ron-smith // Diederich College of Communication // Marquette University

Editor/Project Director of the Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service

Instructor of Practice of Journalism and Media Studies

Education

Masters of Leadership Studies with a specialization in Public Service, Marquette University
B.A. in Professional Communication, Marquette University

Research Interests

Race and gender in news gathering
Community-based journalism
E-learning
Emerging technologies
Leadership

Professional Experience

Managing editor for News at USA TODAY
Deputy Managing Editor, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Deputy copy chief, The Oregonian
National copy desk editor, Los Angeles Times
Copy editor/news editor, Newsday
Reporter, The Wave Newspapers of Los Angeles
Government reporter, Metropolitan News-Enterprise, Los Angeles
Managing editor, Coast Media Newspapers, Los Angeles
Interim Adviser/Project Director, New Expression newspaper, Chicago

Professional Affiliations

American Society of News Editors, Leadership co-chairman
American Copy Editors Society
Institute for Nonprofit News, Secretary, Board of Directors
Milwaukee Press Club
National Association of Black Journalists
Online News Association

Why Marquette

Marquette University offers its students an education rooted in social justice and steeped in ethics. In addition, the College of Communication is committed to training tomorrow’s journalists today, through the classroom, its student media, the Neighborhood News Service and the O’Brien Fellowship program. We expect our students to excel in the classroom and out of it. I believe in the power of the press and its importance in a democratic society. I am student-first, action-oriented and proceed until apprehended. My mission aligns with the tenets of the university, and it is an honor to be able to serve students and Milwaukee’s communities of color through the Neighborhood News Service.