College of Journalism and Mass Communications Dean Maria Marron has announced that she’s stepping down as editor of Journalism and Mass Communication Educator, the leading journal in journalism and mass communications pedagogy, to focus on her commitments to the college.
"I believe this is an ideal time for me to step aside," Marron said. "I have led the journal through the transition with SAGE, the journal's publisher, and have addressed some significant issues such as mobile media education and assessment in the journal. And I have prepared a huge volume of manuscripts for publication, so the next editor will have an easy transition."
Marron is in her second term as editor. During her time as editor, she focused on internationalizing the journal and encouraged publication by tenure-track faculty. Her editorial “New Generations Require Changes Beyond Digital” was the third-most read contribution in the journal in 2015.
She will work with the new editor through the transition process, which will begin in early 2017.
"We hate to lose an editor of Maria's caliber," said Jane Marcellus, 2015-2016 chair of the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication Publications Committee. "She has done a tremendous job ushering the journal through a transitional period in our relationship with SAGE, and both AEJMC and the journal have benefited from her efforts.”
Marron became to the CoJMC as dean in July 2014. Since she began, the college named two associate deans, a new graduate chair and a doctoral program needs analyst, launched a first-of-its-kind visual communications program, completed extensive renovation to Andersen Hall, which includes the new immersive digital and social media hub, remodeled classrooms and a pending new student lounge. The college also planned a new sports media and communication major, prepared for reaccreditation through the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communication, and established the Hearst Speaker Series on Diversity and Media as well as the summer Media Academy.
This year, Marron will be focusing on the college’s strategic goals as outlined in the Vision 2020 strategic plan. In addition, the college is preparing for the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC) reaccreditation site team visit during this academic year.
“We represent a college on the move,” Marron said. “The College always has been one of the premier colleges nationwide in journalism and mass communications education. We have marvelous faculty and students. Now is our time to become THE premier destination college for anyone interested in journalism, broadcasting, advertising, public relations, photojournalism, social media, and all of our other great media-related programs.”