The Mountaineer

Issue date: 10/9/06 Section: News

Media Credit: Watchara Phomicinda Professor Toni Albertson flanked by members of the newspaper staff [Click to enlarge]

Students who are looking to pursue a career in journalism or in the media may now find an enriching experience awaiting them.

In the beginning of the Fall 2006 semester, the college newspaper, The Mountaineer, has made significant changes to its program.

Toni Albertson was appointed full-time professor of journalism and adviser for the newspaper. Albertson's entire focus is to produce The Mountaineer and offer instruction necessary.

This is the first time a California community college has recognized the need for a full-time adviser whose entire load is to advise the newspaper.

"I feel like I hit the jackpot," says Albertson.

For years, Albertson has wanted to work in a position where she could concentrate all her time on making a student newspaper a success.

"I want to create a fully convergent, real-world newsroom that teaches students the skills necessary to succeed in the high-tech world of journalism," Albertson says.

Albertson spent most of her life in the media, working as the editor-in-chief of an internationally-distributed entertainment magazine through Time-Warner, and as a journalist for a number of newspapers and magazines.

She made the decision six years ago to complete her master's degree in journalism and mass communications and was hired to teach her first college journalism courses here at Mt. SAC and at Los Angeles Pierce.

"I've always held a very special place in my heart for Mt. SAC," she says. "They took a chance on me."

Albertson went on to land a full-time position as professor of journalism and adviser of the campus newspaper at Oxnard College but the journalism programs at both Oxnard and Ventura colleges were cancelled due to budget cuts.

Albertson went on to teach journalism at Moorpark College, Los Angeles City College, and Los Angeles Trade-Tech College where she restarted the newspaper.

"I feel so privileged to have been hired at such an amazing college and to have so much support behind me," said Albertson.

The journalism program at Mt. SAC was under the Communications Department for the last five years but is now back under the English/Literature Department, chaired by Gary Enke.

"I would like to see the program grow and expand," said Enke. "When a student thinks about community college journalism and newspaper, I would like them to think of Mt. SAC as a first choice."

The program has gained overwhelming support by the college's administration.

"I think the college is anxious to have a vibrant newspaper," said Runnebohm. "We have a lot of support from the president, the vice-president and the Board of Trustees as well," He added:

"We felt there was a lot of movement forward with the paper and by searching around, we agreed that Toni [Albertson] is the person that can bring that kind of energy into the paper."

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