Bugeja Named 2015 Journalism Administrator of the Year
Author: perkinsk
Director [Michael Bugeja]() has been named the 2015 Charles E. Scripps Journalism & Mass Communication Administrator of the Year.
Established in 1953, the Scripps Howard Foundation’s national journalism awards competition is open to news organizations based in the U.S. and recognizes outstanding print, broadcast and online journalism in 15 categories. Two additional categories honor college journalism and mass communication educators for excellence in administration and teaching.
Earlier this year a panel of expert judges converged at the Poynter Institute in Florida to review every submission and determine the winners who will share in $180,000 in cash prizes.
“In his 13-year tenure at Iowa State University’s Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication, Dr. Bugeja’s impact can be seen in the way he has modernized the school, increased scholarship opportunities and worked to streamline curricula to ensure students graduate in a timely manner,” said Iowa Governor Terry Branstad. “His dedication to transparency and affordability in higher education has been a model for other institutions in the state and nation. We’re proud of Dr. Bugeja’s many accomplishments and congratulate him on his selection as Scripps’ Administrator of the Year and for bringing this national honor to our great state.”
The Scripps Award for the Journalism & Mass Communication Administrator of the Year is given in collaboration with the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC). It is open to any past or present administrator of a school, department of journalism or mass communication at accredited or non-accredited schools.
The school’s enrollment has increased 38 percent in the past five years. When Bugeja became director in 2003, endowments totaled about $800,000. Now endowments and other accounts total close to $6 million. Bugeja is credited with establishing partnerships with industry, including an apprenticeship program with Meredith Corporation, and streamlining curricula so that students graduate with less debt in a timely manner. Placement rates now are near 100 percent within six months of commencement.
“Iowa State is very fortunate to have a director as dedicated and determined as Dr. Bugeja,” said Iowa State University President Steven Leath. “He has elevated the Greenlee School to national prominence through his commitment to promote teamwork, contribution, and transparency. This award is a reflection of that dedication and is well-deserved.”
Read more about the [Scripps Award](https://www.greenlee.iastate.edu/news/2016/spring/director-michael-bugeja-named-2015-journalism-and-mass-communication-administrator).