Emmy-winner Marshall Ramsey tabbed to lead UM’s Mississippi Media Lab

OXFORD, Miss. (WTOK) - The University of Mississippi School of Journalism and News Media announced on Tuesday that award-winning journalist and artist Marshall Ramsey has been hired as the inaugural director of the Mississippi Media Lab.

The Mississippi Media Lab hopes to connect student-produced news content with media outlets across the nation while strengthening student portfolios.

Emmy-winner Marshall Ramsey, who currently serves as the Mississippi Today editor-at-large, is also known as an author and host of Mississippi Public Broadcasting’s “Now You’re Talking” program. He will also serve as civic coordinator of the Jordan Center for Journalism Advocacy and Innovation on campus.

“I’ve had a nearly 30-year career in Mississippi and have been given so many professional opportunities,” said Ramsey, a two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist. “I’m excited about the opportunity to be able to come to Ole Miss and pay those blessings forward.”

“Marshall Ramsey is a creator,” Andrea Hickerson, dean of the journalism school, said. “He has successfully experimented in several journalistic forms in unique ways. I don’t think he has a lot of peers in that sense, but he has also embraced the changes of a difficult industry by doing radio and working for print and digital organization. He’s creative and he’s been able to adapt with the times and remain relevant.”

Ramsey will play a pivotal role in developing the Mississippi Media Lab, which will gather news content from students such as editorials, long form special projects, podcasts and government reports. The content can be produced in courses, through independent studies or internships.

“The Mississippi Media Lab is an innovative idea that will allow students to connect with professional editors,” Ramsey said. “It gives both ways: students gain valuable experience and editors get excellent content. In this era of news deserts, it is a huge win for everyone. Democracy depends on good journalism. The Mississippi Media Lab will help make that happen.”

Ramsey, who starts April 28, worked at The Clarion-Ledger for 22 years and Mississippi Today for the past six. He said it’s difficult to leave his “dream job” but expressed excitement about exploring new creative projects and improving media literacy across the Magnolia State.

“Marshall Ramsey is a household name,” said Mary Margaret White, Mississippi Today CEO and executive director. “For decades, he has helped Mississippians make sense of the news through this humor, creativity and compassion.

“We are immensely proud of the accomplishments Marshall has achieved during his years as editor-at-large at Mississippi Today, and we are exponentially hopeful for the influence he will have on a new generation of journalists and newsroom leaders at Ole Miss.”

In his duties at the Jordan Center, Ramsey will serve as a liaison between the journalism school and community to spur conversation and understanding of journalism’s role in maintaining democracy. His notable work and strong community bonds make him a tremendous asset, Hickerson said.

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