Monday, March 07, 2022

What makes a good Journalism and Mass Communication Leader?

 


Jennifer Greer, Elanie Steyn, Mia Moody-Ramirez, and Margaretha Geertsema-Sligh


Roundtable Discussion at AEJMC Midwinter Conference: What makes a good Journalism and Mass Communication leader? 

Job advertisements for JMC leaders typically include a long list of attributes and experiences needed to be the successful candidate. Most schools look for someone who understands the discipline and who also has a bold vision for the future. But JMC leaders need many more skills, including the ability to manage a budget, collaborate with colleagues, recruit students and faculty, raise funds, foster an inclusive atmosphere, be an advocate, and solve problems. In this roundtable discussion, we ask: “What makes a good JMC leader?” We hope to have a dialogue among ourselves and with audience members, as we consider perspectives of JMC leaders, faculty members, search committee members and senior campus leadership. Panelists will also discuss questions to ask yourself as you think about becoming a JMC leader. 

Participants:
• Margaretha Geertsema-Sligh, interim dean, College of Communication, Butler University 
• Jennifer Greer, dean, College of Communication and Information, University of Kentucky 
• Mia Moody-Ramirez, department chair, Journalism, Public Relations and New Media, Baylor University 
• Bey-Ling Sha, dean, College of Communications, California State University, Fullerton (virtual presentation)
• Elanie Steyn, associate dean, Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication, University of Oklahoma