Newswise — Robert Regan was recently named to lead the Dr. John Keshishoglou Center for Global Communications Innovation. Based in the Roy H. Park School of Communications at Ithaca College, the center serves as an academic hub for the study and dissemination of innovation in both the theory and practical professional applications of communications across the globe and across industries. One of its most distinctive components is an executive master’s degree for high-potential communications leaders offered via online collaboration and short special topics sessions offered at locations around the world.
Regan has forged a career record of revolutionary consumer, media, communication and technology platform product development for broadcast, cable, online and mobile channels. Since 2004 he has directed The Regan Group, a firm he launched to engage with broadcast and online media leaders for cross-functional consulting spanning integrated business, content/technology development, media psychology and marketing strategies.
“The Kesh Center can be an ‘innovation trajectory’ leader in training, in assessing the impact of global communications and in developing best practices across industries,” said Regan. “I am proud to be associated with the distinguished team within the Park School and with an administration that is committed to making it a recognized international leader in a field that’s critically important to the future.”
“We are delighted to announce Bob’s appointment,” said Diane Gayeski, dean of the Park School. “He has the vision and experience to lead our new center and graduate program, to leverage a broad range of media partnerships and to expand our relationships with innovative national and international communication and media companies.”
Regan had previously served as president and chief operating officer for Twin Entertainment, a joint venture of the U.S.–based Interactive Network and U.K.–based Two Way TV, Ltd.; senior vice president of programming and content for GTE MainStreet, the first two-way cable television service in the U.S.; executive producer of NBC’s “Mall of America,” the first major network shopping show; and senior vice president of programming, news and operations for the Financial News Network (now CNBC).
Named for “Dr. Kesh” — the founding dean of the school of communications — the Kesh Center focuses on nurturing and critically examining new media innovation as it impacts traditional media industries, creative and artistic expression, global collaboration and understanding, citizen empowerment and engagement, economic sustainability and growth, and lifelong learning.
In his role as director, Regan will work closely with undergraduate and graduate students and faculty in identifying and executing projects that promote innovation and international exchange among academics and media practitioners.
The center’s programs include:•An executive-style master’s degree in communications innovation, planned to begin in August of 2013, designed for working professionals who are poised to lead new innovations in the field for their current employers or for their own entrepreneurial ventures. The highly selective cohort of fellows in the program will collaborate intensively in a virtual think-tank environment over a two-year period, culminating in a comprehensive research and development project.•The Media for Social Responsibility Mini-Course and Partnership, an interdisciplinary three-day course that highlights the responsibility of the media to provide positive content and resources in the category of social change. Student groups from Ithaca College and invited international communications schools team up with media professionals to develop and present a “pitch” on how to promote a specific positive social change through a creative communications campaign.•A Visiting Scholar-in-Residence, featuring international scholars from a variety of fields in communications.•Roundtables in Media Innovation, held at locations around the U.S. and designed for experienced alumni to promote networking and collaborative learning.•The Global Study Program and Grants, a fund to support international travel for students and faculty who engage in collaborative research and media production.
Regan holds a master’s degree in broadcasting from Boston University, where he served on the Dean’s Advisory Board of the College of Communication for over 15 years. He has earned a number of industry honors, including Peabody and Emmy Awards; Gold and Silver PromaxBDA Promotion, Marketing and Design Awards; a Telly Award; and an ISA Design Award. He is frequently invited to speak at meetings of such organizations as the National Association of Television Program Executives, National Cable & Telecommunications Association and Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences.
Keshishoglou served as a professor in the Park School for 35 years until his retirement in 2000, though he remained active as a professor emeritus and contributor to special events until his passing in August 2011. He was a three-time recipient of senior Fulbright research awards and traveled extensively as a consultant for U.S. and international agencies. The school established the Dr. John Keshishoglou Center for Global Communications Innovation in recognition of his global outlook and belief that media must be grounded in the principles of social responsibility.
For more information, visit www.ithaca.edu/rhp/keshcenter or contact contact Melissa Gattine, marketing communications manager in the Park School, at (607) 274-1023 or [email protected].
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