David D. Kurpius, professor of mass communications and associate vice chancellor for enrollment management at Louisiana State University, will be the dean of the University of Missouri School of Journalism starting July 1, officials announced April 3.
“With more than 10 years of professional television news and production experience and a proven record of increasing diversity in student and faculty populations as an academic administrator, David is uniquely qualified to lead the School of Journalism and the Donald W. Reynolds Journalism Institute,” Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Garnett Stokes said. “David’s scholarship as well as his academic and professional background will help elevate MU’s status as a top-tier [Association of American Universities] land-grant institution.”
As dean, Kurpius will provide leadership and help shape the future of journalism and strategic communication through the school’s missions of education, research and engagement. He will lead the school in development of strategic and innovative interdisciplinary programs, industry outreach, alumni engagement and fundraising, effective recruitment nationally and internationally, and promotion of best practices in traditional and emerging forms of journalism and strategic communication.
“It’s a time of great change in journalism and strategic communication, and I look forward to working with the students, faculty, staff and administration as we work to rethink and reshape our practice and study in this industry,” Kurpius said.
At LSU, Kurpius managed 89 staff members and a $5.6 million operating budget. He also oversaw almost $305 million in state and federal financial aid and scholarships.
Since 1997, Kurpius has been with the LSU Manship School of Mass Communication, where he served as associate dean for undergraduate studies and administration from 2005 to 2010. As a full professor, he taught advanced newsgathering classes, public affairs reporting and courses on minorities in journalism. Kurpius also served as the director of the Office of Student Media, which is home to LSU’s five student-produced media outlets providing news, information and entertainment to the campus as well as a hands-on learning opportunity for print and broadcast journalism students.
Kurpius has published studies in more than 20 peer-reviewed journals and books on subjects ranging from civic journalism to local television news.
He received a bachelor’s degree in telecommunication from Indiana University in 1986, a master’s in 1995 and a doctorate in 1997 in mass communication from the University of Wisconsin.