From the Dean

Winter 2023

Despite the wily ways of Chicago’s weather, I must admit that winter has been quite fun.

The School of Communication has hit a groove: our student success stories are mounting, faculty accolades keep pouring in, and our innovative curriculum is keeping pace with—even staying ahead of—the rapidly evolving landscape of the communication arts and sciences. To wit, I was back in the classroom winter quarter co-teaching a first-year seminar that had me on my heels trying to keep up with the bright young minds and marveling at their insights and curiosity. I also paid a visit to Northwestern University in Qatar and followed that with a trip to London to join our students in the Global Culture and Communication seminar and its accompanying spring break journey. It was a balm to the soul to see those students explore the city and expand their understanding of the media and industries where they will soon flourish.

In addition, winter allowed me to sit back (just a little!) and enjoy our school’s new branding, “Serious Play,” which you will learn more about here. Partnering with Northwestern’s Office of Global Marketing and Communications was both illuminating and rewarding. The research process allowed us to thoroughly examine our strengths and priorities, and what resulted (a new website, a redesigned magazine, a new Dialogue site, and a holistic mission statement) has been energizing. It feels as though the winter winds blew off the cobwebs, just in time for a spring renewal.

This energy helps us as we continue strengthening and developing new partnerships. These include bridges to the community around us, bridges to the next generations of SoC students and parents, and bridges to our vast and valued network of alumni. My goal of shortening the distance between ivory tower and front stoop depends on this work.

Please enjoy reading about the exciting next chapter for SoC, laid out on this beautiful new website. I wish our community a healthy, inspiring season ahead, and I look forward to building those new bridges with you.

E. Patrick Johnson
Dean, School of Communication
Annenberg University Professor