University of Delaware Department of Communication

250 Pearson Hall

Newark, DE 19716
(302) 831-8041

News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nov. 11, 2013

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Meredith Chapman
Regional Media Coordinator
Phone: (302) 831-8749
mchapman@udel.edu

University of Delaware Department of Communication hits 40-year milestone

Department celebrates 40 years of prestigious research and academics by highlighting past
scholarly achievements
NEWARK, Del. After years of evolving and adapting to modern technologies and
communication trends, the University of Delaware Department of Communication celebrates its
40th anniversary this academic year. Despite its young age, the department received honors and
achieved its current renowned status through its Masters program and research efforts.
Our reputable Masters Communication program generates scholars at higher levels than
older, larger and typically more well-funded graduate programs in the nation. In a David and
Goliath fight, we will win, said Elizabeth Perse, Department Chair.
Forty years ago, Ray Keesey, the departments first chairperson, founded the Department
of Communication with the intention to expand and improve students communication skills.
Coincidentally, 40 years ago also saw the birth of several technological advances, including the
microprocessor that made the home computer possible. Currently, the department utilizes
evolving technologies to become more research-oriented and to adapt its focus toward social
media advances, such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
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The department hones its research skills and prepares communication students for their
future careers by providing instruction and advisement. Now in its 40th year, the program hopes
to increase awareness and gain further recognition for the research efforts of faculty members
and graduate students.
This milestone corresponds with the National Communication Associations (NCA) 99th
Annual Convention next week in Washington, D.C. Faculty members and graduate students
regularly publish their research in several scholarly journals of the NCA.
In the upcoming years, the department hopes to promote its efforts nationwide and further
expand its research through future grants and endowments.
The University of Delawares Department of Communication teaches and advises
communication students to help them succeed in their academic careers. Its goals focus on
increasing students knowledge about communication processes and improving their
communication capabilities, specifically through using social and behavioral sciences. For more
information, visit www.udel.edu/communication.
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