Thomas Hodson has been appointed director of the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University, effective July 1, College of Communication Dean Kathy Krendl announced. Hodson is currently special assistant to the president at Ohio University and director of Marietta College's Department of Mass Media, a position that ends June 30.
|
| Thomas Hodson |
"As a journalist and attorney, Tom brings a unique perspective and the type of specialized experience that distinguishes the E.W. Scripps School from other national programs," Krendl said. "I am confident he will provide the strong leadership necessary to continue to build upon the school's traditional strengths of providing students with a liberal arts foundation combined with a professional education and professional experience."Hodson, 55, has a distinguished background in journalism and law and strong ties to the University. Hodson, whose specialty is court media and community relations, has taught in the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism and the School of Communication Studies. He has co-authored a book about how media can improve court coverage and has written numerous articles on the subject and is a media consultant to various judicial organizations across the country.
The Athens attorney served as judge of the Athens County Common Pleas Court and the Athens County Municipal Court from 1980 to 1986. He served a Judicial Fellowship in the Administrative Office of the Chief Justice of the United States in 1986-87 and was presented the Justice Tom C. Clark Award by Chief Justice William Rehnquist as the outstanding judicial fellow for that year.
Hodson was a member of the Ohio University Board of Trustees from 1989 to 1998. He earned his bachelor's degree in journalism with honors and in general studies from Ohio University in 1970 and his law degree from Ohio State University in 1973.
The Scripps School of Journalism is ranked among the top five nationally by Writer's Digest and among the top 10 nationally by the Associated Press Managing Editors Association.
Hodson said, "I look forward to this opportunity of working with the faculty and staff in Scripps to provide the type of high quality education that prepares our students for leadership roles in journalism. This is a tremendous opportunity, and I welcome the challenge of continuing the established tradition of excellence. As a graduate, I have benefited greatly from the Scripps and Ohio University educational experience."
Michael Real, who has been director of the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism since July 2000, will return to the classroom as a professor and "my first love, education and scholarship."
