Strategic Priority #1

Raise the profile and reach of the school

Goal: Position The Media School as a global leader in interdisciplinary media education and innovation by enhancing its visibility, forging impactful partnerships, and securing resources that elevate its academic and societal contributions.

Strategy 1: Build Recognition as a Hub for Interdisciplinary Media Education and Innovation

1. Develop a clear and compelling brand identity that highlights The Media School’s leadership in interdisciplinary media education, research, and inquiry-driven creative innovation.
2. Create targeted outreach campaigns showcasing faculty research, student achievements, and alumni success stories to attract prospective students, faculty, and donors while enhancing the school’s prestige. Highlight the school’s blend of intellectual rigor and industry relevance, demonstrating how critical analysis, ethical reasoning, and hands-on learning prepare graduates to lead in an evolving media landscape.
3. Host high-profile summits or events to convene academic, industry, and artistic leaders for dialogue on media’s future. These events, with themes like ethical AI, media influence, and digital storytelling, will showcase the school’s role as a hub for interdisciplinary media transformation while fostering broader engagement and partnership.
4. Build partnerships with global media organizations to demonstrate the school’s contributions to research, ethical inquiry, and innovative media education.
5. Establish thought leadership platforms such as faculty-led podcasts, blogs, and public panels to showcase expertise in critical media analysis, emerging technologies, and storytelling’s societal impact.

Strategy 2: Strengthen Strategic Partnerships to Amplify Impact and Visibility

1. Develop targeted partnerships with global media organizations, academic institutions, and nonprofits to expand research opportunities, internships, and visibility for the school’s initiatives.
2. Build cross-disciplinary partnerships within IU to expand The Media School’s reach into areas like informatics, public policy, and global studies, fostering innovative interdisciplinary solutions to pressing media challenges.
3. Broaden international collaborations to position the school as a leader in global media education and innovation, including exchange programs with partner universities or media organizations in key markets and co-hosted research initiatives.
4. Develop an alumni ambassador program that empowers alumni to represent the school in industry, academic, and community settings, leveraging their expertise and influence to build new partnerships, advance the school’s mission, and create opportunities for mentorship and engagement.

Strategy 3: Leverage Fundraising to Support Strategic Growth

1. Position The Media School’s strategic priorities as integral to IU Bloomington’s 2030 vision, ensuring alignment with the university’s broader strategic and philanthropic efforts.
2. Develop targeted campaigns for named funds supporting key priorities such as research centers, technology upgrades, and scholarships, highlighting the school’s innovative contributions to the university’s mission.
3. Engage donors with compelling storytelling that demonstrates the tangible impact of their contributions on students, faculty, and the school’s ability to address pressing societal challenges.
4. Expand alumni communications and engagement by sharing success stories, expanding alumni-focused events, and integrating alumni into fundraising efforts to build stronger connections and sustained philanthropic support.
5. Cultivate corporate and alumni partnerships to secure funding for collaborative projects, sponsored research, and experiential learning opportunities, enhancing the school’s reach and resources.