Claussen appointed to prestigious Communication Department role

Posted July 16, 2015Communications and Marketing Department

GREENVILLE, Pa.—Dane S. Claussen, Ph.D., has been named the new Professor of Communication and Pedas Endowed Chair in Communication, effective July 15. He will also be the executive director of the James Pedas Communication Center.

“Dr. Claussen is beautifully prepared, by academic training and professional temperament, to lead the Pedas Communication Center to a new level of excellence and service,” said Lynn Franken, Ph.D., vice president for academic affairs and dean of the college.

An internationally recognized thought leader on communication education, Claussen was the Editor of Journalism & Mass Communication Educator (J&MCE), the world’s oldest and largest scholarly journal devoted to education in journalism, public relations, advertising and related fields, from March 2006 until September 2012. J&MCE is published by the Association for Education in Journalism & Mass Communication (AEJMC) and marketed and printed by SAGE Publications.

He is the author of “Anti-intellectualism in American Media: Magazines & Higher Education” (Peter Lang, 2004); and editor and co-author of “Sex, Religion, Media” (Rowman & Littlefield, 2002), “The Promise Keepers: Essays on Masculinity & Christianity” (McFarland, 2000), and “Standing on the Promises: The Promise Keepers and the Revival of Manhood” (Pilgrim Press, 1999). Claussen has also published or presented scores of scholarly journal articles, essays, editorials and book reviews; book chapters; national and international conference papers; and encyclopedia articles.

“Thiel College’s vision of ‘presentational literacy,’ which goes well beyond the more common goal of ‘communication competence,’ is unique in the United States,” he said. “Encouraging students from all Thiel College majors to participate in communication-oriented student activities, such as the radio station and television studio, and other communication-related programs also is unique as journalism school facilities at other universities overwhelmingly are only for communication majors.”

Claussen was most recently Visiting Professor of International Journalism, School of Journalism & Communication, Shanghai International Studies University in China for the 2013-15 academic years. While there, he designed the English-language master’s program, Chinese Media & Global Corporate Communications. Previously, Claussen was Executive Director, American Civil Liberties Union of Nevada (2011-2013); Professor & Director of Graduate Programs, School of Communication, Point Park University in Pittsburgh (2001-2010); and Assistant Professor of Media, Journalism & Film and of Gender Studies, Missouri State University (1999-2001). He was a Fulbright Specialist (2009-14) and has done extensive consulting for universities and nonprofits in Bangladesh.

“I am deeply honored to be named the James Pedas Professor at Thiel College. Thiel College is an excellent small college, celebrating 150 years next year, with its best years still ahead, and Mr. Pedas is a successful movie producer and business executive who also has been exceptionally committed to Thiel,” he said.

In AEJMC, the organization for U.S. mass communication and media professors, Claussen has headed the Media Management & Economics Division; Mass Communication & Society Division; Magazine Division; and History Division, among other roles. He also has been an elected member of AEJMC’s Teaching Committee; appointed member of its Publications Committee; and ex officio member of its Diversity Task Force.

At Point Park University, Claussen designed the dual Masters of Arts Journalism and Mass Communication/Masters of Business Administration program, one of only six in the United States and the only one not at a research university. He also was the campus-wide Faculty Development Coordinator for one year; chaired the university’s Graduate Council for 5 1/2 years; and chaired the university’s Program Review Committee for 1 1/2 years.

Claussen holds a B.S., Journalism, University of Oregon (1984); M.B.A., Corporate Finance and Labor Relations/Human Resources, University of Chicago (1986); M.S., Mass Communications, Kansas State University (1996); and Ph.D., Mass Communication, University of Georgia (1999). He has also completed postdoctoral courses in U.S. intellectual and religious history.

Prior to his academic career, Claussen was editor and/or publisher of daily, weekly, biweekly and monthly newspapers and magazines in Wisconsin, Oregon, and Washington state.

About the James Pedas Communication Center

The 20,000 square foot James Pedas Communication Center is home to the television studio and radio station, the College newspaper, Communication Department and Office of Admissions. The academic spaces in the $6.8 million building include the amphitheater style Stamm Lecture Hall, flexible classrooms, collaborative areas and a 24-hour computer lab with more than 20 computers.

Trustee emeritus Dr. James Pedas, a 1950 graduate of Thiel College and recipient of an honorary doctorate from the College in 1989, provided the lead gift for this project as well as the inspiration and momentum to turn this vision into a reality. Students from all majors benefit from the Pedas Communication Center as they get instruction and guidance on how to incorporate modern communication methods into their professional lives. The Pedas Center was recognized in February 2015 as a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design silver certified building for its conservation techniques and commitment to renewable resources.


About Thiel College

Thiel College is an independent college founded in the Lutheran tradition. Located in Greenville, Pa., the College offers 60 majors and minors, 24 varsity sports, and an 11:1 student-faculty ratio. The College is also home to a new Master of Science in speech-language pathology and 2Master of Business Administration. Both master’s degree programs offer innovative and accelerated five-year paths which allow students to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years. The speech-language pathology program also has an accelerated 15-month graduate-level program. The M.B.A. program also has a 12-month post-graduate program.A dedicated faculty paired with dynamic research and internship opportunities produce numerous graduate school and job placements. Coeducational from its beginnings, the College remains committed to combining tradition with innovation as it celebrates 150 years.



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