Campbell has high hopes for MCJ

Christopher Campbell has been the director of the School of Mass Communication and Journalism at the University of Southern Mississippi for seven years. While he earned his doctorate at USM, Campbell said he could not believe the director position opened up in 2005. Leading and inspiring students ever since, Campbell expressed his excitement for the relocation of the MCJ department to College Hall beginning in the fall off 2013.

 Additionally, six new faculty members were hired at the beginning of this fall semester: Cindy Blackwell, Maya Champion, Teddy Champion, Gina Chen, Peter Chen and Vanessa Murphree. Campbell said a faculty search committee was used and that numerous applicants were considered.

 “We got some really impressive people,” Campbell said. “I think that’s partly because they saw the excitement of the school going into College Hall and the support from the university.”

 Campbell believes these new professors will have a big impact on students by helping them figure out how they can be marketable. Campbell believes the move to College Hall will boost the reputation of the department.

  “This is an impressive group, and they bring a lot of positive energy to the school,” Campbell said. “They also bring great media experience as well as very impressive academic backgrounds. We’re thrilled, and our students are already singing their praises.”

   Campbell believes practice is the number one thing that helps students be successful in their chosen career.

“Internship opportunities, the radio station and The Student Printz are great opportunities to practice your craft, and that is what helps make you marketable,” Campbell said.

 For additional information, contact Campbell at christopher.campbell@usm.edu or 601.266.4258. For more information about the School of Mass Communication and Journalism, visit www.usm.edu/mcj.