By MARCY PURSELL
J Alumni News staff
(l to r) Larry Walklin and John Bender
College of Journalism and Mass Communications professors John Bender and Larry Walklin served as chairs of two major university committees in 2009-10. Coincidentally, their offices are next door to each other on the third floor of Andersen Hall.
Bender, professor of news-editorial, was the chair of the Academic Planning Committee, a group that reviews and advises the chancellor about university budget and program cuts. Walklin, professor of broadcasting, headed the University Curriculum Committee, which must approve new courses or course content for undergraduate courses and determine which courses apply toward the general education requirements.
Interim dean Charlyne Berens said it’s unusual to have two members of the same faculty at the helms of two important campus committees.
“The UNL Curriculum Committee and the Academic Planning Committee are two of the most prominent and influential faculty groups on campus,” she said. “While our college is regularly represented on university committees, I think this is the first time our faculty members have been chairs of these important committees at the same time.”
Bender said the APC wants what’s good for the university, has a commitment to the university and is in a position to do good work because the members bring a many perspectives.
Walklin said that, in a way, the Curriculum Committee is the most important committee on campus because “the most important thing to any faculty member is the courses and overall curriculum.”
Bender and Walklin said both committees require major commitments, but both said they were happy to help UNL.
“John Bender and Larry Walklin are both good campus servants, willing to give their time and expertise to help the university function as it should,” Berens said. “We appreciate their willingness to serve.”
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