Media Diversity

McGruder Lecture Honorees

The annual Robert G. McGruder Distinguished Lecture and Awards Program honors and celebrates two individuals who express a passion and do above-and-beyond work to exemplify diversity in the journalism field. Named after Robert G. McGruder, a Kent State alumnus and trailblazer in diversifying journalism, the event returned after a pandem...

Tara Conley and Kaatie Cooper

The School of Media and Journalism (MDJ) at Kent State is pleased to welcome two new full-time faculty members for the 2022-23 academic year in the areas of media diversity and studies, and multimedia/video production and documentaries. Tara Conley, Ed.D., and Kathryn Cooper, Ph.D., are joining the faculty as assistant professors. This ...

Photo of Russ Mitchell

Russ Mitchell, managing editor of evening news and lead anchor of the 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. newscasts on WKYC Channel 3 News in Cleveland, has been named the 2013 winner of the Robert G. McGruder Award for Diversity by the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Kent State University. The award recognizes the accomplishments of media p...

photo of Debra Adams Simmons

Debra Adams Simmons, editor of The Plain Dealer in Cleveland, has been named the 2012 winner of the Robert G. McGruder Award for Diversity from Kent State’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication. The award recognizes the accomplishments of media professionals who encourage diversity in the field of journalism. Kent State’s School ...