The Reliable Source

A Note
from Dean Charles Edwards

OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES AT SJMC
SJMC's Interim Dean John Lytle raised his eyebrows and whistled when I showed up for my first day of work on March 25, 2002 as the new dean of the SJMC. The "learning curve" has indeed been steep, but with one month down and starting my second month I am reminded of Lou Gehrig's memorable speech at Yankee Stadium on his retirement from baseball when he said: "Today, I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of this earth."

I am fortunate to be joining the SJMC faculty and staff as dean and I have many people to thank for this great opportunity -- first, Drake President David Maxwell and Provost Ron Troyer, who encouraged me to pursue my candidacy; second, the SJMC faculty, staff and students who have welcomed me as dean; and, finally the campus community, who were open and supportive of my candidacy.

My biggest thank you, however, must be reserved for Lytle. Not only did John do a terrific job as interim dean; he has been gracious and helpful during the transition of the last few months.

The most frequently asked question about my new job, both on and off campus, is why did I want to become the dean of Drake's School of Journalism and Mass Communication? Simply stated, this position presents both personal and professional challenge and opportunity.

I am challenged by the opportunity to head a major journalism school with an excellent reputation, strong academic credentials and good professional ties during this watershed period of change in the mass communication industry.

Along with these opportunities, however, the SJMC is confronted with some interesting challenges. Changes in the field of journalism and mass communication require that we re-examine the structure and content of the educational experience we provide our students. And, changes in the role of a small professional school in a large liberal arts university require that we re-examine the nature of our interaction with other schools at Drake.

Fortunately, SJMC has some wonderful strengths: a good reputation in the academic and professional community; a very strong faculty commitment to teaching and advising (that is recognized and appreciated by students); a supportive alumni base; close links to Iowa's professional community; and an unusual number of opportunities for blending academic and practical experience (for example, our strong support from the Meredith Corporation).

So stay tuned to your Reliable Source to hear how we are doing in clarifying and strengthening SJMC's mission, role in and responsibilities to our students, our alumni, our industry (both academic and professional) and Drake University.

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A Note from Dean Charles Edwards OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES AT SJMC SJMC's Interim Dean John Lytle raised his eyebrows and whistled when I showed up for my first day of work on March 25, 2002 as the new dean of the SJMC. The "learning curve" has indeed been steep, but with one month down and starting my second month I am reminded of Lou Gehrig's memorable speech at Yankee Stadium on his retirement from baseball when he said: "Today, I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of this earth." I am fortunate to be joining the SJMC faculty and staff as dean and I have many people to thank for this great opportunity -- first, Drake President David Maxwell and Provost Ron Troyer, who encouraged me to pursue my candidacy; second, the SJMC faculty, staff and students who have welcomed me as dean; and, finally the campus community, who were open and supportive of my candidacy. My biggest thank you, however, must be reserved for Lytle. Not only did John do a terrific job as interim dean; he has been gracious and helpful during the transition of the last few months. The most frequently asked question about my new job, both on and off campus, is why did I want to become the dean of Drake's School of Journalism and Mass Communication? Simply stated, this position presents both personal and professional challenge and opportunity. I am challenged by the opportunity to head a major journalism school with an excellent reputation, strong academic credentials and good professional ties during this watershed period of change in the mass communication industry. Along with these opportunities, however, the SJMC is confronted with some interesting challenges. Changes in the field of journalism and mass communication require that we re-examine the structure and content of the educational experience we provide our students. And, changes in the role of a small professional school in a large liberal arts university require that we re-examine the nature of our interaction with other schools at Drake. Fortunately, SJMC has some wonderful strengths: a good reputation in the academic and professional community; a very strong faculty commitment to teaching and advising (that is recognized and appreciated by students); a supportive alumni base; close links to Iowa's professional community; and an unusual number of opportunities for blending academic and practical experience (for example, our strong support from the Meredith Corporation). So stay tuned to your Reliable Source to hear how we are doing in clarifying and strengthening SJMC's mission, role in and responsibilities to our students, our alumni, our industry (both academic and professional) and Drake University.
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