|
Degree and Year: BJ '66 Title: Media Futurist City and State: Marshall, Mo.
In 2000, I retired as an adjunct associate professor of the Missouri School of Journalism, and in 2008 I was named one of eight University of Missouri Faculty-Alumni Award recipients by the Mizzou Alumni Association. Throughout my career, I have led national and international media executives, companies, trade organizations and journalism leaders in creating successful strategies for the future. The news think tank I founded and directed at the School of Journalism -- New Directions for News -- initiated the first commercial online newspaper, and it produced one of the first Web sites to appear on the Internet. Now as a futurist, I provide media representation with Fortune 500 companies on a quarterly basis in New York. What other leadership and academic roles have you held in your career? I have played a lead role in creating four national organizations: the Council of Presidents for newspaper editorial executives; the National Women in Media Collection, housed in MU's Western Historical Manuscript Collection; Journalism and Women's Symposium; and the International Women's Media Federation. Additionally, my study, "Taking Stock: Women in the Media in the 21st Century," became a landmark that measured the employment of women across print and broadcast media. I also have continued work on behalf of women and minorities as a co-author of the book Working with Words, along with Brian Brooks and Jim Pinson. My chapter on "Sexism, Racism and Other Isms in the Language" is an industry standard. How did you get your job? My first journalism job was director of public information for Columbia College while putting my husband through law school. It turns out that helping Columbia College manage a turnaround with "branded" writing, video, publications and great photography from photojournalism students was a great launching pad for a national/international career. All institutions have to revitalize ... or fail to exist. What is the best professional lesson you learned at the J-School? Never, never, never give up. What advice do you have for current students? Futurists say to prepare for eight careers. With journalism positions, I would suggest you prepare for more than 20 career shifts in your future. And, learning Chinese would be a good step. How have you maintained your Missouri roots? I am a lifelong resident of Marshall, Mo., where I help make a positive impact on tourism, the arts and community life in mid-Missouri. With my late husband, Rick Wilson, BA '67, JD '70, I have two daughters, Leigh and Lindsay Wilson, both of New York. I also am a member of the University's Jefferson Club. News Releases
Form Temporarily Offline
The J-School apologizes for any inconvenience. Please visit our "Contact Us" Web page. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
| Revised: 24 October 2008. Copyright © 2009 The Curators of the University of Missouri | Contact the J-School | |
