IU officially appointed James Shanahan, associate dean and professor of the College of Communication at Boston University, to serve as the first dean of the newly inaugurated Media School on Dec. 4, 2014.
Shanahan comes from a long background of undergraduate communications experience and has expressed excitement to see the journalism school, telecommunications and communications and culture programs combine to form one successful network, not only within Franklin Hall, but the University as a whole.
“I am putting in the effort to set benchmarks and goals to improve the transition as best as possible,” Shanahan said.
Shanahan’s previous research interests include cultural indicators, cultivation theory, media effects and public opinion.
He said he hopes to use a combination of this research and a mixture of techniques gained from his vast experience as chair of the Department of Communication and director of graduate programs at Fairfield University, as well as professor in the Department of Communication at Cornell University.
At Boston University, Shanahan took part in the crafting of a new diversity statement for the university. He said he looks forward to bringing that focus to his work at IU.
Shanahan was a member of one of the several committees that formed this statement. He said a strong collaboration was expressed through this process and he wanted to use this technique in future projects.
“It was a very large team effort,” Shanahan said. “The statement was drafted and addressed in order for the university to have an identifiable position.”
His first plan of action as dean of the Media School is to meet with faculty members from all departments to get some insight on the combining of all these programs into one school.
Additionally, Shanahan said he wants to figure out the school’s graduate track program and establish a fundraising program in the process.
Shanahan is aware of the controversial implications from forming the Media School at IU. He looks forward to hearing from the students specifically, both questions and concerns alike, he said.
“I haven’t had the opportunity to speak with students yet but am looking forward to moving past this transition period,” Shanahan said.
In many ways, the positions at Boston University and IU are similar. Nevertheless, the transition from the Northeast to the Midwest does take some time. Shanahan said he is very optimistic about a bright future ahead.
“I have lived in the Northeast my entire life but am excited to take on a new experience,” Shanahan said.
IU Bloomington Provost and Executive Vice President Lauren Robel praised the efforts of the search committee in a press release for attracting a person whose vision is aligned with the Media School’s mission.
“The Media School was founded on the belief that the health of our democracy depends upon the free, unfettered flow of information and ideas through every available media channel,” Robel said. “James Shanahan is committed to this belief and passionate about engaging students in critical explorations of the ethical uses of media.”
