Biography

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (May 21, 2018) — Jim Rodenbush, a student publications adviser with experience at Colorado State, Penn State and Webster universities, is the new director of student media at Indiana University Bloomington, Media School Dean James Shanahan has announced.

Rodenbush was selected after a national search by a committee of faculty members, alumni and students. As director of student media, he will serve as the chief executive officer for the Indiana Daily Student, the Arbutus yearbook and related media. He also will collaborate with other student media on campus to reflect convergence in the news industry, and he will teach and fulfill administrative responsibilities in The Media School.

“I am beyond excited to get started,” said Rodenbush, whose appointment begins July 2. “I have been a longtime admirer of the Indiana Daily Student and consider it a privilege to have the opportunity to help lead the organization. IDS and the Arbutus both enjoy a national reputation, and I’m ready to do whatever work necessary to ensure that the students have the support and resources necessary to continue their outstanding work.”

Rodenbush comes to IU from Colorado State in Fort Collins, Colorado, where he has worked as student media adviser and corporate communications manager for The Rocky Mountain Collegian since 2015. Previously, he was news adviser to Penn State’s The Daily Collegian and general manager of The Journal at Webster University.

Before joining student media, Rodenbush worked for GateHouse Media as a regional digital editor; for the University of Pittsburgh as an adjunct faculty member; as a freelance reporter for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette; and as an editor and reporter at the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review and Suburban Journals of Greater St. Louis.

He has written freelance articles for The Associated Press, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the Baltimore Sun, the Boston Globe, FoxSports.com and other major news outlets.

“Jim Rodenbush impressed the committee with his depth of experience in student media at Colorado State and Penn State,” said IU alumnus and former Chicago Tribune editor Gerould Kern, co-chair of the search committee. “His passion for mentoring was clear to everyone who met him. The committee believes his understanding of digital media will enable the IDS to grow audience and help student journalists acquire the skills they will need in the future.”

Search committee co-chair Joseph Coleman, a professor of practice in the journalism program, said Rodenbush brings an understanding of the financial and technological demands facing student media.

“Jim has the kind of experience and thoughtfulness that will allow him to move seamlessly into this job,” Coleman said. “At the same time, he’ll bring fresh perspectives about how student media at IU can confront the challenges of the future.”

The director of student media reports to the dean of The Media School. The IDS and Arbutus maintain editorial independence, as guaranteed by a charter adopted by the IU Board of Trustees. The previous director, Ron Johnson, held the position from 2008 to 2017; Greg Menkedick has served since November as interim director.