In the ten years since the integration of the Colleges, the Department of Communication has undergone incredible growth. Most notably, the Department has experienced a tenfold increase in total extramural grant dollars brought to the University, increasing from $3.5 million in 1993 to more than $36 million today.

Communication researchers traditionally have embraced an interdisciplinary approach to research. Our close affiliation with Library and Information Science now greatly facilitates such collaboration. A study currently funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention brings together faculty with expertise in physician-patient communication and faculty with experience in health information technology on a project to enhance physician-parent communication. A project being proposed to the National Cancer Institute involves message tailoring for smoking cessation, and draws on the medical informatics skills of Library and Information Science faculty and the message design skills of faculty from Communication.

Collaborations continue to evolve with faculty in Journalism and Telecommunications. One of the Department of Communication’s studies funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse benefited from the inclusion of a faculty member with expertise in advertising. Current efforts to establish a digital content analysis and video editing laboratory are being aided by involving faculty from Communication and Telecommunications, as well as research technology staff from both units.

The past 10 years have witnessed exciting opportunities resulting from the integration of Communication, Journalism & Telecommunications, and Library & Information Science. We look forward to the next 10 years and beyond.