Ralph Izard, director of the university's E.W. Scripps School of Journalism since 1986, made headlines in late May when he announced that he will step down from the administrative post following the 1997-98 academic year. Izard, 58, says he is undecided about his plans beyond June 1998, saying only that he is "exploring several options."

Izard, who joined the journalism faculty in 1966, is eligible for full retirement benefits from the university. He said he may remain on the Ohio University faculty. College of Communication Dean Kathy Krendl said a committee was expected to be appointed by mid-June to begin the search for Izard's successor.

The Scripps School of Journalism's graduate and undergraduate programs have been consistently ranked in the top 10 nationally during Izard's tenure. Last year, U.S. News & World Report rated the school's graduate programs in the print, public relations and broadcast news sequences among the nation's top 10.

A former reporter and editor for the Charleston (W.Va.) Daily Mail and The Associated Press in four bureaus, Izard has worked as an ethics and editorial consultant for print and broadcast media in several South Pacific islands over the past four years.

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