Driving Social Change  

Dr. Meredith Clark, researcher, professor, and scholar with extensive knowledge in critical race theory, social media, and journalism, joins the College of Arts, Media and Design (CAMD) as Associate Professor and Founding Director of the new Center for Communication, Media Innovation and Social Change.   

Housed within CAMD’s intersectional, multi-disciplinary research environment, and connecting with the university’s strategic directions in AI and technological and human literacies, the Center will be a hub for the advanced study of race, ethnicity, and activism, with an emphasis on media impact and the empowerment of marginalized communities. The Center will draw on existing areas of excellence in the Department of Communication Studies, Media and Screen Studies, and the School of Journalism faculties, and connect with initiatives across the college and university on race and social justice.  

“The College of Arts, Media and Design is excited to establish the new Center for Communication, Media Innovation and Social Change,” says CAMD Dean Elizabeth Hudson. “As a community, we are dedicated to fostering important conversations regarding race, ethnicity, and activism. We believe with renowned scholar and educator Meredith Clark as the founding leader for this Center, we can work together to create a better and more equitable future.” 

Dr. Clark comes to Northeastern with an extensive knowledge of journalism and theory both in and out of the classroom. “Meredith is a rising star, or I should say a star who has risen,” says Dr. Brooke Foucault Welles, incoming interim chair of Communications Studies. “To have Meredith at the helm of this Center with experience as a working journalist and a leading scholar in critical race theory, social media, and the influence of the press, activism, and public opinion on ideas about equity and justice is very exciting.”  

As a leader, Dr. Clark believes in the power and importance of community, and is eager to connect with the Northeastern community and beyond. Her work focuses on ‘Reparative Journalism,’ the concepts and practices of assessing and addressing harm that media has done to marginalized communities. “I am completely dedicated to doing things that have an impact outside of the classroom, university, and geographic community, and am excited to see how far that vision can stretch,” explains Dr. Clark. 

The news of Dr. Clark’s hire received massive congratulations on Twitter with over 400 likes and comments of support from a network of individuals who are committed to their students and creating ethical work, fighting for marginalized groups, and dedicated to the concept of “Radical Imagination,” the choice to view the world not as it is, but as it could be. “Hearing from people who I know share that world view, cheering me on … will really allow me to step into the role and do my very best and fulfill it to the best of my ability,” said Dr. Clark.   

“We can’t wait to welcome Dr. Clark as a member of our CAMD community in the fall, and look forward to a formal launch of the new Center this coming academic year,” concluded Dean Hudson.