Three join Media School faculty
Three new faculty members have new positions at The Media School this semester, including visiting professionals and assistant professors.
Nick Browning, assistant professor
Browning has his doctorate in journalism and mass communications from the University of Georgia. Before his time at University of Georgia, Browning was an instructor at the University of Louisville, teaching classes in public relations. He will teach public relations courses at the school.
Browning said he is excited to join the established and respected public relations program at IU, while also being a part of the innovation and energy connected with the new Media School.
“A year ago a friend asked me where I would teach if I could teach anywhere, and my answer was Indiana,” said Browning. “I’m excited to help build the program and implement curriculum that will ultimately shape the way PR is practiced.”
Jason Peifer, assistant professor
Peifer, who just finished his doctorate at Ohio State University, said he is excited to accept a position at IU, another Big Ten school. Before earning his Ph.D., Peifer spent five years working in radio broadcast in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His research involves political communications and political satire. He will teach courses in broadcast journalism and media ethics.
Peifer said he was drawn to The Media School because the curriculum emphasizes the importance of quality work by teaching students concepts for making, managing and analyzing media.
“The philosophy of The Media School is a valuable and useful way to think about media and speaks to the idea of media literacy,” said Peifer. “I think it will ultimately lead to the students producing ethical work and faculty fulfilling their duties as media educators.”
Anne Ryder, visiting lecturer
Ryder has had a successful career in broadcast journalism for more than 25 years. She spent 20 of those years rotating through positions at the NBC affiliate in Indianapolis before retiring in 2004. Last year, Ryder was a visiting adjunct in journalism. She will teach one writing course and two broadcast courses this semester.
Since her retirement, Ryder has stayed up to date with trends in journalism by freelancing for her former employer. She said teaching has also been an effective way to stay in the loop.
“I learn a lot from the students. It’s inevitably an exchange of knowledge,” Ryder said of teaching. “I’m fascinated by the convergence that is happening in The Media School and with its students.”
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