Southern Utah University has taken a significant step in academic publishing with the launch of the Utah Journal of Communication, a new peer-reviewed publication dedicated to advancing research in communication studies. The journal, spearheaded by SUU’s Communication Department, aims to foster collaboration among scholars throughout the Intermountain West.
Dr. Hayden Coombs, an assistant professor of Communication at SUU and the inaugural editor-in-chief of UJOC, played a key role in bringing the journal to life.
“Starting a peer-reviewed academic publication had been discussed for a really long time, since before I was even hired, by the SUU Communication Department,” Coombs said. “I think with my background in journalism, academia, and publishing, I was just sort of the right person to make it happen. I just needed to finish my Ph.D. first.”
The journal seeks to provide a platform for both seasoned scholars and emerging academics, offering an outlet for high-quality research within the field of communication. Covering a wide range of topics—from media studies and public relations to interpersonal communication and digital storytelling—the UJOC is set to become a crucial resource for academics in the region.
One of the most ambitious aspects of the journal is its goal to bring together communication scholars from multiple universities across the Intermountain West. Coombs has already begun discussions with faculty at institutions across the state.
“The UJOC will improve collaboration across all of the universities in this region,” Coombs said. “I’ve already had discussions with professors at the University of Utah, BYU, Utah State, Weber State, BYU-Idaho, and Snow College. It is my hope that every university in the Intermountain West will hop on board.”
By fostering cross-institutional dialogue, the journal aims to elevate the quality of communication research and encourage the exchange of innovative ideas among faculty members and students alike.
A unique feature of the UJOC is its commitment to supporting young scholars. Each issue will reserve at least one article for a student currently pursuing an advanced degree in communication.
“Highlighting the amazing work that our grad students here in the state are doing will help increase the prestige of our journal while simultaneously advancing the careers of young academics,” Coombs said.
This initiative not only provides an opportunity for students to gain valuable publishing experience but also enhances the credibility of the journal by showcasing fresh perspectives and cutting-edge research.
The establishment of the Utah Journal of Communication represents a major milestone for SUU’s Communication Department. It demonstrates the university’s commitment to academic excellence and positions SUU as a leader in the field of communication research within the region.
With its mission to promote scholarly dialogue, foster collaboration, and provide opportunities for young researchers, the UJOC is set to make a lasting impact. As more universities join the effort, the journal has the potential to become a cornerstone of communication scholarship in the western United States.
For students and faculty members interested in contributing to the journal, submission guidelines and additional details can be found on the official UJOC website. The first issue of the UJOC was recently published, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter in regional academic publishing.
