Welcome the new Director of the Center for Community Media
By Sarah Shoaf, Staff Writer
Photo Credit: Erin Drewitz
Wearing many hats as film producer, educator, and impact strategist, Julie Keck brings a diverse background to her new role as Governors State University’s (GovState) Director of the Center for Community Media (CCM).
With 25 years of experience elevating authentic storytelling and narrative sovereignty, Keck’s wheelhouse aligns well with the CCM’s purpose to produce media that focuses on “listening to and telling compelling stories that connect local experience to state, national, and global issues.”
Keck is no stranger to the CCM. She was elected to the center’s Advisory Board as co-chair in fall 2022 and she anticipates bringing her own flair as the CCM Director following Dr. Novia Pagone, who served as Interim Director during the recruitment process.
"Drs. James and Pagone have established a wonderful foundation for this student and faculty resource, and I plan to evolve the original vision while also bringing in new energy,” Keck said.
“I'm entering this role with a special interest in creating financial sustainability for the Center, benefitting both the Center and the University, as well as an intensely relational style that lends itself well to robust partnerships within GovState and across the local and national media ecosystem.”
In addition to serving as Director, Keck is also a Visiting Professor in Media Studies at GovState and looks forward to making the most of both roles, especially when it comes to learning more about the University and its community of Jaguars.
“My biggest hope is that I leave the Center better than I found it,” Keck said. “The more I get to know the programs and people of GovState, the better I'll be able to serve it."