FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 19, 2001 CONTACT: Lisa Lacher, (515) 271-3119 WRIGHT APPOINTED ASSOCIATE DEAN OF DRAKE JOURNALISM SCHOOL David A. Wright, associate professor of journalism and mass communication at Drake University, has been appointed associate dean of Drake's School of Journalism and Mass Communication, effective Aug. 13. He will succeed Henry Milam, who is moving to Texas this week and taking a one-year sabbatical before retiring. Wright joined the Drake faculty in 1988 as a part-time faculty member and taught beginning broadcast methods and basic photojournalism. He was promoted to associate professor in 1990 and teaches classes focusing on television production and Web page design and construction. Wright received the Burlington Northern Award for Innovation in Undergraduate Teaching in 1995 and was a visiting professor at the Senior College of Ballyfermot in Dublin, Ireland during the 1997-1998 school year. "David brings great energy and instinct to the job. Students, staff and faculty respect his ability to solve problems intelligently and quickly," said John Lytle, interim dean of the School of Journalism and Mass Communication. "I look forward to working with him in our new roles." Prior to his academic career, Wright was a producer and director for Drake University's Educational Media and Television Services. He previously served as producer and director for the Iowa Television Network KWWL. He also has production experience with Rogers Cable TV and has done freelance production work for CBS, NBC, ESPN, and WTBS. Wright received his bachelor's degree in television and film from Trinity University and his master's degree in mass communication from Drake. At Drake, Wright serves as a member of the Faculty Senate Executive Committee and as a member of the Multimedia Task Force.