By Theresa Servin | Logos Editor
The University of the Incarnate Word’s School of Media and Design welcomed students, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends to Founders Hall on Wednesday, Oct. 21, for an open house celebrating its new facilities, its history, and the relationships that continue to define the school.
The evening began in Cheever Auditorium, where Dean Adam Watkins reflected on the school’s evolution in a presentation that recognized former faculty members, administrators, and the academic programs that shaped its identity.
Watkins traced the school’s history from its earlier identity as the School of New Media, Design and Technology to its current name, the School of Media and Design. His presentation highlighted how the school’s identity evolved to better represent its academic disciplines.
Photographs of former faculty and administrators illustrated the contributions of those who helped establish the school. Watkins also recognized its history of female leadership, noting the women who served as deans before his appointment.
The presentation offered a closer look at the school’s current student population and academic achievements.
According to figures presented during the event, the school enrolls 574 students, with 71% Latino or Latina and 64% women. The school awarded 100 degrees during the 2025-26 academic year and has awarded 1,629 degrees since 2007.
Beyond celebrating those achievements, school leadership emphasized an opportunity to strengthen connections with alumni.
Student survey results presented during the event showed that opportunities to engage with industry professionals received a rating of 4.63 out of 5, compared with 3.44 out of 5 for alumni engagement.
The 1.19-point difference highlighted an area where the school hopes to improve by involving graduates more directly in mentoring, networking, and professional development.
Assistant Dean Trey Guinn reinforced the importance of bringing alumni and current students together. His message emphasized that although the school has moved into a new building, its sense of community and family remains the same.
Following the presentations, guests explored the third-floor facilities, where the school began its first semester in August.
Television production spaces attracted considerable attention, with visitors exploring studios equipped with cameras, green screens and production technology. The control room offered a closer look at the equipment students use to produce multimedia content.
Nearby, KUIW’s radio facilities welcomed visitors with music, conversations, and opportunities to see the station’s operations.
The Logos newsroom offered a quieter experience. Although newspaper production may not provide the same visual excitement as broadcasting, its expanded workspace represents a significant improvement over the smaller newsroom students previously occupied.
For returning alumni, the differences were especially noticeable.
Several former students expressed excitement about the new facilities, while admitting a little envy that current students could enjoy modern equipment, additional space, and surroundings unavailable during their own years at UIW.
Throughout the reception, former classmates reunited, faculty members exchanged memories, and students shared their new academic environment with visitors.
The evening demonstrated that Founders Hall represents more than a change of address. It offers new opportunities for learning, collaboration, and connections between generations of students.
While the building and technology have changed, the relationships that shaped the School of Media and Design remain at the heart of its identity.A new building, but the same family.
