In addition, the former editor of the Akron Beacon Journal has joined us as a Professional in Residence.

And, two of our tenure track faculty moved on to other positions. Electronic media's Naeemah Clark has gone to the JMC program at the University of Tennessee. And, Bill Gentile, who spent three years here rebuilding and updating the visual journalism program, has been hired to help American University develop a documentary program.

Director Jeff Fruit believes strongly that the university will approve replacing those full time lines.

While the University has been experiencing some tight budgets, President Carol Cartwright and Provost Paul Gaston also have made a commitment to meet the teaching needs of important programs where enrollment is expanding rapidly and where the quality of those students also is improving.

“The university has made it a priority to support its strongest academic units, and our new faculty

Bill Gentile and Naeemah Clark, former faculty members, have moved to other positions.

Brenda Culler accepts Medina teaching position

We have very mixed emotions when we announce that long-time staff member, Brenda Culler, has left the school. We're sad because we're going to miss her terribly, as will the hundreds and hundreds of students she's helped over the years. We're happy because Brenda is leaving to do what she's always wanted to do: teach high school. She's teaching full time at Medina High School. Good luck Brenda!

Jan Leach, former editor of the Akron Beacon Journal, joined the faculty this fall as a Professional in Residence.

lines in a tight budget year are a reflection of that priority," Fruit said. JMC received new full time, tenure track lines in public relations, advertising, and broadcast journalism.

"Our program has grown tremendously in the past few years, and those new positions are critical to maintaining a high quality of instruction. We look forward to the addition these of bright, talented newcomers to our faculty, he added.”

Joining the faculty this year are new assistant professors:

• Michele Ewing, a 16-year professional in public relations
• Bill Barre, a 30-year veteran of the advertising profession
• Karl Idsvoog, a Harvard University Nieman Fellow with extensive international experience in broadcast journalism.

Each has impressive academic and professional credentials.

Read more about fulltime faculty

Read more about Jan Leach

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