Reynolds School of Journalism Dean Alan Stavitsky has become president of the Association of Schools of Journalism and Mass Communication (ASJMC) for the 2021 to 2022 term. ASJMC is a national educational association of about 190 journalism and mass communication programs at the college and university level, primarily in the United States and Canada.

Stavitsky was elected by ASJMC membership to the association’s leadership ladder in 2019 and assumes the presidency this year after serving terms as vice president and president-elect.

“Dean Stavitsky’s presidency reflects how University faculty are respected nationwide as leaders in their disciplines,” University of Nevada, Reno President Brian Sandoval said. “The University community has benefited from Al’s leadership for the past decade, and I am eager to see his impact on journalism education nationally.” 

In his role as president, Stavitsky will lead ASJMC’s efforts to assist journalism and mass communication program administrators as they manage through the challenges of the pandemic, to promote innovation at a time of technological and industrial change and to support the accreditation process for journalism and mass communication units. 

“ASJMC has provided great inspiration and support to me during my deanship,” Stavitsky said. “It’s a privilege now to have the opportunity to serve the organization as president.”

Stavitsky became dean of the Reynolds School in 2012. During his tenure, the school has won multiple awards including the Online News Association’s Grand Prize for Innovation in Journalism Education and the Equity and Diversity Award from the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication.

He holds the title of Distinguished Scholar for the Library of Congress’ Radio Preservation Task Force and oversees the University’s public radio stations, KUNR and KNCJ.