Журналист Daily Nebraskan стал финалистом двух национальных наград за расследование использования вузом ошибочных данных

A Daily Nebraskan reporter has been named as a finalist for two national collegiate journalism awards for his reporting on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s use of “bad data” to identify academic programs for elimination. Justin Diep, assistant news editor for the Daily Nebraskan, was named a finalist in the Investigative Story category of the College Media Association’s Pinnacle Awards on Aug. 20. His story, “ UNL used bad data to make $27.5 million cuts, faculty say, ” was also named a finalist in the In-Depth News Story category of the Associated Collegiate Press’ 2026 Story of the Year competition.  Diep’s investigation examined the data UNL used to determine which academic programs would be eliminated or consolidated as part of a $27.5 million budget cut. The Daily Nebraskan obtained a nonpublic university spreadsheet that ranked academic programs using teaching and research metrics. Diep’s reporting found errors and methodological concerns in the data, including issues identified by UNL statistics faculty with how the university compared programs.  The reporting came as the Board of Regents moved forward with the cuts. The Board of Regents ultimately eliminated four programs using this data, including earth and atmospheric sciences, educational administration, statistics and textiles, merchandising and fashion design. Additionally, the Board of Regents approved merging the Department of Entomology with plant pathology, while agricultural economics consolidated with agricultural leadership, education and communication. Diep, a senior advertising and public relations, broadcasting and journalism major from Omaha, joined the Daily Nebraskan in August 2023 as a news reporter and photographer. “Justin is a reminder of what journalism is truly about,” Ben Beecham, managing editor of the Daily Nebraskan, said. “He doesn’t do it for any glory, he just does it because he cares deeply about bringing the truth to our communities.” Outside of the Daily Nebraskan, Diep serves as a news intern for the Lincoln Journal Star and works as the photographer for local band Joyrager. He received a Student Production Award for Music Video from the Heartland Region of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences for his work with the band. Winners of the Pinnacle Awards and Associated Collegiate Press Story of the Year competition will be announced at ceremonies during the National College Media Convention in Kansas City, Missouri, between Nov. 4-7. [email protected]