By Allyson Mann
tiny@uga.edu
John Soloski, director of the University of Iowa’s School of Journalism and Mass  Communication, has been named dean of UGA’s Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication, pending approval by the board of regents.
Soloski is expected to assume duties as dean in July, and plans to visit Georgia in the interim to meet with faculty, staff and leaders in the state’s media.
An authority on libel and media law and a leader in journalism education, Soloski joins the Grady College after more than 20 years at the University of Iowa. His selection follows a national search to fill the position vacated by the retirement of J. Thomas Russell last year. Leonard Reid, associate dean for research and graduate studies, has served as interim dean.
“It’s a great honor to be offered the position of dean of the Grady College,” Soloski says. “It’s a strong program that’s poised to make a major step forward--all the pieces are there to move it to the next level.”
Soloski is co-author or editor of two books on libel law and has published numerous articles and papers on media law, media ownership, communications policy and news reporting. He is co-recipient of more than $420,000 in grants from private foundations to conduct research, mainly on aspects of libel law and libel litigation, including use of non-litigation methods to resolve libel cases. One of his books, Libel Law and the Press: Myth and Reality, won the 1987 distinguished service award from the Society of Professional Journalists.
Active in the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication for 20 years, Soloski has served as member or chair of committees on research in qualitative studies, communications technology, and communication law and policy. He serves on the executive committee of the Association of Schools of Journalism and Mass Communication.
“John Soloski brings a solid academic background in the discipline areas of journalism and mass communication, as well as a sense of innovation, entrepreneurship and interdisci-plinarity that will help advance the Grady College and integrate its programs with others on campus,” says Karen Holbrook, senior vice president for academic affairs and provost. “He will be a great leader and colleague, and we’re eager to welcome him to the university and Athens.”
Soloski arrived at the University of Iowa after graduating from Boston College in 1974. He earned M.A. and Ph.D. degrees at the institution and joined the faculty in 1978, where he served as head of the graduate studies program and acting director before being named director in 1996. Since 1997, he has also served as a professor of law, and in November he was named the Daniel and Amy Starch Professor of Journalism. |
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