Joe Harper, who led Kent JMC through tough times that threatened its success and survival, has retired after 25 years.

Harper joined the then-School of Journalism as director in 1981 as the fifth director in the past two years. When he left the director's chair seven years later to become a full time professor, the school was back on track with a strong, professional faculty and higher quality students.

Colleagues, staff, students and friends wished him well at a retirement party at the Rusty Nail in Twin Lakes.

After some good natured ribbing and revisionist history from JMC director, Jeff Fruit, and professor Greg Blase, Harper received a framed mock Kent Stater front page with stories relating to his time at Kent, along with a nice Kent State rocking chair.

Harper thanked colleagues for their support throughout the years and recalled battles to rebuild the school and to protect the Stater from Undergraduate Student Senate and the university administration.

He also remembered the secret meetings that led to the merger of the School of Journalism and Department of Telecommunications.

"Overall, it's been a good ride," Harper declared. "One that I've enjoyed very much."

Harper will continue to be involved with the school through projects and part-time teaching.

Read an interview with Harper

Read about Harper's battles to revive the program

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