The Missouri School of Journalism, the first and best in the world, was founded on Sept. 14, 1908, by its first dean and Mizzou legend, Walter Williams. It opened with 64 enrolled students including 53 freshmen. Thanks to Williams’ vision, this year the J-School welcomed more than 1,700 total undergraduates. Next week, we’ll celebrate his enduring legacy and the school’s 118-year tradition of excellence on Founder’s Day.  

Williams was a Boonville native and pioneer in journalism education who also wrote the “Journalist’s Creed” to ensure the highest standards at Mizzou and across the profession. For well over a century, J-School faculty have built upon Williams’ dedication to trust and integrity, while helping students launch extraordinary careers using the Missouri Method of hands-on learning.

Mizzou alumni serve in prestigious roles at leading news organizations and communications agencies across the country. Hanna Battah, BJ ’15, got her start at Mizzou’s NBC-affiliate KOMU 8 before becoming co-anchor of ABC News’ “World News Now” and “Good Morning America First Look.” Fellow alum Kenton Gewecke, BS ’17, worked as chief meteorologist at KOMU and is now on the meteorology team at ABC News, including “Good Morning America.” Kenton and Hanna appear on “GMA” and “ABC News Live” in front of millions of viewers.

Our students and alumni are also among the most accomplished in the field, including more than 75 Pulitzer Prize winners. Among them is Laine Cibulskis, BJ ’26, who won with a team from The New York Times during her senior year at Mizzou. Additionally, new faculty member and recent alum Lisa Krantz, PhD ’24, earned the award the same year she completed her doctorate at Mizzou. 

From Walter Williams to today’s world-class faculty, Mizzou leads the way and prepares our students to make an impact. We are grateful to alumni across our 13 schools and colleges who provide their own examples of excellence and pave the way forward for the next generation.

— Mun