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Kittross, John M., 1929-

 Person

Biographical / Historical Note

John Michael Kittross, born in 1929, has served many roles in the field of communications. Kittross’s career includes titles such as professor, editor, dean, and writer. Kittross is also a notable and active member of the Broadcast Education Association. Kittross received a Bachelor of Arts in creative arts-drama at Antioch College and subsequently attended Boston University of a masters in communication arts, and later earned his Ph.D. at University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign in 1959. Kittross joined Emerson College officially in 1984 after being a consultant for Emerson in earlier years. His first official role was Academic Dean, and later became Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost. In 1987 Kittross elected to serve as professor in the communications department instead of administrate, and did so for six years. Underlying his tenure at Emerson, Kittross contributed to a number of notable works in the communications fields, notable titles including: Administration of American Telecommunications Policy (1980) and Stay Tuned: A Concise History of American Broadcasting (now in its third edition, 2002). After his time at Emerson, Kittross coauthored another book entitled Controversies in Media Ethics (1999). This preoccupation with ethics in media blossomed into Kittross assuming the role of editor at Media Ethics magazine, where he is still serving as editor.

Found in 6 Collections and/or Records:

Academic, 1977-1983

 Series
Identifier: MSS 038-1
Scope and Contents

Given John M. Kittross's role as academic dean and provost, the Academic series is the most expansive of the Kittross papers. The series is divided into four subseries: miscellaneous, university reaccreditation, legal, and master plans. The bulk of material dates range between 1981-1987.

Dates: 1977-1983

Facilities, 1980-1993

 Series
Identifier: MSS 038-3
Scope and Contents

The majority of the Facilities series include preliminary plans and proposals for the Emerson College move to Lawrence and Lowell. Also included are facilities update plans for the Mass Communications division.

Dates: 1980-1993

Faculty/Staff, 1976-1997

 Series
Identifier: MSS 038-4
Scope and Contents

The Faculty/Staff series includes agreements between Emerson College and the Emerson College Chapter of the American Association of University Professors, faculty tenure forms, and development of other faculty committees and assemblies.

Dates: 1976-1997

Financial, 1980-1990

 Series
Identifier: MSS 038-5
Scope and Contents

The bulk of the "Financial" series revolves around the establishment of three-year plans for Emerson College as well as financial operations profiles for departments within the Communications division of Emerson. Also included are financial considerations for the Emerson College move to Lawrence, Massachusetts.

Dates: 1980-1990

John M. Kittross Papers

 Collection
Identifier: MSS 038
Scope and Contents The John M. Kittross papers contain materials that revolve around Kittross's career and relationship with Emerson College, Emerson College Faculty, and Emerson College students. Kittross held a number of roles throughout his professional relationship with Emerson College. Correspondence is the bulk of the materials in Kittross's collection, as his roles as academic dean and provost required frequent communication with department and college leaders. Supplementing correspondence, the second...
Dates: 1976-1997

Presidential Search, 1993

 Series
Identifier: MSS 038-2
Scope and Contents

The Presidential Search series includes correspondence, resumes, nominations, and minutes from the search for a new Emerson College President in 1993.

Dates: 1993