Martin Smith-Rodden
Martin Smith-Rodden
Associate Teaching Professor in School of Journalism and Strategic Communication

Phone:765-285-8223

Room:AJ 354


About Martin Smith-Rodden

Dr. Martin Smith-Rodden is an Associate Teaching Professor in the School of Journalism and Strategic Communication. He was a professional visual journalist for 25 years in three markets including at The Virginian-Pilot, the highest-honored newspaper in Virginia from 1986 to 2015. While there, he held positions as News Photo Editor, Daily Sections Photo Editor and was a member of the staff's Photo Leadership Team for nearly a decade. Dr. Smith-Rodden's primary focus as a researcher is a cognitive psychologist, exploring the practice and scholarship of visual journalism with a scientifically informed and research-based approach. Much of his research focuses on how human behavior interacts with media content and technology, including media effects. Other interests include development of evidence-based practices, topics in visual ethics, diversity, and inclusion in the field, as well as solutions-based and advocacy photojournalism. Dr. Smith-Rodden is committed to his students and to their success. He is a resource and an ally, offering tips on how to succeed, including his policy for a written letter of recommendation.

Education

  • Ph.D., Applied Experimental Psychology, Old Dominion University
  • M.S., Experimental Psychology/Cognitive concentration, Old Dominion University
  • B.A., Social Sciences, Virginia Wesleyan College

Selected Research and Publications

Honors and Recognitions

  • National Press Photographer's Robert F. Garland Educator of the Year, May 2021
  • Ball State University College of Communication, Information and Media, Community Connections Award, 2019
  • National Press Photographer's Photo Editor of the Year/Best of Photojournalism competition, May 2011
  • Regional (Mid-Atlantic) Photographer of the Year in 1996
  • Frequent national honors in picture editing

Course Schedule
Course No. Section Times Days Location
Intro to Photo Story 212 1 1400 - 1450 M W F AJ, room 339
Advanced Photo Story 437 1 1500 - 1550 M W F AJ, room 363
Journ Storytelling: 105 1 0900 - 0950 M W F AJ, room 353
Journ Storytelling: 105 2 1000 - 1050 M W F AJ, room 353