J-school names associate deans

The School of Journalism recently announced new associate deans for both undergraduate and graduate studies.

Professor Shannon Martin is the new associate dean for graduate studies and research, while Michael Evans will serve as associate dean for undergraduate studies.

Evans said he wants to improve international education.  

Evans, who has been with the school since 1999, said one of his goals is to send more journalism students out of the country.

“You can’t just cover your own backyard and consider yourself a well-rounded, well-educated citizen in the 21st century,” he said.

Evans replaced Associate Professor Bonnie Brownlee about two weeks ago.

His duties include working with his staff to schedule classes, ensuring students pay tuition, making sure students are progressing academically and dealing with academic misconduct.

“It’s considered a service,” Evans said.

Associate Professor of the School of Journalism Jon Dilts said Evans is a great pick for the position.

“He’s calm, he’s patient, he’s smart, he’s wise,” Dilts said.

Dilts was the associate dean for undergraduate education before Brownlee and described the position as intense.

The job allows the associate deans to interact with all students; not just those in their classes, Dilts said.

“His first interest is in students,” he said.