Ryerson journalism professor Suanne Kelman has been appointed interim
chair to the university’s School of Journalism effective July 1st. The announcement came after Ryerson announced it had failed to appoint a journalism chair for 2010/2011.

Kelman is taking over from Paul Knox who worked as Chair of the School of Journalism for the past five years, where he oversaw the revamping of the undergraduate curriculum and implemented a Master of Journalism program.

Dr. Daniel Doz, Dean of Ryerson’s Faculty of Communication & Design, wrote in a note about Kelman’s track record:

“Before coming to Ryerson, Suanne worked for CBC radio’s Sunday Morning where she created her own documentaries, and served on the main current affairs desk. In 1984, she joined CBC television’s The Journal, producing short television documentaries and starting the show’s satire and commentary segments. On leaving the CBC in 1987, Suanne became a freelance writer and includes the Globe and Mail, Chatelaine, ROB Magazine, Toronto Life and CBC television and radio – particularly Ideas, among the many publications and programmes she has worked for.

“Since being at Ryerson, Suanne has continued freelance writing and has appeared in print, radio and television for programmes and publications such as CBC Newsworld, TVOntario’s Flying Solo, The Agenda and The Literary Review of Canada. As a committed member of the Ryerson community, she has served on innumerable committees and on Academic Council, and is currently a member of the School of Graduate Studies. She remains active in the journalistic community – sitting on award juries, including TVOntario’s annual Best Lecturer competition; working with groups such as Journalists in Exile and the Canadian Journalism Foundation, and appearing as a guest lecturer at many of Toronto’s most prestigious book clubs.”