Dr. Patrick F. Merle, Director of the School of Communication, has been selected to take part in the 2026 Scripps Howard Leadership Academy hosted by Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Public Communications. 

“I am truly honored and excited to be part of this selective group,” he said. “It will be enriching, and rejuvenating,” Dr. Merle added.

This established leadership program is a weeklong immersive training with sessions devoted to creativity and innovation, as well as workshops designed to tackle current challenges and expectations presented to university leaders.

Merle explained how this opportunity will allow him to connect with peers and engage in conversations about timely topics.  

“We most likely will discuss AI, and how it impacts the curriculum and how we think through some curriculum issues important for student success.” 

Merle said he would seek to understand how to possibly implement some ideas at the School of Communication.

“It will depend on the conversations and the topics, but I’m sure I will come back refreshed with a lot of thoughts on how we can improve our curriculum and create new initiatives,” he said. “It will allow me to reflect on some things we have done, some things we have not done yet, and those will have to be student-centered and faculty-focused.” 

As he looks ahead to bringing new ideas back to the School of Communication, Dr. Merle also shares guidance for the next generation of media leaders. In a moment of reflection about students aspiring to take leadership roles in media and communications, he advises, “Always volunteer to say ‘yes’ rather than ‘no’. That would be my main advice: to not shy away from opportunity but to engage with them, seek them out yourself, and see how it goes.” 

His journey serves as a reminder that leadership begins by saying “yes” to opportunity– an approach that continues to shape both his career and the future of the School of Communication.