Shaping Global Communicators: The legacy and impact of the Faculty of International Journalism at UzSWLU”
By Dr.KARIMOV AMRULLO ASHUROVICH, Dean of the Faculty of International Journalism
The Faculty of International Journalism at UzSWLU, established in 1999, originally operated under the name “International Journalism.” Today, the faculty offers bachelor’s degrees in “International Journalism,” “Information Service and Public Relations,” “Linguistic Support of Intercultural Communication,” and “Political Studies.” At the master’s level, programs are available in “International Journalism,” “Information Service and Public Relations,” and “Linguistic Support of Intercultural Communication.”
Over the years, the faculty has cultivated a distinguished scientific school specializing in international journalism, becoming a significant academic hub in the country. Esteemed professors such as N. Joraev, F. Mominov, Kh. Dostmuhamedov, D. Teshaboeva, Y. Mamatova, and international faculty members like Won Tai Soul from South Korea, have contributed to this development. Other notable contributors include N. Kasimova, B. Alimov, K. Ismailova, G. Alimova, N. Toshpolatova, H. Saidov, D. Muitov, I. Dilmurodov, A. Karimov, A. Matyakubov, and G. Alimova. Together, these academics have built a comprehensive and specialized scientific community within the field.
Among the faculty are several distinguished professionals, including journalists and cultural workers who have been recognized as “Honored Workers of Uzbekistan” and recipients of the prestigious “Dustlik” (Friendship) Order. Some faculty members have won the “Best Teacher of the Year” award from the Ministry of Higher and Secondary Specialized Education and have earned scholarships for overseas study through the “El-Yurt Umidi” Foundation, established by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Additionally, associate professors like N. Kasimova, K. Ismailova, and B. Alimov hold international media trainer certifications.
In recent years, the faculty has seen significant academic achievements, with 10 researchers defending their PhDs and 5 scholars completing their doctoral theses. The faculty is also revitalizing its global partnerships, fostering strong ties with leading universities such as Suleyman Demirel University, the Faculty of Journalism at Al-Farabi National University of Kazakhstan, Osh State University, and Turkestan State University. Through robust collaboration with the United States, the faculty secured a $20,000 grant for television and radio equipment.
The faculty’s international engagement includes hosting seminars and training sessions in partnership with the Center for Retraining Journalists of Uzbekistan, UNESCO’s Uzbekistan office, and the Public Fund for the Support and Development of National Mass Media. These events have featured master classes led by renowned international trainers, further enhancing the faculty’s academic offerings.
Over the past three years, the Faculty of International Journalism has prepared more than 20 training manuals and textbooks in the field of journalism, further solidifying its academic foundation. The faculty continues to produce exceptional students who regularly earn prestigious scholarships, including the Presidential Scholarship of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Alisher Navoi Scholarship.
Many of our alumni have gone on to become influential professionals in their fields. Notable graduates include Umida Rakhmonova, now a Deputy of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis, and Mehrinoz Abbasova, Chairman of the Council of Young Artists of the Republic. Among our distinguished journalism alumni are Begzod Mamadiev, Aydin Sadullaeva, and Dilshod G’oziev, all of whom are journalists with “Voice of America” radio. Mashhura Tokhtamirzaeva has successfully defended her doctorate in Japan, and Davron Azizov serves as the head of the information service for the Chinese company Huawei. Nargiza Abdukhalilova works as a journalist for an online publication in the Republic of Korea, while Indira Khudoyberdieva leads the information service at Uzbekistan Railways JSC.
Our graduates have also made significant strides in the media industry within Uzbekistan. Amira Rashidova is the General Director of the “Sevimli” TV channel, Jasur Rakhmon is the Head Editor of “Renessance” TV channel, and Jamshid Umrzakov is a presenter for “Uzbekistan-24.” Additionally, Anora Sodikova is one of the most popular journalist of the country and head of an independent website, Nozima Toshpolatova serves as the editor of “Uzbekistan-24” radio. These accomplished individuals are a testament to the quality of education provided by our faculty, and we take great pride in their success.
Currently, the faculty boasts several specialized departments, including:
– Information Service and Public Relations
– Linguistic Support of Intercultural Communication
– Social Sciences
– Second Languages
– Information Technologies.
An impressive 90% of our graduates secure employment soon after completing their studies, underscoring the faculty’s commitment to preparing students for successful careers in journalism and related fields.