By Megan Rowe
The School of Media and Communication welcomes a new member to our faculty, Jason Hibbs. With his strong background in media and communication, Jason will help guide our students towards success in this industry.
“It’s good to be able to feel like I’m making a difference. The students here are mostly ambitious and so many of our undergraduate students are already working in the industry doing stuff like working for Falcon Media or working up the road at WTOL and that is inspiring and refreshing,” says Jason.
Jason Hibbs began his journey into the Ph.D. program here at Bowling Green State University in the summer of 2022. He earned his undergraduate degree from Western Kentucky University in Broadcast Journalism and his master’s degree from Montana State University in Communication and Media Studies. Before beginning his academic and professional career at BGSU, Jason worked as an instructor in the Communications Department at the University of Toledo. In addition to his professional experience, Jason wrote an LGBTQ+ dramatic screenplay titled, “The Reverend,” which was featured at a national convention in Burbank, California in 2020. The courses he is currently teaching include JOUR 3150: Visual Editing, JOUR 3250: News Editing and Production, and MDIA 2600: Writing for Electronic Media.
Jason explains that he hopes to prepare students earlier in their careers at BGSU, rather than having them rush to submit resumes and video reels during the last semester of their undergrad. He wants to work with his colleagues to feed students into different Falcon Media organizations, such as having his JOUR 3150 students work with BG24 this semester. Jason says he works to encourage his students, whether it’s their first year or last year, to get outside of the classroom and network. He explains that with the current employee shortage and rapid changes in the media, hiring managers are eager to find good, competent employees.
Jason has a passionate vision for how Falcon Media and current students can successfully engage with alumni. Because of the ever-changing industry, we must stay connected to our alumni to further Falcon Media and our Falcons’ future. Jason explains that due to the experience and accomplishments our BGSU alumni have had in the industry, they play an important role in the success of Falcon Media and our students.
“If we have alumni professionals who are working in the field telling us that this [industry trends] has changed, we need to listen to them and meet the needs of the professionals where they are,” says Hibbs.
Being a current student in the Ph.D. program combined with his professional experience makes Jason a strong advocate for students in the School of Media and Communication. Having been in the same shoes as his students, Jason says he understands the pressures and challenges that students face daily. Whether it’s meeting deadlines, searching for career opportunities, or conducting research, Jason says he empathizes with his student’s situation which makes him a strong addition to the BGSU School of Media and Communication.
“Being a student is a good reminder of what it is like to be in their shoes. Because you know, undergrad was a few years ago and it’s easy to forget how hard it is being a student. I think I have more empathy now and maybe a little more patience because I too am rushing to meet deadlines,” says Jason.
We are looking forward to having Jason Hibbs as a part of our Falcon family. Stay tuned for updates on his journey at BGSU.