J-school welcomes inaugural class of online MATC program

The first group of students enrolled in the UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media’s new online Master of Arts in Technology and Communication (MATC) program participated in an orientation in Carroll Hall Aug. 4–5.  Students begin online classes Aug. 23, but will return to campus again in May for a weeklong summer workshop.

The MATC focuses on interactive media, the Internet and digital economics, addressing issues that are reshaping journalism and mass communication in the 21st century. Classes are taught online, allowing working professionals to advance their educations while maintaining work and family responsibilities.

Each of the 20 MATC students has at least three years of professional experience in a communications-related field. Students hold jobs in a range of areas, including public affairs manager for a municipality, creative producer for a TV news station, design editor for a metro newspaper, communication director for a statewide nonprofit, and social media marketing specialist for a global software company.

The deadline to apply for fall 2012 admission is Jan. 10, 2012. Learn more at matc.jomc.unc.edu.

Front row, left to right: Andria Krewson, community editor, The Charlotte Observer; Teresa Kriegsman, design editor, The News & Observer; Lisa Mauriello, managing director, Chandler Chicco Companies; Julie Macie, graphic designer, WakeMed Health & Hospitals; Jeff Shaw, communication director, N.C. Justice Center; Kathryn Kennedy, reporter, The Daily Reflector; Lauren Flowers, editor and graphic designer, Travel Weekly; Meg Crawford, social media marketing specialist, SAS Institute.

Second row left to right: Brian Bowman, public affairs manager, City of Wilson; John Zhu, assistant director of communications, UNC School of Pharmacy; Jill Powell, UNC campus housing marketing manager; Priscilla Tsai, online producer, Creative Loafing; Mel Umbarger, special sections editor, The News & Record; Andy Cagle, community schools coordinator, Scotland County Schools.

Third row left to right: Karah Manning, operations manager, MDC Inc.; Lex Alexander, director of external relations, Greensboro College; Katie Trapp, web editor, N.C. Biotechnology Center; Darin Dillehunt, creative producer, WTVD; Rebekah Radisch, editor, publicist and announcer, UNC-TV; Frank Taylor, managing editor, Lincoln Times-News.

Top row, left to right: MATC program administrators Rachel Lillis, Rhonda Gibson, Maggie Hutaff, Louise Spieler.