Columbia Journalism School is pleased to announce that John Haskins, an editor at The New York Times for more than three decades who currently directs the paper’s Student Journalism Institute, a recruitment and training program that seeks to strengthen newsroom diversity, will be joining the J-School as our new Dean of Student Life, starting on October 12.
Haskins began his career at The Times as a copy editor; he advanced to roles such as managing editor of the Times Magazine, senior editor in Paris, London and Hong Kong, and the editor of Escapes. Since 2017, at the Institute, he has directed the training of diverse young journalists, including from our school, who have gone on to work at The Times and other important outlets.
Haskins will oversee our admissions and career development departments in addition to student life, allowing him to work with our many dedicated staff to strengthen the full cycle of student life, from the partnerships that feed our application pipeline, through student experiences in our classrooms and hallways, to placement in the profession.
To strengthen this transition, Associate Dean for Student Services Melanie Huff will become Senior Associate Dean for Student Life, reporting to John as she continues to provide vital leadership the school has relied upon for many years.
The J-School's admissions, career development and student life departments have moved energetically this summer to shape our collective, renewed action to ensure that as our students train in a rigorous atmosphere, we grapple together with the centrality of race and ethnicity in journalism and public life, while ensuring that every student is included and respected.
Haskins adds to the J-School seasoned leadership, outstanding communication skills, high-level experience with young and student journalists, and personal commitment to our core values.
Haskins is a member of the National Association of Black Journalists and the Online News Association. He lives with his husband in Harlem.
