Todd Guy, the dean of the School of Fine Arts and Communications, announced major changes coming to the school via an email sent to SOFAC students. Three academic programs will be combined — communication studies, digital journalism and media and public relations and strategic communications. Personnel changes will also happen beginning this semester.
“As the fall semester was ending, the university administration announced major changes to academic programs and personnel at Biola due to a combination of pressures in recent years that have contributed to a drop in enrollment as well as escalating costs,” said Guy in the email.
ACADEMIC CHANGES
Beginning the fall 2024 semester, the three Fine Arts and Communication programs will become bachelor programs with emphases on those three categories. Students currently enrolled will be able to continue and complete their original bachelor’s program.
“This change positions Biola to offer a generalized degree with a focus on broader areas of concentrated study,” said Guy in the email.
Guy also addressed the elimination of the master’s program for public relations and strategic communications.
PERSONNEL CUTS
Along with reducing academic programs, Biola decided to cut personnel. Multiple professors and staff members will be leaving this spring 2023 semester. Michael Kitada, professor of journalism, and KiYong Kim, professor of public relations, were let go before winter break in 2022 but will be leaving Biola at the end of this semester.
Along with those cuts, part-time staff members Brooke Raymond, administrator for public relations, and Christy Ragge, administrator for journalism, will depart Biola on Feb. 1.
Guy expressed the heaviness that comes with the news for all students, faculty and staff.
“I know this announcement may be concerning to you and you may feel grief and sadness. We are also experiencing a sense of loss,” Guy said in the email. “I want you to know that this is perfectly understandable and we in SoFAC and the Division of Communication will be here to walk with you through the process. We are committed to your journey of development, learning and flourishing as you complete your degree.”
