Last year, the Reynolds School of Journalism celebrated its centennial, 100 years after the first journalism course was taught at the University of Nevada, Reno in 1922.

This milestone was marked with the production of a historical documentary entitled “On the Record: A Century of Journalism Education at Nevada.” Produced by award-winning documentarian and Reynolds School Professor Kari Barber and a team of students, the film follows a century of challenge and change within the journalism program. “On the Record” first premiered at a screening on campus and was broadcast on PBS Reno in March 2023.

The Reynolds School is pleased to announce that the film is now available to stream online.

“We’re thrilled to share the first 100 years of our history broadly with the public,” Dean Al Stavitsky said. “Today’s students and faculty are now part of that tradition and legacy.”

The school’s rich history dates back to the first eleven students enrolled in the inaugural journalism class offered within the English Department in 1922, taught by Laura Ambler, a young Nevada alumna and local newswoman. The following year, Alfred Higginbotham, known fondly as “Higgy,” joined the University, determined to make journalism its own independent department.

Higginbotham succeeded at his goal; journalism became its own department in 1943. His determination, along with the support of dedicated faculty and community members helped lead the department to establish a free-standing school at the University. In 1984, the Reynolds School of Journalism came to fruition, with the support of the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation.

“Throughout its existence, the Reynolds School has been devoted to shaping future generations of journalists and communicators,” Stavitsky said. “That mission will continue into our second century.”