J-school narrows dean list to 7

The IU School of Journalism Dean Search Committee will soon know who takes the reigns from retiring Dean and Associate Professor of Journalism Trevor Brown next year.\nThe committee has narrowed its choice of candidates down to seven finalists and will begin to interview them face-to-face in Indianapolis this week.\nAt 17 years, Brown's term is the longest of any dean currently on campus, said Professor David Nord, who heads the committee.\n"It's a big event in the history of the school, but I don't think it's a big turning point," he said. "The aim of the committee is to continue the school on the same track."\nOriginally, roughly 30 candidates filled out questionaires for the committee. Candidate Susan Dente Ross, associate professor of communication at Washington State University, said she thinks she has an idea of what the committee is looking for.\n"I think that they are looking for someone who has a vision for the journalism program," she said.\n"I would hope to be part of developing a strong shared vision and moving toward achieving it. I don't see myself as a dean setting the direction, I see myself as responding and facilitating."\nThe committee set out to find someone with experience in both academic work and the professional media, as well as a seasoned administrator, Nord said.\n"(The candidates) have looked great on paper," said committee member Amanda Burnham. "Some of the faculty people know their work, and they've come highly recommended. Now it's basically up to the committee to screen that down."\nThe committee hopes the Indianapolis interviews will narrow down the list to three or four candidates, Burnham said. The committee will bring the remaining candidates to Bloomington for a final series of interviews.\nSince its inception nearly a century ago, the school has had only four deans or department heads, so a change in command is a big deal, Burnham said.\n"With the bringing of any new leader into an organization, there will be some level of change," Burnham said. "I think the question is, 'What will this individual want to focus on first?'"\nJournalism students can expect to feel the impact of a new dean, as money management and hiring decisions affect the quality of the school, Nord said.\nTo ensure an array of qualified candidates, the chancellor-appointed committee began advertising its search for a dean in September of 2003. Members also spread word of mouth through friends and colleagues, Burnham said.\n"A friend of mine who knew that I'm an alumnus of IU called and mentioned (the position) and said 'You'd be perfect for this,'" said candidate Richard Roth, associate dean of Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism. "There are lots of times I get asked about applying for deans' jobs, and I never do. This is the only one I've ever even thought about applying for."\nIn addition to Roth and Ross, remaining candidates include Lori Bergen of Kansas State University, Jeremy Cohen of Penn State University, William McKeen of University of Florida, Ted Pease of Utah State University and Steven Reese of University of Texas.\n-- Contact staff writer Mike McElroy at mmcelroy@indiana.edu.