The University announced Wednesday that Joshua Grimm has been appointed as the interim dean of the Manship School of Mass Communication in a press release.

Grimm, an associate professor, has been at the University since 2012, serving as the associate dean for undergraduate studies and administration. He holds the Westmoreland Darden Professorship in Mass Communication. 

The decision came after the sudden loss of the Manship school’s dean, Martin Johnson.
“While we were all shocked to hear of Dean Johnson’s passing, every day we’re reminded of his impact on us all,” said Grimm. “Martin was an amazing leader, mentor and friend, and I am honored to have this opportunity to help carry out his vision and work with the resilient, incredible students, faculty and staff of the Manship School. I also look forward to working with all of the great leaders of this institution.”

Grimm graduated with his doctorate in journalism and mass communication from the University of Iowa. He received his master’s degree in journalism from the University of Texas at Austin. 

Grimm’s research interests include how diversity is portrayed in the media, with an emphasis on race, gender and sexuality. He has multiple research publications and book chapters and was awarded, among others, the Faculty Excellence Award from the LSU Alumni Association.

Grimm teaches many different mass communication courses including In-Depth Reporting, Advanced Journalism, Race and Gender in Political Communication, and Media Law.