In 1998 the University of Memphis Department of Journalism and Strategic Media began a partnership with the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, home of the Gutenberg Press, which continues today. The program allows both students and faculty the opportunity to go abroad and experience new cultures.  

Both the University of Memphis and Johannes Guttenberg University continue to embrace the flourishing 25-year partnership, Tanjev Schultz, professor at Johannes Gutenberg University in Mainz, Germany, is very happy about the stability and the flourishing partnership between the University of Memphis and Johannes Gutenberg University.   

“I’m proud that we continue to give students the opportunity to study abroad, learn about each other’s countries, and grow as people”. Schultz has been involved with the program since 2016 when he became a full-time journalism professor and has been the coordinator of the exchange program for Mainz with the University of Memphis ever since. 

Schultz works closely with University of Memphis Assistant Chair and Professor in the Department of Journalism and Strategic Media Dr. Mathew Haught as he leads the three-week immersion course for the UofM students traveling to Mainz, Germany. He recalls his first time as being eye-opening and now loves seeing students experience Europe for the first time. 

 “The students first week include lots of transition, but by the third week they have it down and they grow up really fast,” he said. 

Haught also credits UofM Center for International Studies Executive Director Rebecca Laumann and her team’s unparalleled support and says she’s a wonderful leader. 

University of Memphis Professor Dr. David Arant couldn’t be more pleased with the Mainz and Memphis connection as it strengthens both schools’ offerings. “I’m most proud of building strong relationships with another major research University,” he said. “We’ve all become such great friends and learned that there’s no real gaps between how we approach journalism.”