History

Journalism became first a minor, then a major within the Asbury College English department in the mid-1980s under the leadership of Dr. Marcia Hurlow, a former magazine editor and well-published poet. Dr. Hurlow's background in creative writing and linguistics were foundational to the journalistic training of students aiming at all types of journalism careers as well as graduate and professional studies. Dr. Michael Longinow, came to Asbury College in the late 1980s, after covering state and national politics along with specialties in investigative work on civil rights, local government and the environment.

Longinow’s insights and experience with deadline-news perspectives and his connections with news organizations helped him establish ties between Asbury College’s Journalism program and the Kentucky Press Association. As adviser to the Asbury College Collegian, Longinow helped the newspaper build ties to the Society of Professional Journalists, the Associated Collegiate Press/College Media Advisers, Inc. and the Association of Christian Collegiate Media. Both Hurlow and Longinow have helped Asbury University become a visible participant in publications and workshops of the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication.