Lynda Kraxberger’s interest in journalism might have begun with a mere desire to improve her writing, but she’ll become the associate dean of undergraduate studies of the School of Journalism this fall.
“It’s a big honor,” Kraxberger said. “As someone who once attended school here as a graduate student and someone who’s worked for the last almost 20 years, I’m just excited to get started in this new role.”
The announcement was a bit of a shock and a proud moment for her parents, both MU alums, she said.
“I can honestly tell you that until last year, this was not on my radar,” Kraxberger said. “The day I called (my mother) and told her I got the job, she just said, ‘You know your father and I would have never imagined that a child of ours would’ve been named for this position or had this opportunity, and we’re so proud of you.’”
Kraxberger was selected through an internal application process held by School of Journalism Dean Dean Mills. Other finalists included Mike McKean and Stacey Woelfel.
“I picked Professor Kraxberger because her record as a successful program chair, her track record of working with students and her broad interaction with non-journalism faculty on campus committees made her a superb fit,” Mills said.
Kraxberger joined the Missouri faculty in 1993 as the executive producer of KOMU-TV.
“At a certain point, my interests sphered more toward how could I influence people and help people become better reporters,” she said. “And it was more on that side than it was how can I be first with the news myself.”
Kraxberger was a strong faculty member from the beginning, said Woelfel, KOMU-TV’s news director.
“Once she came back to teach, I could see that she took that practical knowledge she had from the newsroom she worked at and could just right away turn it into a student experience,” Woelfel said. “Not everybody can do that.”
Kraxberger helped create the convergence journalism program in 2005 and served as area chair.
“Her experience as convergence chair has given her a chance to work across all media platforms,” Mills said. “That will be very helpful as we work to make sure students in all interest areas have multi-platform skills.”
One of Kraxberger’s goals is to improve the collaboration and communication between student groups and faculty.
“I’m going to be encouraging that in students from day one,” she said. “Yeah, we think you’re brilliant. Now, what are you going to do today?”
Kraxberger will take over for Brian Brooks, the former associate dean of undergraduate studies. She said she plans to create her own legacy with her new position.
“I wouldn’t have aspired to this job if I didn’t want to make my own mark,” Kraxberger said. “I think it would be presumptuous of me to think I would be doing anything drastic or radical until I learn the ropes.”
Brooks is helping Kraxberger prepare for the position while the two continue to develop their relationship.
“I have known Lynda since she joined the faculty, and we’ve always had a cordial relationship,” Brooks said. “I have worked with her more closely in recent years since (she) became chair of the convergence faculty. She’s a good manager and will do a great job as associate dean.”
Kraxberger said she understands the job presents several challenges, for which Brooks has offered her advice.
“People don’t always walk in and make an appointment with the undergraduate dean because they have good news to deliver,” she said. “Sometimes he’s dealing with people who’ve had trouble with classes or people who are appealing decisions that have been made in the Journalism School. His advice to me has been to be compassionate. That’s a characteristic of his that I will definitely share.”