Richard T. Bajkiewicz

Richard T. Bajkiewicz is an Associate Professor in the Department of Journalism at the Robertson School of Media and Culture, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). He has taught at VCU since 2008, achieving tenure in 2012, and previously served on faculty at the University of South Florida from 2001-2008.

His educational background:

• Ph.D. in Mass Communications, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 2002
• M.A. in Mass Communications, University of Florida, 1995
• B.A. in Anthropology, University of Florida, 1993
• Certificate, Specs Howard School, Detroit, MI, 1987

Bajkiewicz's research centers on mass communication program assessment, university-level assessment, and multimedia journalism. His work pioneers methodologies for transparent assessment planning in journalism education, examines convergence in media production pedagogy, and analyzes the impact of digital transformation on newsroom practices. He actively bridges theoretical frameworks with practical curriculum design.

His publication trajectory reveals a strategic shift from foundational studies in convergence journalism (2009-2012) toward specialized expertise in assessment systems (2018-2023), consistently addressing accreditation challenges while maintaining focus on multimedia storytelling techniques. This evolution mirrors broader industry transitions from platform-specific training to integrated assessment literacy.

Key recognitions include:

• National Finalist, Best All-Around News Magazine (VCU InSight, 2018)
• Multiple Mark of Excellence Awards for Television Newscasting (SPJ Region 2, 2010-2016)
• Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching Award (University of South Florida, 2004-2005)

As educational architect, Bajkiewicz redesigned VCU's award-winning student newscast VCU InSight and spearheaded the 2021 launch of the undergraduate media production program. His leadership as Associate Director (2014-2018) transformed curriculum structures across 11 courses spanning mass communications theory, multimedia production, and convergent storytelling.

He directs the VCU InSight newsroom operations and coordinates the Media Production program's industry partnerships, maintaining active collaboration with Richmond market broadcasters and digital news platforms for student experiential learning.