The former Washington Post and Newsweek reporter is stepping down as dean of UC Berkeley’s Graduate School of Journalism and will return to teaching. No details were given in a memo sent out this morning from executive vice chancellor George W. Breslauer. Henry, who has headed the journalism school since 2007, was hospitalized with an undisclosed illness last October. Breslauer says former dean Tom Goldstein will serve as interim dean during the search for a replacement. Memo is after the jump.To: Faculty, Staff, Students, and selected Alumni of the UCB Graduate School of Journalism
Dear Friends:
Neil Henry has informed me that he is stepping down as dean of the Graduate School of Journalism to return to teaching. Please join me in thanking Neil for his many years of service as dean.
During these years, Neil has made important and lasting contributions to the school, the region and the profession of journalism. Among Neil’s notable successes was his securing three endowed faculty chairs under the Hewlett Foundation Endowed Chair Challenge. He also implemented a major reorganization of the curriculum for teaching multi-media and basic reporting. This initiative was funded by Ford Foundation grants totaling more than $1 million. Neil was also instrumental in launching the Bay Citizen, a new regional online publication funded in large part by philanthropist Warren Hellman. Chancellor Birgeneau, Vice Provost Broughton and I are deeply grateful for Neil’s extraordinary service.
Neil will return to teaching in GSJ and in the Media Studies undergraduate program. He will also serve as Special Assistant to the Athletic Study Center, helping student athletes maximize their academic experience during their time at Berkeley. Neil has long been passionate about Intercollegiate Athletics.
In coming weeks, we will appoint a committee that will search for a new dean, inviting applications from candidates both internal and external to UC Berkeley. Our expectation is that the appointment of a full-term dean will be effective July 1, 2012.
In the interim, I have asked Professor Tom Goldstein, who served as dean of GSJ from 1988 to 1996, and as dean of the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism (1997-2002) to serve as interim dean this academic year. Please join me in thanking Tom for his willingness to serve in this bridging role.
Cordially,
George W. Breslauer
Professor of Political Science
Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost
