UNC J-School graduates first class of online MA students

The UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media marked an historic achievement on Sunday, May 11, 2014—graduating its first cohort of online graduate students with a Master of Arts in Technology and Communication (MATC). The inaugural cohort began online classes in August 2011 and progressed together through the two-and-a-half-year program, forming a rich community, professional network and lasting friendships. “You develop strong bonds… It’s your family away from your family,” said Darin Dillehunt, ABC11 senior creative producer.

Of the 17 students who turned their tassels, 88 percent earned promotions or made career changes since enrolling in the MATC. All but one are from North Carolina and attended commencement in person. Even though courses are online, students get to know each other very well during the two on-campus sessions—orientation and summer residency. These sessions provide essential supplementary training and opportunities to build relationships among students and faculty. In addition, students engage with each other through discussion forums, group assignments, and live online sessions where students literally see all of their classmates. With 89 percent living within a 120-mile radius of campus the periodic in-person meet up has been known to happen, too.

This class of graduates has helped launch an innovative new program, while also benefiting from the School’s award-winning faculty. The graduates have already used their new degrees to advance their careers and move professional communication forward. On Sunday, we enjoyed hosting the graduates and their families to celebrate their accomplishments and the end of the program’s startup phase. Please join the School in congratulating the first MATC graduates:

• Lex Alexander, director of communications at Greensboro College
• Brian Bowman, communications director at Town of Knightdale
• Andy Cagle, director of marketing and communications at Richmond County Community College
• Meg Crawford, social media marketing manager at Lulu.com
• Darin Dillehunt, senior creative producer at ABC11 (The Walt Disney Company)
• Kathryn Kennedy, public relations specialist at ECU News Bureau
• Teresa Kriegsman, director of digital strategy and design at S&A Cherokee
• Julie Macie, graphic design architect at WakeMed Health & Hospitals
• Jill Powell, director of arts marketing at ARTS NC STATE
• Rebekah Radisch, editor/publicist & announcer at UNC-TV
• Jeff Shaw, director of communications at NC Justice Center
• Lisa Stockman, CEO/managing director at Chandler Chicco Companies
• Frank Taylor, editorial writer at The Fayetteville Observer
• Katie Trapp, online communications manager at BASF Plant Science
• Priscilla Tsai, editor and art director at A.P.E. Publications
• Mel Umbarger, special sections editor at News & Record
• John Zhu, senior public affairs officer at Duke University Graduate School

To see pictures and experience the excitement of commencement, check out #uncmatc on Twitter and visit the program's new Facebook page.