Dr. Brian Thornton

• Manager of daily operations across administrative processes for multi-media journalism program, including course management, office processes, faculty/staff relations, graduate degree program, and scheduling
• Supervisor of faculty and staff members. Developed engaging curriculum for a wide variety of courses in communication and multi-media journalism
• Created and implemented resolution standards for issues from faculty, staff, university administration, and students
• Work cooperatively with department members to assess future needs and allocate department resources
• Teach three classes per semester, averaging 50 students each, while supervising multi-media journalism sequence
• Conduct research and publish average of one academic article or book chapter every two years
• Currently writing book, under contract, publication date, Fall 2024, about history of letters to editor in African American press.
• Enhanced student understanding by designing interactive and engaging lectures.
• Demonstrated strong interpersonal and communication skills, resulting in clear subject matter discussion with students.
• Created dynamic learning environment that valued instructor and student interaction.
• Encouraged class discussions by building discussions into lessons, actively soliciting input, asking open-ended questions and using techniques to track student participation.
• Evaluated student progress using both formative and summative assessments to provide targeted feedback for continuous improvement.

• Managed daily program and operations as NIU journalism coordinator
• Duties included class scheduling, budget review and collaboration with communication department and other stakeholders

Mentored and evaluated approximately 12 faculty and staff in all performance areas; performed detailed curriculum evaluation for journalism classes and oversaw department scheduling

• Coordinated lesson plans, teaching, and curriculum development for media law, management, international communications, journalism history, grad and undergrad level.
• Integrated real-world examples into lessons, making course content more relevant and engaging for students.
• Mentored students and advised on career paths, degree requirements and post-graduate education options.
• Contributed to development of comprehensive curriculum, ensuring alignment with state standards and academic goals.
• Contributed to development of comprehensive curriculum, ensuring alignment with state standards and academic goals.

• .Provided guidance to journalism faculty and performed evaluations within communication department. Managed approximately 30 incoming calls, emails and messages per day from students, potential students and family members.
• Served as key liaison with 12-15 faculty, staff, and students
• Developed and oversaw management of department budget, coordinated projects with various university administrative departments, and created master course schedule for all journalism classes
• Additionally, created curriculum, lesson plans, educational activities, exams, tests, and assignments for classes taught in media law, journalism history, editing, ethics, and news writing
• Delivered informative lesson plans to students and inspired passion for exceptional writing in aspiring journalists.
• Integrated real-world examples into lessons, making course content more relevant and engaging for students.
• Mentored students and advised on career paths, degree requirements and post-graduate education options.
• Contributed to development of comprehensive curriculum, ensuring alignment with state standards and academic goals.