Professors Mitchell, Douglas and Coleman

Last week I was in San Diego for the National Association of Black Journalists 35^th Convention. Before I became a professor last fall, I was a news producer.  I’ve been a member of NABJ since my student days at Hampton University and have attended several conventions over the years.   This year I was very excited to attend because I missed last year’s meeting in Tampa and this was also my first trip to California! How did I make it to Cape Town before visiting Cali?     

Attending the convention is like going to a family reunion or college homecoming.  I reconnected with friends; saw former colleagues, people I interned with and now people that have interned for me.  The convention is always a great opportunity for networking and learning.  This year the panels were stellar.   There were multiple panels that I wanted to attend that took place simultaneously. Since I have not perfected cloning myself yet, I couldn’t go to all of them.  But that’s why it’s good to attend with friends.  We separated and attended different panels and shared notes with each other.

 There was one panel I had to attend in its entirety for myself “Take Your Experience to the Classroom.”   It was a panel discussion that featured former print and broadcast journalists that are now academics. The professors on the panel came from large and small universities; as well as HBCUs and brought a range of perspectives and number of years of teaching experience.  There were other panels where I met NABJ members that are now professors.  However, this panel gathered us all in one place and allowed us to delve into the issues and joys we encounter on campus.   It was also a great opportunity to share insight with journalists that are considering making the switch to academia.  

Professor Greenwell via Skype from Medill

 The following are some of my favorite words of wisdom from the panelists:

Keonte Coleman, Assistant Professor, Bennett College for Women

• “I was the producer that helped the interns. Most of them became producers. I realized I was teaching them.” 
• “Being a producer helped prepare me to resolve conflicts in the classroom.”  

Michael Douglas, Professor, Florida Memorial University

•  “Make time for yourself, higher education can be exhausting.”
• “What keeps me encouraged is when they get it!”

Ava Thompson Greenwell, Associate Professor, Medill at Northwestern University

• “Keep in mind writing is an emotional task, be mindful when you are critiquing students.”
• “Most people take a pay cut coming from industry to the academy. Keep in mind the flexibility in schedule may be worth the cut in pay.”

Karen Mitchell, Assistant Professor, University of Missouri

• “I work harder now than I ever did in daily journalism but it’s so rewarding.”
• “I never thought I would be as happy as I am in academia.”

I’ve mentioned on our Facebook page that I have been having a hard time getting my head back on the books.  But this panel provided me with my back to school toolkit through encouragement, insight and camaraderie.   

Air Kisses,

Professor Diva Mac