News Media Initiative

Twyla J. Cummings, Ph.D. is the Associate Dean in the College of Imaging Arts and Sciences and the Paul and Louise Miller Distinguished Professor in the School of Media Sciences at Rochester Institute of Technology.  Dr. Cummings provides undergraduate and graduate instruction in the areas of media industries analysis, media distribution and research methods.

Dr. Cummings’ research is focused in the areas of media distribution and printing industry trends.  Additionally, she is a frequent speaker on critical trends in post-press and issues impacting the Graphic Communications Industry as a whole.  She is past Board member of the National Association for Printing Leadership (NAPL) and serves on the Board of Governors for the R & E Council of NAPL.  She is a member of the prestigious Walter E. Soderstrom and Nonpareil Societies of NAPL and the R & E Council.

Twyla possesses both a B.S. Degree in Chemistry and a M.S. Degree in Business and Industrial Management from Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio.  She earned her Doctoral Degree in Management from The Union Institute & University in Cincinnati, Ohio.

In addition to her professional commitments, Dr. Cummings is actively involved in the Rochester community serving as a member of the Steering Committee of the Rochester Area Business Ethics Foundation.  Previously she served as Board Chair for the YWCA of Rochester and as a Board Member for the Rochester Women’s Network. 

About The Paul & Louise Miller Distinguished Professorship

The Paul & Louise Miller Distinguished Professorship was established in 1976 by the Trustees of the Gannett Foundation in honor of Paul and Louise Miller. 

Paul Miller rose to a position of international influence in both the Gannett Corporation and The Associated Press. Known for his newspaper knowledge and communication skills, he became President of the Gannett Corporation in 1957 and was later elected president of The Associated Press in 1963.  Throughout his career he maintained that, “Our actions must be determined not by mere compliance with state or federal law, not by public attitudes, but on the basis of doing the right thing.”  To add to his many accomplishments Mr. Miller was appointed to the Board of Trustees of Rochester Institute of Technology in 1950.

The purpose of this endowed chair is to serve to permanently supply the newspaper industry with highly qualified young men and women for management positions. It is also intended to give greater recognition to the newspaper industry as a significant segment of the graphic arts industry.

The following list is reflective of the RIT faculty who have held this prestigious position prior to Dr. Cummings:

Michael Kleper (2000-2006)

Owen Smith (1995-2000)

John Jakopin (1992-1995)

Fred Craig (1988-1992)

Dr. Robert Hacker (1978-1988)