Graduate Students: Welcome!
Looking over the History Division report for this year, one statistic stands out: fourteen graduate students will present at AEJMC 2025 in San Francisco, a significant increase in participation from emerging scholars. I cannot think of a better time to welcome new thinkers to the crucial work of history than in this precarious moment for higher education, mass communication, and democracy. So, to our new (and returning) graduate student members: Welcome! We’re particularly glad you’re here.
This summer, I’ve reflected on my time as a student and experiences with AEJMC following recent admission to doctoral candidacy. (Sort of without a choice), Dr. Amber Roessner took on an ambitious twenty-something as a mentee when I blew into her Journalism as Literature course at the University of Tennessee nearly a decade ago. She quickly perceived my interest in historical research and continuing my studies at some point in my career, encouraging my decision to apply for graduate programs. Her first piece of advice: go work with this year’s Donald L. Shaw Senior Scholar Award winner Dr. Janice Hume. An important second piece of advice: check out the History Division of AEJMC.
I first joined the division shortly after accepting an offer to attend the University of Georgia for my master’s degree in 2019. Though Drs. Roessner and Hume didn’t have a choice, (I was destined to be their problem), I found an incredible group of mentors, colleagues, and friends to help me along my way through the History Division. No more than fifteen minutes lapsed after registration before messages from Drs. Teri Finneman and Will Mari popped up on my (then) Twitter account welcoming me to the ranks as a nascent media historian. Since, members continued to offer generous advice, support, feedback, opportunities for service, opportunities to collaborate and publish, and the occasional cup of coffee (or other libation) when we see each other in person.
We welcome you with no less verve. The upcoming conference offers a fantastic opportunity to meet scholars dedicated to fostering both intellectual rigor and an amiable professional environment. Navigating the research process, teaching, and life in general during graduate school remains daunting, but we’re here to support you. Whether you’re new to the division or a returning member, please don’t hesitate to connect. I’m happy to answer questions, connect you to division members, or help you find resources to bolster your journey.
A final note: You might have seen emails about our mentor program, which officially kicks off in August. If you missed the June deadline for a pairing this year, make a note to look for future calls. I encourage all graduate student members to participate so that you, too, may benefit from great advice, care, and collaboration. Remember: you must be a current member of the History Division to participate, so be sure to join us again in the future!
Looking forward to seeing you all in San Francisco!
Lexie Little
Graduate Student Liaison
Alexia.Little@uga.edu