IU’s Media School has appointed its founding dean, according to an IU news release.
James Shanahan, professor and associate dean of the College of Communication at Boston University, was formally recommended for the position at a meeting of the IU Board of Trustees on Thursday in New Albany, Ind.
In his time at Boston University, Shanahan worked to create a new diversity statement for the university. He said he hopes to bring a focus on diversity to IU.
Throughout the coming months, Shanahan will meet with faculty researchers and professionals, finalize the curriculum, develop graduate programs and plan further development of the school, according to the University.
His research has focused primarily on the media’s influence on public opinion, particularly the effect television can have on beliefs and attitudes.
“I’m honored to be selected as the dean of The Media School,” Shanahan said in the release. “There is no question that media of all kinds have been converging for quite some time. An integrated media curriculum makes a lot of sense and is likely to be very successful right out of the gate.”
This story will be updated.
Anna Hyzy
