معرفی
Jill Olmsted is a full-time Professor of Journalism at American University's School of Communication, where she previously served as Journalism Division Director. She teaches courses including COMM-305 Digital Skills and COMM-420 Topics in Mass Media: Podcasting Tools & Techniques for Spring and Summer 2025 semesters.
Her educational background includes a BA in Journalism from the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, and an MA in Journalism and Public Affairs from American University. She maintains active membership in professional organizations including the National Association of Hispanic Journalists, Radio-Television News Directors Association, Online News Association, and Association of Educators in Journalism & Mass Communication.
Olmsted's research and teaching focus centers on podcasting and digital journalism, building on her extensive professional background as a television and radio news anchor, reporter, and editorialist. Her expertise spans broadcast news writing and reporting, media training for law enforcement and government agencies, and digital media production. She has advised the AU law school on podcast creation and developed interactive journalism programs including Community Spotlights on Solar Power, Animals, Podcasters, and DC's Party Animals.
Her scholarly work shows a clear trajectory from traditional broadcast journalism toward emerging digital media forms, particularly podcasting technology and production. The publications reveal consistent expertise in news writing, reporting techniques, and media analysis across multiple platforms from traditional broadcast to digital formats.
- Woman of Achievement Award, Toledo, Ohio chapter, Women in Communications
- Crystal Award, Best Television Feature Reporting, Toledo, Ohio
- Noblitt School Bell Award, Best Television Education Reporting in Ohio
- School Bell Award, Outstanding education reporting, The Minnesota Education Association
- AP Spot News Award for Sandra Karnes murder trial coverage
- Proclamation: 'Jill Olmsted Day' by Mayor Donna Owens, Toledo, Ohio
- Proclamations from Ohio Senate and House of Representatives
- Jack Jurey Scholarship from American University
As former Journalism Division Director and Chair of the University Senate, Olmsted has provided significant academic leadership at American University. Her professional experience as a Washington, D.C. correspondent covering the White House and federal agencies informs her media training work for government agencies. She has also served on multiple university committees including the Sexual Harassment Advisory Committee and Middle States Leadership, Governance and Administration Task Force.
Olmsted directs the Interactive Journalism Program which produces multimedia community spotlights, demonstrating her commitment to practical, community-engaged journalism education that bridges traditional reporting skills with digital media technologies.
