Dr. Michael W. Drager

Associate Professor, The Slate/theslateonline.com Adviser

Phone: (717) 477-1594

Office: Rowland Hall 131

"Written language is the essential element in communication. The ideas that have propelled human development have been written down in books, journals, magazines and newspapers. Students must understand how important good writing skills are to their success in our program. It is not only important to have an ability to write, it is also important to have the desire to write. Both will help you succeed in the field of communications."

Dr. Michael W. Drager is an associate professor at Shippensburg University specializing in print media. Dr. Drager's professional experience includes work as a newspaper journalist, magazine writer and public relations professional. He has worked for weekly and daily newspapers as a reporter, copy editor, editorial columnist, photojournalist and advertising copy writer and layout designer. His experience in public relations includes work as a writer, photographer and publications designer. His academic research explores the relationship between mass media and public policy. In addition, he has conducted workshops and seminars on the relationship between journalism and public institutions.

Education

Doctor of Philosophy in Mass Media, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
Master of Science in Communications Studies, Shippensburg University, Shippensburg, Pennsylvania
Bachelor of Science in Art Education, Millersville University, Millersville, Pennsylvania

Courses Taught

News Writing and Reporting, Public Affairs Reporting, Computer-Assisted Reporting, Feature Writing, Public Relations Writing, Media Writing, Introduction to Photography, Photojournalism, Copy Editing and Design, Magazine Design, Media Ethics, Introduction to Mass Communication, Mass Communication Theory, and Introduction to Mass Communication Research

Publications

Reporting for the Media, 9th edition, Oxford University Press [BOOK]
"Sample Size in Content Analysis of Weekly News Magazines," Journalism and Mass Communication Quarterly [ARTICLE]
"Assisting Faculty Through Technology Transitions," in Fulfilling Higher Education's Covenant with Society: The Emerging Outreach Agenda [ARTICLE]
"News Stories About Conflict Generally Balanced," Newspaper Research Journal [ARTICLE]

Awards

Frank Luther Mott-Kappa Tau Alpha Research Award, August 1993, Law Division of the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication
Faculty Research Award, August 1999, Newspaper Division of the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication

Memberships

Newspaper, Law, and Mass Communication and Society Divisions of the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication
Society of Professional Journalists
Pennsylvania Newspaper Association