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
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.