“I’m incredibly proud of all the hard work our faculty, staff and students have done to maintain a quality program worthy of accreditation,” said Dr. Tamara Zellars Buck, the chair of the Department of Mass Media. “The standards for diversity and assessment have been problematic for a number of schools, so it’s also an honor for us to stand out in those areas.”

The ACEJMC evaluates university journalism and mass communication programs. Accreditation from ACEJMC is assessed by eight principles—mission, governance, and administration; curriculum and instruction; continuous assessment of learning outcomes; diversity and inclusiveness; faculty; student services; resources, facilities and equipment; and professional and public service.

Along with meeting all eight accreditation standards, SEMO garnered commendations for its mass media program. The program’s partnerships with KFVS12 and Rust Communications, its "excellent assessment plan," and its tactical use of key performance indicators to monitor progress in diversity and inclusion, earned praise from ACEJMC evaluators.

Dr. Pam Luecke, former head of the department of journalism and mass communications at Washington and Lee University, was one of the co-chairs who came onsite during evaluation. Luecke lauded the leadership of Dr. Buck, describing her as “a dynamic and savvy leader who appears to be doing an excellent job.” Dr. Luecke emphasized the Department’s understanding of its region, students and mission “to prepare students to ethically and effectively lead, influence and craft media communications in an increasingly converged, diverse, interactive and global media environment.”

In Missouri, only SEMO and the University of Missouri in Columbia hold this accreditation of 119 universities accredited nationwide. The Department of Mass Media first received the ACEJMC accreditation in 2005 and was most recently reaccredited in 2017.