UNO’s College of Communication, Fine Arts, and Media (CFAM) is celebrating its 20th anniversary this school year. 

CFAM brings together the School of the Arts, School of Communication, and School of Music, as well as KVNO 90.7 FM and UNO TV, under one umbrella. With three schools that have their own unique disciplines, goals and faculty, how does this joint dynamic work?

“Whether you’re in music, art, theater, journalism, communication studies or creative media,” said dean Michael Hilt, “it’s the creativity that the students, faculty and staff bring to campus every day that unifies us and sets our college apart from others.”

That common thread has empowered enthusiastic faculty to continue developing their skills, offer a supportive culture and strive for student success.

The Writer’s Workshop in the School of the Arts cultivates a place for creative writing students to perfect their craft through faculty mentorship, workshops and visiting writers.

Kevin Clouther, program coordinator and associate professor for the Writer’s Workshop, emphasizes the curated approach for each student.

“The student is going to get a lot of individual attention on their work and join a community with similar ambitions and interests,” said Clouther. “They’re getting mentorship that isn’t based on a sort of generalized set of principles, but on what the student’s trying to accomplish.”

In the School of Communication, instructor Jodeane Brownlee praises the comprehensive journalism program. Students learn vital skills, work in different roles with media and visit with professionals.

Brownlee also serves as the advisor for UNO’s Women in Media student club. Started by reporter and UNO alumna Ana Bellinghausen, Women in Media provides networking and community for women journalists.

“They do interviews with big names like Mina Kimes, Laura Rutledge and Jared Allen,” said Brownlee. “As important it is for me to teach students, when they see opportunities and make things happen for themselves, that’s really fun to see.”

Karen Fannin, Director of the School of Music, shares that music faculty work hard to prepare students for the next steps in their careers and musical journeys.

Fannin is excited for upcoming opportunities, saying, “We look forward to continuing our success with our Music Education, Performance, Music Technology and Jazz programs. This fall, we are launching our Music Industry concentration and a Commercial Music Ensemble, and we look forward to welcoming students with those interests into our program. We are constantly striving to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students and musicians.”

The path for enrollment in CFAM has become much more accessible through the largest fund for scholarships that CFAM has ever received. The Richard Holland Endowed Scholarship Fund, totaling $3 million, will provide about 12 scholarships each year.

“It is such fantastic news. It will help many of our students going forward,” said Hilt. “This gift from Holland’s foundation is not only a testament to us, but also a testament to him. He funded what he believed in.”

Looking ahead, Hilt anticipates some building renovations and continuing to work hard to draw in new college students. He is eager to continue building on CFAM’s success and working with the wonderfully creative faculty, staff and students.