Farewell, Glenn Scott and Jeff James

In recent years, ElonComm has bid farewell to several individuals synonymous with the school. This year’s departures also fit that description and include Glenn Scott, associate professor of journalism, and Jeff James, the university’s chief engineer, who retired at the conclusion of the 2022-23 academic year.

Glenn Scott looks directly into the camera.

Glenn Scott

Jeff James stands in Turner Theatre.

Jeff James

At Elon, Scott used his two decades of experience as a reporter, editor and columnist to educate and instruct students in immeasurable ways. At the school’s spring awards ceremony, Dean Kenn Gaither congratulated Scott for 19 years of exemplary service and for setting the “gold standard” for a teacher-scholar-mentor.

“What I’ll miss most about Glenn is not his stellar professionalism or extraordinary talent. It’s his character,” the dean said. “He is a throwback, not as a journalist but as a person. His integrity and comportment elevate those around him. He has served as a backbone for the school through his leadership, visibility and selfless commitment to our students.”

While James’s position was housed in Teaching and Learning Technologies, he lived in the School of Communications.

In his 22 years at Elon, James helped guide the school’s tremendous growth, overseeing changes in the school’s television studios and control rooms. He was recognized as Staff Member of the Year in 2017 and played a critical, behind-the-scenes role in the studios going to HD in 2011. Additionally, he was an incredible mentor to students interested in careers in broadcast, production and technology.

“Jeff’s tireless work on the back end made the front end look good,” Gaither said.

New Full-time Faculty and Staff Members

  • Lorraine Ahearn, assistant professor, journalism
  • Matthew Blomberg, assistant professor, journalism
  • Chris Chen, assistant professor, communication design
  • Claire Geary, coordinating producer, Elon Sports Vision
  • J.P. Lavoie, lecturer, communication design
  • Margaret Ritsch, lecturer, strategic communications
  • Alex Traugutt, assistant professor, sport management
  • Khirey Walker, assistant professor, sport management

Promotions and Tenure

In February, the Board of Trustees announced the promotions, tenure and continuance of School of Communications faculty members:

  • Vanessa Bravo promoted to professor
  • Brandon Booker received continuance in lecture-track appointment
  • Phillip Motley Jr. promoted to professor
  • Jane O’Boyle granted tenure and promoted to associate professor
  • Bill Squadron received continuance in continuing-track appointment

School Awards

During its annual awards celebration in April, the School of Communications acknowledged the contributions of several faculty and staff members.

  • David Bockino, Excellence in Teaching Award
  • Kelly Furnas, Excellence in Leadership Award
  • Jenny Jiang, Excellence in Scholarship Award
  • Happy Kerns, Outstanding Staff Member Award
  • Karen Lindsey, Excellence in Diversity Award