The Communication, Journalism and Media Department’s Dr. Dhiman Chattopadhyay has been named a 2024-25 AEJMC Jennifer McGill Fellow by the Institute for Diverse Leadership (IDL). This fellowship is awarded annually and aims to increase the representation of people of color and women in journalism and communication education leadership roles. Chattopadhyay’s selection is a significant accomplishment, as he is the first faculty member from a Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) institution to receive this honor.
IDL is dedicated to fostering diversity in higher education leadership. The fellowship is competitive and is awarded to mid-career faculty members who have proven their leadership potential and have a strong track record in administration. It aims to prepare professionals for higher leadership roles – such as department chairs, deans and program directors.
Chattophadhyay, with an impressive journalism and media studies background, was encouraged to apply for the fellowship by his department chair, Dr. Carrie Sipes. His participation in Shippensburg University’s President’s Leadership Academy (PLA) motivated him to pursue this opportunity. He also credits his success to receiving strong recommendation letters from two of his esteemed colleagues in the field: former AEJMC President Dr. Deb Aikat of UNC Chapel Hill and Dr. Jatin Srivastava, director of the Institute for International Journalism at Ohio University.
The selection process for the IDL fellowship is thorough, involving a two-step review by a panel of experts in the communications and journalism field. Applicants are evaluated on their leadership experience and abilities, contribution to their academic discipline and potential to serve as a future leader within higher education.
The fellowship began at this year’s AEJMC conference in Philadelphia, where Chattopadhyay and his cohort attended workshops, heard from past fellows now serving as provosts, deans and program directors and engaged with other industry professionals like himself. Throughout the next year, he will participate in leadership training, attend ACEJMC accreditation committee meetings and be mentored by David Boardman, dean of Temple University’s Klein College of Communication. The year will conclude with a debriefing at next year’s AEJMC conference in San Francisco, where the cohort will present their experiences.
IDL fellowship cohort at the AEJMC meeting in Philadelphia this year
Chattopadhyay believes his mentorship under Boardman will have a profound impact on his professional and personal development. “Being mentored by David will shape a lot of my worldview about what being in an administrative role in higher education entails, he said”
Despite having over a decade of experience in running editorial operations at large news organizations, Chattopadhyay acknowledges that continuing to build upon his skills and knowledge is imperative.
“In higher ed, I have worked with, learnt from and observed multiple departmental chairs and school directors in the past 10 years. I think it is always a good idea to challenge yourself and learn about the industry you are working in.”
Through Chattopadhyay’s mentorship under Boardman, he will be able to further fulfill his continuous drive toward growing as a communication and journalism professional and educator.
“My goal is to observe, learn from the best, find out if I am suited for administrative roles in higher ed and essentially become a more well-rounded higher education professional who is versatile and capable of donning more than one hat,” said Chattopadhyay.
As the first faculty member from a PASSHE institution to receive this fellowship, Chattopadhyay feels a sense of pride and responsibility and believes there will be more PASSHE awardees in the future.
“As a member of Ship’s APSCUF leadership team, I meet so many colleagues (during the Legislative Assembly and during statewide meetings) from other campuses who are in communication, journalism, media studies and allied fields — who are doing amazing work and clearly will be excellent choices as IDL fellows.”
Ship is proud to recognize Chattopadhyay for winning this prestigious fellowship, and is thrilled to see him carry his knowledge with him in his work at the university.
