Jackie Bell

Jackie Bell is a Professor of Journalism at the Missouri School of Journalism, University of Missouri, where she specializes in photojournalism. She serves as Director of the College Photographer of the Year Competition, an international recognition program. Her roles include teaching photojournalism skills, overseeing staff photographers at the Columbia Missourian, and instructing courses on freelance business practices for photojournalists and videographers.

Education:

• Master’s in Photographic Communication, Ohio University
• Bachelor’s in Spanish Literature and Communications, University of Michigan (Phi Beta Kappa)

Research and Expertise:

Bell’s research interests span environmental journalism, sports journalism, and Latin American studies, with a focus on documentary photography of indigenous cultures. She has documented projects in Haiti, Cuba, Israel, and throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. Her work also includes underwater photography and visual journalism.

Awards and Recognition:

• Recipient of the 2011 O.O. McIntyre Professorship for Excellence in Teaching, a $10k award acknowledging her impactful teaching and leadership in curriculum development.

Curriculum and Leadership:

As chair of the curriculum committee, Bell spearheaded the restructuring of undergraduate interest areas, introducing nearly 20 new courses. She co-developed the Fundamentals of Multimedia Journalism course, a core requirement for all journalism students. Her mentorship extends to guiding freshmen through the Freshman Interest Group program.

Professional Contributions:

Bell’s career includes 15 years as a staff photographer for major publications like The Tennessean and The Arizona Daily Star, plus international assignments in Tel Aviv and beyond. She maintains ties to industry through the Missouri School of Journalism’s professional media outlets and centers like the McDougall Center for Photojournalism Studies.