By: Jeffery Johnson
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark.— The University of Arkansas’ department of The School of Journalism and Strategic Media is hosting J-Days from April 14 to 18, 2025. The week of journalism-themed festivities include fun events, guest speakers, a showcase of student work and a career helping event.
Darinda Sharp, Instructor and Director of External Affairs and Alumni Outreach at the UofA, said she is excited about the week. She said, “It’s a whole week of events, to celebrate journalism and strategic media and to put students in touch with alumni and area professionals, industry professionals.” She said, “It’s a time for the whole school to come together? We’ve got almost 900 students now, and so it’s a good time to get everyone in one place at one time.”
The week kicks off with a movie night where students can watch the journalism-themed movie, The Proposal, in room 407 of the Science and Engineering building. The journalism department will provide popcorn, a dirty soda bar and candy.
Tuesday includes a “student showcase” in the second-floor atrium of Kimpel Hall. That event takes place from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. There will also be an “Art Meripol Reception” starting at 5:30 p.m. in Kimpel room 148.
On Wednesday at 7 p.m., six-time Emmy winning journalist and former host of “Meet the Press”, Chuck Todd, will speak as the Roy Reed feature lecturer. Sharp said, “Roy Reed, was a professor here for many years. He was also London bureau chief for The New York Times, and so that’s the Wednesday night event where Chuck Todd will speak. And that’s always the biggie. Everyone should see Chuck Todd.”
Thursday will be a day where the Student Media center will host a resume review and headshot event for those looking to enter the workplace soon. That will take place from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in room 203 in Kimpel.
The week’s festivities will end on the second-floor terrace of Kimpel hall where the National Association of Hispanic Journalists will host a churros and soda event.