As I've gotten to know the students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends of The Media School these past few months, I’ve found myself wanting to keep in touch. So, I’m introducing this monthly dean’s letter to keep the conversation going.
In December, I delivered remarks at our fall commencement, and I participated in the wider university commencement. So meaningful and moving to do this for the first time as dean! In those Media School remarks, I delved into themes important to me (and hopefully to many of us!). If you weren't at the event, you can read those remarks here. I enjoyed the discussions that ensued and meeting some of the families of our amazing students.
In February we celebrate Black History Month, and we can always count on our own Black Film Center & Archive to provide a full slate of robust programming that invites discussion. This clever trailer the center produced summarizes the month’s activities. Arguably the most exciting was the world premiere of a new 4K restoration — completed by the BFCA in collaboration with the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture’s Time-Based Media Archives & Conservation and the Center for African American Media Arts — of “Will,” the earliest surviving feature-length film directed by a Black American woman: Jessie Maple. Maple’s family joined us for the screening and other events in her honor, and Mayor Kerry Thomson declared Feb. 1 Mrs. Jessie Maple Patton Day. In Franklin Hall, we’re pleased to be hosting weekly screenings of films from the BFCA’s collections in the commons.
I’ve spent much of February on the road meeting alumni and friends from all over the country. Thank you to the Chicago alumni who hosted our students in their offices at FleishmanHillard, Optimus, the Big Ten Network, BCW, Leo Burnett, Publicis Media, the Chicago Tribune, and Mode Project early in the month for our Chicago Career Trek. The annual event gives our students a glimpse into the careers they’re considering. In Indianapolis, I enjoyed talking about mental health depictions in film with alumni and friends at the IU Alumni Association’s Weekend U. And I’m looking forward to meeting alumni in Washington, D.C., for the Weekend U there this weekend. I’ll be moderating a panel, “Journalistically Speaking: Covering the Capitol,” featuring four of our esteemed alumni.
Our students have been on the road as well. With the Chicago Career Trek behind us, we now look forward to Lecturer Mike Wells’ Sports Media Laboratory’s class coverage of this weekend’s NBA All-Star Game in Indianapolis. And with spring break quickly approaching, we have students and faculty preparing to spend the week studying media in New York City and Tokyo. I firmly believe travel is an integral part of everyone's education.
But before that, I look forward to welcoming many journalists and alumni at the Arnolt Center for Investigative Journalism’s annual Investigative Journalism Symposium here in Franklin Hall on Feb. 29. Headlined by former New York Times Executive Editor Dean Baquet, it’s a free, all-day exploration of trends, issues, and excellence in the field of investigative journalism. I hope to see many of you there.
Throughout, I’ve been inspired by our recent discussions about the strengths of our school and challenges it faces, the importance of defining our identity, and strategies for raising our profile as a premier institution for studying and creating media. As we reflect on our identity — both as individuals and as a community — I am reminded to keep three questions for our mental well-being in mind: What am I grateful for today? How have I helped someone else today? What did I do for my own well-being today? These reflections are crucial in building a supportive environment and keeping our focus on what matters most.
I am thrilled about the possibilities that lie ahead and am dedicated to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and ambitious community. Here's to a semester filled with growth, achievement, and well-being for all of us.
David Tolchinsky
Dean, The Media School at Indiana University
mschdean@iu.edu
