Dean search continues
Journalism school may find another candidate soon
The search committee narrowed the list of candidates down to two – Thomas Hodson and Jerry Ceppos – for the Reynolds School of Journalism dean position. A possible third candidate may be selected, University of Nevada, Reno President Milton Glick said.
Hodson is the director of the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University. Ceppos is a professor at San Jose State University and is former executive editor of the San Jose Mercury News and vice president of the Knight Ridder newspaper group.
Ceppos interviewed with the search committee last week, and Hodson is scheduled to come Nov. 14 to 16.
Hodson will be speaking with students Nov. 15 at 11:30 a.m. about student involvement and the future of journalism. The discussion will take place in the Travis Linn Reading Room in the Reynolds School of Journalism building.
The search began in September, nine months after former journalism dean Cole Campbell died in a car crash, interim Provost Jannet Vreeland said.
Committee chair Bill Sparkman said the dean should be chosen by January, although there is no deadline. Glick encouraged the committee to take as much time as needed.
“They have big shoes to fill because Cole Campbell did an extraordinary job,” President Milton Glick said. “We hope that the next dean will be here for 10 years, so it may take an extra month, but on the other hand it needs closers.”
Sparkman said the interview process for both candidates should be completed by the end of next week. The two candidates were picked from over 50 applications, Sparkman said.
“I think the two candidates we have are outstanding,” Sparkman said.
After the search committee presents their findings, Glick will make the final decision of who gets the position.
Journalism school student Sen. Monika Mala serves as a student voice as she participates on the committee. Mala commented on what she would like in a journalism dean.
“I would like someone who is relatable to students and who knows how to take the school and make it better,” Mala said.
A dean with strong leadership, the ability to raise money and an interest in diversity are characteristics the committee looks for in a dean, Mala said.
Hodson said he feels the students’ relationship with their dean is important.
“I would build a good relationship with students by meeting with students in and out of the classroom,” Hodson said.
If chosen to be dean, Hodson would like to provide more courses in specialized reporting such as legal and business reporting. He feels this would greatly improve the journalism school.
“It’s [journalism school] poised of going to greater heights,” Hodson said.
Ceppos visited UNR Nov. 5, discussing with students what he would like to see at the Reynolds School of Journalism. He feels that an increase in environmental journalism would make the school more distinct and increase funding.
Ceppos also noted the importance of interdisciplinary work within the journalism school. He feels it would be beneficial for journalism students to learn more about science and technology.
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