2015 SHALA Class Announced

03/02/2015

BATON ROUGE, La. – Eighteen professors, administrators and communication professionals have been selected for the eighth annual Scripps Howard Academic Leadership Academy to be held June 7-11 at Louisiana State University’s Manship School of Mass Communication.

The academy, co-sponsored by the Scripps Howard Foundation and the Manship School, brings together academics and professionals to learn administrative strategies and gain insight into academic leadership.

During their time in the academy, mid-career academics and professionals will meet with seasoned administrators to learn about management, discuss the future of media education and consider issues critical to those interested in or new to leadership roles.

“We started the academy to help the nation’s journalism and mass communication schools fill an increasing number of leadership positions,” said Mike Philipps, president and CEO of the Scripps Howard Foundation. “It is gratifying – and encouraging – to see so many alumni at the helm of these institutions where they are distinguishing themselves and improving the profession.”

Nearly 100 participants have graduated from the academy and hold various administrative positions at institutions around the country including the University of Florida, the University of Maryland, Elon University, The Pennsylvania State University, Hampton University and Northwestern.

“Nothing is more important to mass communication education than developing future leaders. That is the sole purpose of the academy, and its results already are apparent in dean, director and chair offices around the country,” said Jerry Ceppos, dean of the Manship School.

Members of the 2015 class represent a combination of institutions of higher education and the professional mass communication sector.

The members of the 2015 Scripps Howard Leadership Academy class are:

  • Larry Abramson – Dean, School of Journalism, University of Montana
  • Battinto Batts – Assistant Dean, Academic Affairs, Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Mass Communication, Hampton University
  • Rebecca Blatt – Public Insight Network Bureau Chief & Professor of Practice, Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, Arizona State University
  • Stephanie Craft – Associate Professor, College of Media, University of Illinois
  • Kevin Convey – Assistant Professor & Chair, Department of Journalism, Quinnipiac University
  • Nancy Cornwell – Dean, College of Arts and Architecture, Montana State University
  • Marcia DiStaso – Associate Professor, College of Communications, Penn State University
  • Leo Eko – Associate Professor & Director, Graduate Studies, School of Journalism & Mass Communication, University of Iowa
  • Evene Estwick – Associate Professor, Communications Studies, Wilks University
  • Michelle Ferrier – Associate Dean for Innovation, Research/Creative Activity and Graduate Studies, Scripps College of Communication, Ohio University
  • Sunny Fridge – Assistant Professor, Department of Mass Communications, Jackson State University
  • Frauke Hachtmann – Interim Associate Dean, Advertising and Public Relations Sequence Head, College of Journalism and Mass Communications, University of Nebraska – Lincoln
  • Janice Krieger – Associate Professor & Director, STEM Translational Communication Program, College of Journalism & Communications, University of Florida
  • Herbert Lowe – Professional-in-Residence & Director of Journalism for Social Change Initiative, Diederich College of Communication, Marquette University
  • Lawrence Mullen – Professor & Director, Hank Greenspun School of Journalism & Media Studies, University of Nevada – Las Vegas
  • Chris Roush – Senior Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies & Director, Carolina Business News Initiative, School of Journalism and Mass Communication, University of North Carolina
  • Sheila Webb – Associate Professor, Department of Journalism, College of Humanities & Social Sciences, Western Washington University
  • Sheila Whitley – Associate Professor & Associate Chair, Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, North Carolina A&T University

For further information, visit http://www.manship.lsu.edu/shala. About the Manship School of Mass Communication: The mission of the Manship School is to produce highly competent communicators with broad knowledge and training in the liberal arts and the media. The school promotes effective communication, critical thinking and ethical responsibility. Through its teaching, research, and public service, the school is committed to leading the study and practice of media and public affairs. Believing that media should reflect and provide leadership to society, the school seeks diversity in its outlook, student body, faculty and staff. About the Scripps Howard Foundation: Dedicated to excellence in journalism, the Scripps Howard Foundation is a leader in industry efforts in journalism education, scholarships, internships, literacy, minority recruitment/development and First Amendment causes. With a special commitment to the regions where Scripps does business, the foundation helps build healthy communities and improve the quality of life through support of sound educational programs, strong families, vital social services, enriching arts and culture, and inclusive civic affairs. # # # - See more at: http://www.manship.lsu.edu/2015-shala-class-announced/#sthash.UYNdaXH9.dpuf