The search for a new director of the Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication that began in August ended Thursday afternoon with the announcement of a new director.

Michael Bugeja, professor and associate director of the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, will assume the position of director July 1.

He will replace current director John Eighmey.

Peter Rabideau, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, an-nounced the decision to Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication faculty and staff Thursday.

“We all felt strongly that Michael will do a good job,” Rabideau said.

Rabideau said he believes Bugeja’s salary will be $125,000. In 2002, the salary of current director Eighmey was $108,240.

Former Provost Rollin Richmond dismissed Eighmey and Associate Chairman Joel Geske in May 2002 after claims of racism were made within the school.

The Faculty Senate concluded Richmond acted before fully investigating the matter. ISU President Gregory Geoffroy reinstated Eighmey and Geske two weeks later.

Eighmey agreed to stay on as director until a replacement could be found. When his directorship is finished, he will remain on the Greenlee School faculty.

Bugeja is expected to bring faculty together, said Joseph Kupfer, head of the search committee for the Greenlee School directorship.

“He’s a uniter,” said Kupfer, professor of philosophy and religious studies.

Kupfer said Bugeja is a good problem-solver and knows how to simply, but effectively, handle situations.

“I plan to lead discussions, but also to listen,” Bugeja said. “I plan to get factual information if there are continual problems.”

Laurie Mansfield, staff writer for The Des Moines Register and a former student of Bugeja’s, said she believes Bugeja will deal well with ethical problems.

“He was one of the most ethical professors,” she said. “Iowa State made the right choice in appointing him.”

Bugeja plans to hire more faculty for the school, which is currently understaffed. The recent announcement three junior faculty members will not return in the fall doesn’t help matters.

“I think we’re going to at least get a new faculty member per year, plus more support money,” Bugeja said. “I was convinced the administration was going to support Greenlee, and they’ve given me every indication that they will.”

Kupfer agreed.

“He’s getting eight or nine new hires in the next few years that he’ll have a hand in,” he said. “He’ll be able to reshape the department.”

Hiring Bugeja for the directorship at the Greenlee School is a “good match,” said Michael Real, Director of the E.W. Scripps School at Ohio University. “I’m happy for Mickey and for Iowa State. There’s going to be a big hole here.”

The other three finalists for the position were Edward Pease, professor and head of the journalism and communication department at Utah State University; David Perlmutter, associate professor at the Manship School of Mass Communication at Louisiana State University; and Louise Benjamin, associate professor of journalism and mass communication at the University of Georgia.