Who’s new
The school faculty grew at the start of fall semester, adding strength across the curriculum. Dr. Susanna Priest came from Texas A&M to be the College’s new research director succeeding the now retired Dr. Bob Williams of the Library School. Dr. Dan Stout teaches advertising and brought the co-editorship of the Journal of Religion and Media with him from Brigham Young. Dr. Laura Smith joined our broadcast journalism faculty after receiving her Ph.D. from Texas. Dr. Augie Grant’s been with us quite a while, but he’s no longer a “visiting” professor. Augie also directs the master’s program. Full story

Newsplex coordinates presidential coverage
Click, tap-tap, send, post, read. Technology has made blogging a nearly instantaneous form of journalism. USC students took to the technique to create a unique perspective on the elections of 2004. Of course, there’s more to it than a click and a tap. Full story

Dean’s Circle donors aid College programs
As dean, I find it gratifying to be able to tell a faculty member I can help send her to a conference to deliver a paper, to let the director know there are funds available for an extra piece of equipment or to chip in to support a speaker for a student organization. I can help only because of the generosity of our alumni and friends. Full story

‘A J-School Year’ provides insight into journalism school life
In these days of journalistic turmoil, what is it like to spend a year in a modern American journalism school preparing to be the next generation to enter the nation’s newsrooms? What can we expect from this new crop of journalists, and what should students considering a career in the news business know about what to expect in “j-school”? Full story

Dr. Lauren Tucker honored by SJMC
In recognition of her long-term support of advertising education and dedication to her students, former faculty member Dr. Lauren Tucker received the James S. Fish Advertising Education Award from the School of Journalism and Mass Communications. Full story

Bowman new development director for College
Kim Bowman joined the College of Mass Communications and Information Studies this fall as the new director of development. Bowman comes from a successful venture at EdVenture where, as Vice President for Marketing, she helped launch the Columbia children’s museum last year. Now, as part of the College’s development team, she will head fund raising for the College and School of Journalism, helping lead a drive that would allow the College to relocate to a renovated facility at the heart of the Columbia campus. Full story