Michael Beam, Ph.D., named interim director of Kent State’s School of Media and Journalism

Michael Beam, Ph.D.

Kent State University has named Michael Beam, Ph.D., as the interim director of the School of Media and Journalism (MDJ). His appointment started July 1, after MDJ Director Emily Metzgar, Ph.D., began a new role as dean of Penn State University’s Bellisario College of Communications. 

Beam joins MDJ as the interim director after serving as director of the School of Emerging Media and Technology (EMAT) for five years (2020–2025). He is a highly accomplished researcher, teacher and leader. 

Beam spent more than a decade working as a computer system administrator and network technologist before he became a professor. His undergraduate degree is in telecommunications (physics minor) from Ohio University, and he holds an M.A. and Ph.D. in communication from The Ohio State University. Beam has worked in community radio for more than 20 years, and he is known nationally for his music podcast “The Beat Oracle” (533 total episodes). “The Beat Oracle” highlighted experimental and future music and was one of the first shows in iTunes’ original music category. It continues to draw an audience even though it ended production in 2020.

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