Susan Polster - New Head of the Journalism & Communication Department

New department head offers professional and statewide perspective

By: Kelsie Holman, CHaSS Communications Journalist   

Susan Polster has taken over as head of the Department of Journalism in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. Polster earned her master’s degree from Utah State University and her Ph.D. from the University of Wyoming. She teaches classes in mass communication, communication graphics, and media writing and production.

Polster’s influence in the journalism department is already significant, having helped mold USU Eastern’s student newspaper, The Eagle, into the award-winning production it is today. This past May, The Eagle won 21 awards at the annual Utah Press Association awards and won first place in several categories. Polster also has been editor of the Utah State Eastern Alumni Magazine and her final issue comes out this summer.

“I’ve got to interview and write articles about people who constantly amaze me. People who have made a difference in the world still bring an ‘aha moment’ to me each time I interview them,” Polster said.

USU’s journalism department has a strong statewide presence and Polster has been a longtime statewide faculty member. Having leadership from other campuses across the state provides the journalism department and CHaSS with valuable perspectives that enrich student experiences and contribute to a more well-rounded program.

Some of Polster’s goals for the journalism program include creating an online program, updating the webpages, and increasing enrollment for journalism as a whole. She also hopes to add more diversity and inclusion to the department’s enrollments.

“My excitement about the department’s future is always making a difference in the lives of our students. We plan to recruit, retain, engage and prepare our students for the constantly changing JCOM jobs of tomorrow,” Polster said.

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