Kent State’s School of Media and Journalism (MDJ) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mizell Stewart III as professional-in-residence.
Earlier this year, Stewart served as the keynote speaker for MDJ’s annual David and Janet Dix Lecture in Media Ethics. Previously, he was the Vice President of News Performance, Talent & Partnerships for Gannett and the USA TODAY Network.
Stewart will serve both Student Media and MDJ in his role as professional-in-residence.
Since his arrival in September, Stewart has begun engaging as a “consultant” to Student Media. He’ll work directly with students, providing one-on-one and small-group coaching in leadership and management skills with those serving in leadership roles across Student Media.
Stewart will also facilitate “big picture” conversations about Student Media, empowering and guiding students as they develop succession strategies, identify and grow their audiences and forge strategies that ensure Kent State Student Media organizations are poised for success as media and audience engagement continues to evolve.
"I am thrilled at the opportunity to bridge the work I'm involved in across North America to transform news organizations with the academic mission of Kent State University," said Stewart, who will work with students, faculty and staff to reimagine student media operations. "The best part about it is the ability to double down on all of the things I am passionate about: journalism, leadership and supporting the next generation of people who will shape our world."
Beginning in Spring 2024, Stewart will also teach two classes, Media Law and Media Enterprise, within the School of Media and Journalism.
A four-time Pulitzer Prize juror, Stewart helped lead the team at The Sun Herald in Biloxi, Miss. that won the 2006 Pulitzer Gold Medal in Public Service for its coverage of Hurricane Katrina. Stewart is a journalism graduate of Bowling Green State University, where he is now a member of the Board of Trustees. He completed the Advanced Executive Program, a joint program of the Kellogg School of Business and the Medill School of Journalism, at Northwestern University and earned a master’s degree in Executive Leadership and Organizational Change from Northern Kentucky University. In addition to BGSU, Stewart serves on the boards of the National Trust for Local News, Public Agenda, the National Press Club Journalism Institute and Journalism Funding Partners and is a member of advisory boards for PBS Frontline and Report for America.