Bey-Ling Sha, dean of the College of Media & Communication at Texas Tech University, has been installed as president of the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC). She was elected by over 2,300 members worldwide and previously served as vice president and president-elect before taking on her new role.
Sha follows in the footsteps of former Texas Tech Dean David Perlmutter, who led AEJMC in 2020. With this appointment, Texas Tech joins universities such as Columbia University, New York University, and the University of Texas at Austin that have had their leaders serve as AEJMC presidents.
Sha said her leadership reflects the high standards maintained at Texas Tech. “Since coming to Texas Tech in February, I have gained an even greater appreciation for the level of excellence in the teaching, scholarly and creative activity, and community service that is done at the College of Media and Communication,” Sha said. “I am glad to be able to highlight that excellence and nurture our faculty’s sense of care through this service to a professional organization in our discipline.”
She credited AEJMC with providing her a supportive community since she joined as a graduate student at the University of Maryland. “The thing I value most is the sense of community AEJMC has given me,” she said. “When I joined there were so many senior scholars who were generous with me, whether through their time or guidance or scholarly feedback.”
Sha hopes her involvement will encourage students at Texas Tech’s College of Media & Communication to participate in professional organizations during their studies. The college offers more than 10 student chapters affiliated with national groups. Sha believes such engagement can provide long-term support throughout students’ careers.
“We live in a time when many people feel lonely and isolated,” Sha said. “Finding something bigger than yourself can be an antidote to that feeling.” She also urged students to connect with peers who share similar goals.
Ron Hendrick, provost and senior vice president at Texas Tech University, commented on Sha’s leadership: “Dean Sha’s recognition by her peers nationwide for her leadership and vision underscores her commitment to advancing excellence in her field. Attracting academics like Sha – leaders in their field – is central to Texas Tech’s pursuit of academic excellence.”
Teresa Mastin, past AEJMC president and vice provost at Michigan State University, praised Sha’s approach: “Dr. Sha is an exemplary leader for this defining moment in communications history. She consistently demonstrates grace under pressure while upholding both her personal values and AEJMC’s mission.”
The Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication is a nonprofit organization focused on promoting high standards in journalism education, supporting research across communication fields, encouraging multiculturalism within curricula, and defending freedom of communication.
