The Journalism Education Association announced today that Tom Gayda, MJE, has resigned from his three-year post as director-at-large, effective immediately.

Gayda said changes to duties and responsibilities with different roles in his life led to the decision, and he wanted to use the summer as a time to prioritize.

“At this time I am able to make a bigger impact in a couple of other things closer to home than I am with JEA,” he said.

Gayda cited working with others toward New Voices legislation in Indiana among his top priorities and will soon begin a new role as president of the Ball State University Journalism Alumni Society.

“Tom has been an active leader in scholastic journalism for 20 years, including multiple terms as a JEA board member. While I’m sorry to see him step down from this important role on our team, I have no doubt Tom’s positive energy, creative ideas and unwavering support for students will make an impact in other ways,” said JEA President Sarah Nichols, MJE.

Nichols will begin the process of filling the vacancy immediately.

In accordance with Article V, Section 2 of the organization’s bylaws, the new director shall reside in the same voting region Gayda represented: Arkansas, Kansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Wisconsin or Texas.

Any teacher/adviser member in good standing who resides in the states listed is eligible to apply. The new director will begin immediately and fill the remainder of the three-year term (ending May 2020).

“The board of directors is looking for a team-oriented member who is eager to help accomplish the goals we have in motion. We’re committed to welcoming a volunteer who puts the best interests of JEA members first and is willing to work hard to keep JEA as the top professional organization for journalism educators,” Vice President Val Kibler, MJE, said.

Candidates for the director-at-large position should apply via email to Nichols at sarahjnichols.sjn@gmail.com with a resume and letter of interest to outline goals, areas of expertise and what they would contribute to the board of directors and/or to JEA. Applications for the position must be received by June 30, 2018.

Connie Fulkerson

Related Posts

Scholastic Journalism Week scheduled for February 2025

The Journalism Education Association has scheduled Scholastic Journalism Week for Feb. 24-28, 2025. This year’s theme is “Power…

Read More ›

Harris wins 2025 Linda S. Puntney Teacher Inspiration Award

Charla Harris of Pleasant Grove High School in Texarkana, Texas, is JEA’s 2025 Linda S.…

Read More ›

JEA names 8 Lifetime Achievement Award winners

The Journalism Education Association has named eight individuals Lifetime Achievement Award recipients for their significant…

Read More ›