As the university launches its search for a new journalism college dean, Student Government Association representatives and students enrolled in the school are calling for increased transparency in the process. Given the perceived lack of openness and student input in past decisions, this editorial board stands behind that request.
While administrators frequently assert their commitment to keeping decision-making processes open and accessible, several changes in the journalism school in particular have tested that claim. As the college moves into a new era of leadership — and away from that of Dean Kevin Klose, who announced his resignation last month — journalism administrators need to ensure more than ever that the school is as transparent as Knight Hall’s glass walls would make it seem.
Over his three years as dean, Klose presided over a college that enjoyed great progress — including a move into its state-of-the-art new facility and an overhaul of its curriculum — yet was plagued by a handful of controversies that diminished its reputation among both current students and alumni.
In his former position as president of National Public Radio, Klose raised $400 million for the station. University administrators had hoped he would bring that knack for fundraising to the college, which was struggling financially. But faculty members and students have accused him of being too tightlipped about budgetary and fundraising details, causing some to speculate that figures are lower than they hoped.
Last August, Klose also laid off four employees in the department — dismissals that sparked an outcry from those in the journalism community, who accused the dean of making rash personnel decisions as a remedy for budgetary shortfalls. And without a satisfactory explanation or visible monetary figures showing why the layoffs were necessary, community members said they still remain unconvinced.
In light of those discrepancies, administrators need to go above and beyond in making the search process as transparent and inclusive as possible. The college’s conduct now will set the tone for how effectively it will address transparency concerns in the future. In a field fundamentally based on open communication and access to information, officials in the department must conduct themselves accordingly; anything less would be disingenuous and a mockery of the principles taught in journalism classes every day.
Provost Ann Wylie said the search committee will include student representatives, but we anticipate it will be up to the other committee members to ensure this voice is given adequate weight in deliberations. At this point of transition for the college, journalism community members need to hold administrators and college officials accountable for the promises they make. And once a new dean is selected, a high expectation should be set that his or her tenure will meet standards that Klose’s did not.
The journalism school has made great strides in recent years toward preparing its students for the evolving demands and challenges of a field in flux. And although some of the issues that surfaced under Klose were not resolved, they don’t have to permanently taint the school’s image among its students or potential donors.
If, however, the issues persist under new leadership, student and faculty morale will continue to plunge. Additionally, the department could lose favor with alumni and fundraising could take a further hit. With those stakes in mind, let the search begin — and leave the door open.
