Incoming Manship School of Mass Communication Dean Jerry Ceppos says he wants to see the school impact the way politics are discussed in news media.
“The Manship School has made a name for itself at the intersection of media and politics,” he said. “I think there is no other school in the country that does so as well.”
Ceppos, who will replace interim dean Ralph Izard on July 1, said he thinks the Manship School can improve how the country talks about politics.
“Too often we see political figures shouting past each other, and the media covers the shouting,” he said. “I think this school can go a long way towards fixing that.”
Ceppos, who has more than 30 years of professional journalism experience, said journalism is his strongest suit.
“I like to see hard-hitting reporting,” he said. “That’s where I come from, so that’s where my heart is.”
Ceppos acknowledged that he will take the school’s helm in the midst of continuing budget cuts.
“Bear in mind, I left a declining industry,” he said wryly. “I’m used to having to make cutbacks and be as efficient as possible.”
Ceppos is currently journalism dean at the University of Nevada, Reno. He said that state is facing even worse budget crises than Louisiana.
 
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Contact Matthew Albright at [email protected]