Emily Metzgar, the director of undergraduate studies for the Media School at Indiana University, was announced as the next director for the School of Journalism and Mass Communication on February 20.

Metzgar will assume her new position July 1. Metzgar will replace Jeff Fruit, interim director since 2017.

Amy Reynolds, dean of the College of Communication and Information, said Metzgar will be a great addition because of her qualifications for the job.

“She has an established record of success in leading across a diverse range of programs,” Reynolds said, “and she brings a strong background in global engagement that will help us continue to emphasize the importance of cultural competencies and global experiences for our students.”

Before joining Indiana Faculty, Metzgar was a diplomat, policy analyst, opinion writer and youth advocate.

Specifically, Metzgar worked for the U.S. Information Agency, the National Defense University, the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Institute of Peace. Her writing and research focuses on foreign affairs and the role of media in American politics.

“Emily is an accomplished scholar who is conducting important research that is directly relevant to the problems of today,” Reynolds said. “The global reach of her public diplomacy research and opinion writing will elevate the school’s national reputation in the area of media and politics.”

While at Indiana University, Metzgar promoted curricular reform, created new degrees and majors, established the Media School’s Media Scholars – a program that supplies select incoming media and game design majors with direct resources to the school – and developed curricula for high-performing students.

Metzgar is honored to be named the new director of JMC, according to the press release.

“The school’s dedicated faculty and staff, hard-working students, engaged alumni and great facilities mean the program is well-equipped to navigate this challenging time of change in both academia and industry,” Metzgar said. “I’m delighted to have the opportunity to work with this talented team.”

Brady Warmbein covers CCI. Contact him at [email protected].