Medill becomes the new home for the Illinois Journalism Education Association

EVANSTON, ILL – The Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications has become the new institutional home for the Illinois Journalism Education Association (IJEA), after a unanimous vote of support by IJEA’s board. IJEA is a nonprofit organization that works with teachers and advisers across Illinois to promote high standards in scholastic media.

“We’re excited to take on this role and to work closely with the dedicated board, students and advisers who are members of this storied organization,” said Medill’s Dean Charles Whitaker. “We look forward to continuing to strengthen and grow scholastic journalism and publishing here in Illinois.”

In its new home at Medill, IJEA will continue its work, including organizing its IJEA Fall Conference, administering several student contests such as the Journalist of the Year Contest, and selecting the IJEA All-State Journalism Team.

IJEA was most recently housed at the Illinois Press Foundation (IPF) in Springfield. Prior to that, it was located at Eastern Illinois University.

Linda Jones (MSJ85), executive director of IJEA, said the organization is enthusiastic about the move.

“IJEA's board is delighted to enter into this partnership with Medill and looks forward to continuing our important work with Illinois student journalists and their teachers and advisers,” Jones said. “We also are extremely grateful to Illinois Press Foundation for providing us with support over the past six years.”

Starting in the fall of 2025, Katie Fernandez will take over as the new executive director of IJEA, along with her current role as the senior program coordinator for Medill’s Teach for Chicago Journalism Program.