Posted by SMAD September 21, 2007
Story by KATRINA BRAMHALL

HARRISONBURG, Va. -- Professor Mike Grundmann, who joined the School of Media Arts & Design (SMAD) faculty this fall, brings 26 years of experience with major American newspapers to his classes in editing and feature writing.

Grundmann, who earned a journalism degree from San Francisco State University and a Masters of Fine Arts from Philadelphia's Temple University, has worked as a reporter, photographer and copy editor for ten newspapers, among them the Philadelphia Daily News and two California dailies, the Sacramento Bee and the Orange County Register.

He wrapped up his newspaper career at the Los Angeles Times, among the largest and most prestigious of U.S. metropolitan dailies. He worked there for nine years as a copy editor.

Grundmann also has produced six award-winning documentaries, which have aired on PBS affiliates across the country. “Face First” and “The Perfect Flaw” are documentaries about facial deformities and are available for educational distribution.

Four years ago, Grundmann began teaching editing on a part-time basis at Chapman University, in Orange County. “It immediately struck me that [teaching] is a separate and unique medium of communication,” he said. He then decided to seek a full-time teaching position and found JMU.

Grundmann said he is enjoying teaching at JMU and describes SMAD faculty as “great to work with, good humored, and wonderfully hospitable.” He also enjoys late night hours at the Artful Dodger and the convenience of a two-minute commute from his Harrisonburg home.