After a national search, the School of Journalism and Media at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville will have a new director starting in July, Amy Jo Coffey, a former broadcast journalist who found her calling in higher education. Coffey comes to the College of Communication and Information to lead the school after serving as program manager for the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications’ online audience analytics master’s program, and as graduate coordinator for one of the college’s residential master’s degree programs in mass communication.
“Dr. Coffey’s exceptional record of scholarly and industry success speaks volumes to her commitment to excellence and building for the future,” said CCI Dean Joseph Mazer. “I look forward to the positive impact of her leadership and expertise, empowering our faculty, staff, and students to excel in the dynamic landscape of journalism and media.”
The search for a new director for the School of Journalism and Media has been underway ever since Professor Catherine Luther, former school director, stepped in to lead CCI’s new Information Integrity Institute last summer. Tombras School of Advertising and Public Relations Professor Courtney Childers has served as interim director of the school and will continue to do so until Coffey begins her tenure at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
