The Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication has renamed one of its key training and outreach units to the James M. Cox Jr. Institute for Journalism Innovation, Management and Leadership.
The University Council recently approved the change from the original name, the James M. Cox Jr. Institute for Newspaper Management Studies, founded in 1990 by the late journalism professor Conrad Fink.
Charles Davis, dean of the Grady College, said the new name identifies the Cox Institute’s focus on innovation, management and leadership as digital technologies transform the organization, practices and management of journalistic enterprises.
For several years the Cox Institute has extended its training, research and outreach well beyond the management of newspapers. The new name embodies that extended mission.
Cecil Bentley, the Cox Institute’s assistant director, will continue to direct the Management Seminar for College News Editors, a weeklong summer program for 50 top college editors, and the Betty Gage Holland Award, a national award recognizing excellence in college journalism.
Keith Herndon, a visiting professor of journalism sponsored by the Cox Institute, is directing a new leadership development program for Grady College’s top journalism students in partnership with the Poynter Institute, a journalism training center in St. Petersburg, Fla. Additionally, Herndon is working with Mark Johnson, senior instructor of photojournalism, and several industry partners to launch a mobile news lab this fall.
