Dr. Leslie Steeves
Program Director
Senior Associate Dean, School of Journalism and Communication, University of Oregon
I first came to Ghana on Fulbright in 1996 and have been returning ever since. Ghana is a beautiful and accessible country offering rich opportunities for media internships, research, and service projects. 2016 marks my 14th year bringing UO SOJC students to Ghana. The 2017 group promises to be a great one. It is exciting and humbling to see
such a growing interest in sub-Saharan Africa at UO.
Dr. Michael “Doc” Williams
On-site adviser; Executive Director of the Aya Center
I have been working with the Media in Ghana program for several years now, and I have enjoyed my experience immensely. The quality of students who have participated in this program have been phenomenal — extremely bright, talented and creative! What I enjoy most about the program is seeing how both the student and the agencies they work for benefit from this service-learning experience. In short, everyone’s a winner, and I enjoy being involved in something this positive.
Dr. Juan-Carlos Molleda
Dean, School of Journalism and Communication, University of Oregon
As Dean of the School of Journalism and Communication, I am a huge advocate of our students gaining hands on experience and applying the skills they have learned in the classroom through experiential learning. Through opportunities such as this, it gives students the chance to ponder the challenges that society faces. This is my first time traveling to Ghana and seeing the Media in Ghana program in action and I could not be more excited to join this bright group of communicators and story-tellers!
Dr. Audrey Gadzekpo
Director, Department of Communication Studies, University of Ghana
I head the Department of Communication Studies at the University of Ghana and have been involved in the Media in Ghana program for many years. I typically give students an introductory lecture on media in Ghana and address gender issues. I’m also happy to answer questions that arise during their stay related to their internships and research projects. As usual, I look forward to meeting and interacting with the new group.
Dr. Christopher Chávez
Assistant Professor in Media Studies and Advertising, University of Oregon
In both my research and teaching, I’m very interested in the relationship between globalization, media and culture. Prior to becoming a professor, I worked for ten years as an advertising executive working at TBWA Chiat/Day, Goodby, Silverstein & Partners, Mullen and Publicis & Hal Riney. This is my third year with the Ghana program and I am looking forward to working with such talented and capable students.
Dr. Tom McDonnell
Instructor of Advertising, University of Oregon
In this digital age it’s essential to be a true citizen of the world in order to stay aware, as best one can, of what’s new and cool. Before joining University of Oregon I worked in the advertising industry for 30+ years as a copywriter and creative director; at agencies such as DDB, Lowe and Chiat/Day; creating and overseeing work for local to global brands. This is my second trip to Africa, first to Ghana, and I look forward to working with our students to cultivate inspiration in our collective new experiences.