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ÃÛÌÒ¹¤×÷ÊÒ has named Michael Beam, Ph.D., as the interim director of the School of Media and Journalism (MDJ). His appointment started July 1, after MDJ Director Emily Metzgar, Ph.D., began a new role as dean of Penn State University’s Bellisario College of Communications. 

Beam joins MDJ as the interim director after serving as director of the School of Emerging Media and Technology (EMAT) for five years (2020–2025). He is a highly accomplished researcher, teacher and leader. 

Students and recent graduates from ÃÛÌÒ¹¤×÷ÊÒ's School of Media and Journalism captured two regional Student Production Awards at the 2025 Central Great Lakes Student Production Awards, presented by the Central Great Lakes chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS).

Gage Wellman, a junior in ÃÛÌÒ¹¤×÷ÊÒ’s journalism program, competed among the nation’s best college journalists in the 66th Hearst National Journalism Championships held May 31-June 5 in San Francisco. Wellman, who hails from Parma, Ohio, earned a $1,500 finalist award in the Writing category at the national competition.