Student Organizations

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Membership is available in campus chapters of the American Advertising Federation, Kappa Tau Alpha national honor society, the National Broadcasting Society-Alpha Epsilon Rho, the National Press Photographers Association, the Public Relations Student Society of America, Radio/Television Digital News Association, Society of Professional Journalists, WKU Multicultural Journalists, and the WKU Storm Team. These experiences help students develop a competency that better enables them to perform in mass media professions.

Kappa Tau Alpha - National Honor Society

Honor society for students in all School of Journalism & Broadcasting majors. The organization's objective is to "form a bond of union between students of unusual achievement in the leading Schools and Departments of Journalism and Mass Communication." Members agree to serve as mentors to incoming and transfer students and to assist at academic advising sessions.

National Broadcasting Society (NBS-AERho)

The National Broadcasting Society-Alpha Epsilon Rho enhances the development of college students preparing for careers in electronic media industries. NBS-AERho connects students with practicing professionals; emphasizes industry ethics, diversity, and inclusiveness; and promotes opportunities for excellence in leadership, community service, and production.

National Press Photographers Association(NPPA)

The Western Kentucky Student Chapter of the National Press Photographers Association is committed to the advancement of photojournalism at Western Kentucky University and its role in the surrounding community. In coming together as a collective group to accomplish this goal we do so by abiding by the NPPA’s code of ethics and producing honest and impactful photojournalistic images. WKU's NPPA chapter is body of photographers coming together with a common purpose: to inspire, motivate, teach and learn from each other. With this collective support we hope to help the photographers at Western Kentucky achieve their goals and provide them with the opportunity for professional growth. The NPPA faculty advisor is Professor James Kenney.

Radio/TV Digital News Association (RTDNA)

RTDNA is the only organization in the world dedicated exclusively to serving the electronic journalism profession. Celebrating more than 50 years of service, RTDNA represents local and network news executives in broadcasting, cable and other electronic media in more than 30 countries. Through RTDNA's programs, publications, products and services, the association's members stay on top of trends in the electronic news industry, keep informed about technological innovations, expand their professional networks, stay in touch with issues affecting the industry and enhance their journalistic skills.

About 20 percent of RTDNA's membership is comprised of students. Student fees are less than a professional membership. Students participate in field trips to regional media outlets, work on campus radio and television news programs, participate when guest speakers visit campus, and attend the annual RTDNA convention. The annual convention features many prominent network professionals who conduct seminars on delivery, writing, news judgment, ethics, the job market and more. It is also an opportunity for students to have their tapes critiqued. The RTDNA faculty advisor is Professor Brad Pfranger.

Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ)

Students interested in journalism or photojournalism careers are encouraged to join the Western Kentucky chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. Student memberships may be transferred to professional chapters upon graduation. Monthly meetings offer sessions with professionals. Members of the chapter attend both the national and regional conventions, sponsor an annual employment seminar and conduct a Kentucky High School Mark of Excellence competition for writers and photographers. The SPJ faculty advisor is Rich Schumate.

WKU Multicultural Journalists (WKUMJ)

WKUMJ is a student chapter of the following organizations:  National Association of Black Journalists, National Association of Hispanic Journalists, Asian American Journalists Association, and the Native American Journalists Association. Members are active in production and in the sponsorship of programs of interest to minority students. WKUMJ is designed as a resource for all those interested in the journalistic arts.