduates are equipped for roles in media production, content creation, public relations, advertising, journalism, corporate communication, and community engagement. The department offers a wide range of programs, including professional and interpersonal communication, public communication, journalism (digital, multimedia, broadcast, and print), strategic communication, advertising, public relations, media studies, and multimedia production, including digital media, audio, and video.
Listing of Faculty
Jess Gantt-Shafer
Assistant Professor of Communication and Journalism; M.A. (Colorado State University), B.A., Ph.D. (Texas A&M University).
Joshua Jackson
Assistant Teaching Professor of Communication and Journalism; B.A. (Belhaven University); M.S. (Jackson State University).
Sarah L. Jones
Assistant Teaching Professor of Communication and Journalism; B.A. (Hastings College); M.A. (Minnesota State University); Ph.D. (University of Nebraska-Lincoln).
Steven Kraske
Teaching Professor of Communication and Journalism; B.A. (University of Wisconsin-Madison).
Linda Kurz
Associate Teaching Professor of Communication and Journalism; BA (University of Texas-Austin); M.A. (Baylor University), Ph.D. (Baylor University).
Judith McCormick
Associate Teaching Professor of Communication and Journalism; B.A., M.A. (Texas Tech University), Ph.D. (Kansas State University).
Steven P. Melling
Teaching Professor of Communication and Journalism; B.S. (Northwest Missouri State University); M.A., Ph.D. (University of Kansas).
Peter Morello
Associate Professor of Communication and Journalism; B.A. (University of Wisconsin-Madison); M.S. (Columbia University). Ed.D. (Baker University)
Michael W. Schaefer
Lecturer of Communication and Journalism; B.A., M.A. (University of Missouri-Kansas City).
Ye Wang2,3
Professor of Communication and Journalism; B.A. (Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications); M.A. Linguistics (Beijing Foreign Studies University); M.S. Computer Science with an Emphasis of AI (University of Missouri-Kansas City); M.A., Ph.D. Journalism (The Missouri School of Journalism, University of Missouri-Columbia).
Emeriti
Joan E. Aitken
Professor Emerita of Communication and Journalism; B.A. (Michigan State University); M.A., Ed.D. (University of Arkansas).
Gregory D. Black
Professor Emeritus of Communication and Journalism; B.S. (Bowling Green State University); M.A. (California State); Ph.D . (University of Kansas).
Gregory Gutenko
Associate Professor Emeritus of Communication and Journalism; B.A., M.A. (University of Missouri-Kansas City); Ph.D. (University of Missouri-Columbia).
Gaylord V. Marr
Retired Professor Emeritus of Communication and Journalism; B.A., M.A. (University of Nebraska).
Michael Neer
Retired, Professor Emeritus of Communication and Journalism; B.A., M.A., Ph.D. (University of Missouri-Columbia).
Robert B. Unger
Retired, Professor Emeritus of Communication and Journalism; B.A. (University of Missouri-Columbia); M.P.A. (Harvard University).
