The dean of the University of Montana’s School of Journalism is taking on a new role at UM. Larry Abramson will become a special advisor to UM’s new Executive Vice President and Provost Jon Harbor next week.
Abramson was a National Public Radio news correspondent before joining UM’s Journalism program in 2014.
He declined Montana Public Radio’s interview request today. A UM news release, however, notes Abramson plans to work on topics including diversity and inclusion.
Abramson made headlines last year when right-wing speaker Mike Adams lectured at UM. Adams was brought to Missoula by a conservative donor to UM’s Journalism school. Maria Cole supports the Jeff Cole Distinguished Lecture Series, named for her late husband, who was a journalist. The series is typically sponsored by the university’s School of Journalism. Abramson objected to Adams and pulled the School’s sponsorship.
Associate J-School professor Denise Dowling will take over as interim dean on September 10.
