The Minnesota Journalism Center (MJC) was established in 1979 to honor the gift of John and Elizabeth Bates Cowles. The MJC is a distinct organization that has exceeded the guidelines set for it in the ’70s. Initially, it sponsored lectures, workshops and conferences and then expanded to research on journalistic problems for political, economic, social and cultural influences. Additionally, it continues to host training and workshops for journalists. Throughout the Minnesota Journalism Center’s history, it's held and facilitated dozens of events under the watchful eye of its past directors.
1979-1985: Director F. Gerald Kline
At its start, the MJC implemented projects that left a lasting legacy. In 1978, the MJC hosted the first Premack Awards, a distinguished honor that continued for 35 years. Named after Minneapolis Tribune reporter and editor Frank Premack, the categories covered everything from metro reporting to opinion. Kline said one of the most significant events was the 1981 50th anniversary celebration of the landmark case, Near v. Minnesota. The case set a precedent against prior restraint imposed on media companies. The MJC hosted a conference chiefly organized by free speech advocate Professor Emeritus Don Gillmor.
1985-1997: Director George Hage
Hage was known for his red pen, and during his 12 years as the director, the MJC hosted events just as powerful as red ink. From 1986 to 1988, the MJC hosted Targets of the Media Fight Back. Called a “noble experiment," the panel provided a space for people critiqued by the media to speak about how the media could improve. Some guests were Gopher basketball coach Jim Dutcher and Minneapolis City Council member Barbara Carlson.
1997-2011: Director Kathleen Hansen
During Hansen’s decade and a half as director, the MJC added a collection of new events.
2002 kicked off a new tradition: the Spring Showcase. The event honored scholarship winners, graduates, alumni and donors. The event included showcases of student work from student groups and publications, graduate student work and the Award for Excellence and Above the Fold awards, given to honored alumni. The U.S. State Department asked the MJC to host the Edward R. Murrow Journalism Fellowship program, which invited journalists from around the world to the School. The first of its kind, the program served as a model for other schools.
2011-2017: Director Nora Paul
Paul was the director of the Institute for New Media Studies, which served as a center for analysis, creativity and innovation. In 2011 the Institute merged with the MJC, and continued to offer opportunities to the community and create partnerships within the industry. The Convergence Summit started in 2016, bringing in media experts to discuss changes and challenges that convergence gives business reporters.
2017-2022: Director Valerie Belair-Gagnon
When Belair-Gagnon joined the MJC, she brought in many academic scholars from around the country to discuss research and books. The Center continued to partner with community and University members on events, and once the pandemic hit, the MJC pivoted effortlessly to hosting virtual events on journalism and strategic communication during times of uncertainty and unrest.
Learn more about our current directors.