Vos Named Director of the MSU School of Journalism

Tim P. Vos, Ph.D., has been named the Director of the Michigan State University School of Journalism.

Vos has served as the Chair of Journalism Studies at the Missouri School of Journalism, where he was an associate professor and the Wallace Turner Faculty Fellow. Prior to the University of Missouri, where he worked for 11 years, Vos was an Assistant Professor of Communication at Seton Hall University.

“The program at the MSU School of Journalism has a fantastic reputation of excellence both nationally and internationally,” said Vos. “With Dr. Davenport’s stewardship of the program, there’s such a solid base on which to grow. Using that foundation, my goal is to continue to build a world-class program.”

Vos received his Ph.D. in Mass Communications from Syracuse University, and he teaches courses in principles of journalism, journalism history, media sociology and qualitative research methods in journalism.

His research focuses on the role of journalism, media sociology and gatekeeping, with an eye on media history and media policy. His work has examined the changes happening in print, broadcast and digital news, as well as public relations and advertising.

In addition to collaborating as author and editor of four books, Vos serves as the lead U.S. investigator for three international comparative projects and co-editor for the forthcoming Wiley-Blackwell International Encyclopedia of Journalism Studies. He has authored many articles on the theory, practice and criticism of journalism, with recent publications ranging from the roles of journalism, political viewpoint diversity, and gatekeeping to the journalistic paradigm and journalistic authority in a post-truth age.

“We were impressed with Tim’s credentials and his plans to continue the trajectory of the School of Journalism to be on the cutting edge of the industry while encouraging new knowledge in creative and research scholarship,” said Lucinda Davenport, Ph.D., Director and Professor of the MSU School of Journalism.

Vos serves as the Vice President of the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC) - the leading organization for research, teaching and service – and he was selected as the president of the association for 2020. He is the former vice-chair of the AEJMC Standing Committee on Research and the former head of AEJMC’s History Division.

“Tim P. Vos is one of the leading scholars of journalism studies, publishing extensively, and building a vibrant partnership between Missouri School of Journalism and numerous major universities in Europe that have taken a leadership role in the study of journalism,” said Professor Esther Thorson, Ph.D. “Tim immediately connected with journalism faculty and they are expressing excitement about the future of the School under his leadership.”

Vos will join Michigan State University in June, serving in the place of Davenport, who was the Director of the MSU School of Journalism for 10 years from 2009 to 2019. Prior to her role in the School of Journalism, Davenport served from 2004 to 2007 as the Associate Dean for Graduate Studies in the College of Communication Arts and Sciences.

Davenport will be returning to the faculty, where she will be involved in research and teaching. Under Davenport’s leadership, the School of Journalism surpassed its strategic plan to enrich the student experience, improve community and economic life, appreciate diversity, expand international reach, increase research opportunities and advance a culture of high performance. Named during re-accreditation as one of a “select group of premier programs,” the School of Journalism has also succeeded in embedding innovative technologies and creativity throughout the curriculum.

“We will continue to inspire and motivate students to practice the basic tenets of ethical journalism as they become critical thinkers, excellent writers and superb visual communicators,” said Davenport. “My colleagues and I look forward to working with Tim and are excited by his enthusiasm and ideas.”

Vos will begin his term as Director of the MSU School of Journalism on June 1, 2019.

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