David Wallace-Wells is not a writer known for his optimism; his book, after all, is called, “The Uninhabitable Earth.” He is known for a bluntness sometimes read as alarmist, a direct engagement with the definite and potential harms climate change will impose that often feels pessimistic, almost antagonistic, if not towards us as readers than at least towards our shared wishful delusions about climate change as it is and will be.

Avery Holton, professor of communication, discusses two of his upcoming books examining journalist burn-out and well-being titled, “The Paradox of Connection: How Digital Media Is Transforming Journalistic Labor” and “Fostering a Culture of Well-Being in Journalism.”

Nov. 29, 2023 – During the1852 Utah legislative session, a passionate debate ensued over voting rights for Black men. Legislator and Latter-day Saint apostle Orson Pratt argued that Black men should be allowed to vote, while territorial governor and Latter-day Saint president Brigham Young strongly disagreed.

Jake Nelson, assistant professor of communication, discusses his book, “Imagined Audiences: How Journalists Perceive and Pursue the Public,” that examines the role that audiences have traditionally played in journalism, how that role has changed and what those changes mean for both the profession and the public.

On Oct. 18, 2023, the College of Humanities held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the new Student Success Hub inside the Carolyn Tanner Irish Humanities building and recognize the generous donors whose support and partnership brought the vision to life. The event was vibrant, featuring live classical guitar music, student-guided tours led by humanities student ambassadors, and light refreshments. Donors had the chance to explore the new space, interact with students and career success coaches, and witness the impact of their support

Jay Jordan, professor of writing and rhetoric studies, discusses his book, “Grounded Literacies in a Transnational WAC/WID Ecology: A Korean-U.S. Study,” that describes and theorizes the intellectual, social and material complexities of cross-border educational efforts.

On Oct. 10, 2023, the College of Humanities hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking the culmination of an extraordinary journey made possible by a transformative $1 million gift by Alumna Edna Anderson-Taylor and Jerry Taylor. In recognition of their unparalleled generosity and unwavering commitment to the future of communication and journalism, the college named the Communication institute – housed in the department of Communication – in her honor, officially unveiling the Edna Anderson-Taylor Communication Institute.

The College of Humanities’ new Great Books course has been a hit, according to faculty and students. “I’ve loved teaching in Great Books, a chance to hear other professors and actually talk across disciplines with students,” said Scott Black, professor of English. “It’s like being back in college.”