Knox College’s journalism program is facing an uncertain future after Michael Penn, the college’s visiting journalist in residence, confirmed his contract will not be renewed, and he will depart in mid-June.
Penn, who was hired in early 2023, said the college renewed his contract twice but has now decided not to extend it further.
“I will no longer be an employee of Knox College,” he said.
The position was never guaranteed to be permanent.
Knox offers both a major and a minor in journalism. The courses were previously taught by James “Jim” S. Dyer, an esteemed assistant professor and chair of journalism from 2013 until his passing on Feb. 12, 2023.
Penn stepped into the visiting role and has since served as the program’s only journalism faculty member. He will continue teaching this spring, offering digital video production and a journalism law and ethics course. He said the practicum required for seniors will not run this year because there are no graduating journalism majors.
Penn expressed frustration that he hasn’t been consulted about the department’s future.
“I have a lot of ideas for the journalism department. I mean, the moment they say, what do you think we should do? I can give them all kinds of plans. But so far, there has been no forum for me to do that,” he said.
Provost and Dean of the Faculty Melissa J. Glenn, said the college has no plans to discontinue the journalism program.
“Knox’s senior leadership recognizes the value of the journalism program to our students, the academic program, and our community,” Glenn said. “During this transition, our first priority is supporting our current journalism students as we work to create a more stable program.”
According to Glenn, the college plans to have an interim year during which key courses will be taught by professional journalists who are hired to teach specific classes or who will utilize current course offerings. During that time, the college will conduct a review of the program, including consultations with faculty familiar with the program’s history and with external experts in journalism.
Knox will assess each student’s individual situation to ensure they can complete their major or minor on time. Once plans for the upcoming academic year are finalized, the acting department chair will communicate updates to students.
Glenn acknowledged the challenges ahead for the department’s future.
“Offering a competitive journalism program at a small liberal arts college requires that we be creative, nimble, and strategic in attracting faculty and practitioners that understand who we are and what we want for our students,” she said.
The college plans to rely on alumni, parents, friends in journalism, and other regional partners for guidance, while also reviewing programs at other institutions. To address these challenges, Knox will also use the feedback and advice from the external review that they aim to conduct next year.
As the college prepares for the upcoming academic year, the future of the journalism program remains in development, with students awaiting further details about what comes next.
