Powers Set to Power Park

By Patrick Bohn ’05, June 12, 2020

Associate professor Jack Powers is named interim dean of the Roy H. Park School of Communications.

Associate professor Jack Powers has taught in the Park School since 2006.

(Photo submitted)

Jack Powers is nothing if not refreshingly honest.

“I don’t like a lot of things,” admitted the associate professor and the chair of the department of media arts, sciences and studies who has been at the college since 2006.

“But the things I like, I love a lot,” he continued. “And I care about Ithaca College. I care about the Park School. I care about our students.”

Hearing about his deep affinity of all things IC, it’s no surprise that Powers has been named interim dean of the Roy H. Park School of Communications, effective July 1, while a search for the successor to Diane Gayeski '74 is conducted in the upcoming fall semester.

“Our graduates work coast to coast as the backbones of media companies. You go to Rochester and you’ll find five of our alumni working for a TV network. I love telling those stories.”

Jack Powers, interim dean of the Roy H. Park School of Communications

Powers’ appointment also isn’t a surprise when you consider that the only thing that comes close to his feelings for Ithaca College is his love of all forms of media.

“I am a media addict in all forms,” said Powers, who is an expert in mass media research, media industries, the social effect of media on children, and entertainment media writing. “My favorite medium is television, but I consume everything from political commentary to video games.”

In his time on South Hill, Powers has most relished teaching and talking with thousands of students, and in his new role, he wants to share and amplify the impact they’ve made — and will continue to make — on the media landscape.

“My first priority is to make sure our students, faculty and staff are safe. And what I want them to know is that we’re going to be okay. I believe in our mission and what we’re going to do.”

Jack Powers

“Our graduates work coast to coast as the backbones of media companies,” he said. “You go to Rochester and you’ll find five of our alumni working for a TV network. I love telling those stories.”

Powers’ honesty extends to the challenges he knows he’ll face in this position, during what he calls an “unprecedented” time, amidst a pandemic and social distancing, and protests against police brutality.

“It’s not going to be easy, and I know it’s a steep learning curve,” he said. “My first priority is to make sure our students, faculty and staff are safe. And what I want them to know is that we’re going to be okay. I believe in our mission and what we’re going to do.”