FACULTY highlights
Jeanni Atkins
“ 76 MEEK SCHOOL
The biggest difference in journalism classes today and when I was at Missouri is the impact of the digital age. By Samantha Rippon Jeanni Atkins, Meek School of Journalism and New Media associate professor and executive director of the Mississippi Center for Freedom of Information, has taught at the University of Mississippi since 1986. She served as director of the graduate program for 18 years and has taught undergraduate and graduate courses in media law, history, theory, public opinion, ethics, research methods and advertising. “My interest and passion for journalism stems from my years at the Missouri School of Journalism as an M.A. and Ph.D. candidate,” Atkins said. “The best journalists consider their profession a calling and more than just a job,” she said. “In countries around the world they literally risk their lives to report on matters governments want to keep secret and even in this country during times of turmoil such as the civil rights movement.” Working at the Missouri Freedom of Information Center furthered her belief that journalism is not only essential to inform the public, but also to hold government accountable. “The study of media law and teaching it here at the University of Mississippi increased my understanding of the vital importance of the First Amendment as the foundation of all other rights we enjoy in a free society,” she said.
James Prince, publisher and editor of the Neshoba Democrat and the Madison County Journal and a former student, recalls his time in Dr. Atkins’ ethics class. “She encouraged us to think for ourselves,” he said. “Dr. Atkins’ strength is the personal interest she takes in students and, for me in particular, her concern for my success.” Prince also had Atkins as his graduate advisor. “She was rigorous, yet understanding. She steered me toward excellence,” he said. “The biggest difference in journalism classes today,” Atkins said, “and when I was at Missouri is the impact of the digital age.” This change, she believes, is a positive one. Optimistic that change will not diminish the role of the press to provide and deliver information about the world we live in, she is focused on keeping up with the changes the digital age and other factors have brought to media and the law. As executive director of the Mississippi Center for Freedom of Information, Atkins handles administrative matters, conducts research on access issues and edits and writes articles for the FOI Spotlight newsletter. She also participates in the secrecy series published in newspapers around the state each year and answers questions about access issues raised by reporters, editors and citizens.
