Posted September 19, 2019
By Maria Jutton, Dean’s Communications Fellow
Photo: (l) Dr. Kim Thompson and (r) Dr. Brooke McKeever
Brooke McKeever and Kim Thompson, both associate professors in the College of Information and Communications, have been chosen to serve as the college’s newest associate deans. McKeever has assumed the role of associate dean of research and Thompson the role of associate dean of academic affairs. The newly created positions are designed to enhance the CIC’s course offerings and research activities.
McKeever previously served as Master of Mass Communication program coordinator for the School of Journalism and Mass Communications. As associate dean of research, she will foster research collaboration between the SJMC and the School of Library and Information Science. In addition, she aims to increase the CIC’s research profile so that more researchers — both at South Carolina and beyond — will be aware of opportunities to collaborate with the college on projects. McKeever will also work to match CIC faculty with funding for their research projects.
“The position represents a great opportunity for the college to continue uniting our two schools and to make us more well-known in terms of the research we already do,” McKeever says.
McKeever hopes to use her background in public relations to establish relationships across the university and generate more research funding. Her research focuses on strategic communication, which includes nonprofit and health communication.
Thompson joined the School of Library and Information Science in 2018. As associate dean of academic affairs, she will focus on improving course offerings in both the SJMC and SLIS by reviewing how each school currently structures its curriculum. Thompson will also examine curricula at other universities to generate new ideas for classes to offer in the CIC. She will also pursue more study abroad opportunities for the college’s students, especially in SLIS, where programs like these are limited.
“I’m very excited to be in this role,” Thompson says. “I see the value of this position and Brooke McKeever’s as well and the potential for truly making a difference in the college as a whole.”
Thompson’s research explores digital inclusion and information poverty and access. She is currently working on a project examining library job ads and the wording they use. In addition, she’s researching women’s use of technology in India, Chile and Australia.
“The CIC’s growth is driven by our commitment to meaningful research and cutting-edge education,” Dean Tom Reichert says. “The addition of Dr. Thompson and Dr. McKeever as associate deans will support the work we’re doing in those areas and bolster our reputation as one of the leading information and communication programs in the country.”
Maria Jutton is a fourth-year journalism student and Dean's Communications Fellow at the School of Journalism and Mass Communications. She is especially passionate about international communications and will pursue overseas work after she graduates in May 2020.