Campaign Statement
Jared L. Johnson
Nominee for BEA Board of Directors
District 5 Representative
Dear friends and colleagues of BEA District 5: I express appreciation for the nomination to this
position. I will keep this statement brief, and to the point. I joined BEA in 1997 as a grad student.
What I found was an organization and conference that goes beyond the normal research-oriented
conferences. I found a group of close-knit colleagues conducting a wide-range of exceptional
research, doing inspiring creative works and who enjoy interacting with each other beyond work.
I found an organization interested in its people even more than the work its members perform.
Surely, the research and works done in this association are excellent, but what makes BEA
special is its members and leaders. It is this element that drives me to come and participate each
year. I want to see this continue and would desire others to benefit in this way.
I have done what many of you have done – served in division leadership roles (News Division
and Sports Division), and worked with the Festival. What I bring to BEA and this district is
dedication and a desire to see that the things BEA does well, continue to happen – particularly
within District 5. I also desire to see our district continue to grow – without losing the friendly
atmosphere it’s always had.
My goals to accomplish, should I be elected to the board include:
1) Continue the vibrant regional interaction that we have thus far enjoyed.
2) Build participation within the district and look for even better leaders to follow.
3) Facilitate communication from the BEA board and the Festival leadership to the members
and represent member interests on the board.
4) Find ways to increase excitement about what BEA has to offer and encourage more of
our regional colleagues to participate beyond just attending the conference.
5) Encourage research collaboration among colleagues from varying universities that can
result in submissions to the various paper competitions.
Of course, I would desire to bring whatever other skills I have to meet the needs the board and
District 5 as a whole decides are priorities. I am not someone who wants to be the center of
attention. What I am, is someone who can be relied upon to get tasks done, bridge gaps between
people and not be unpleasant to work with.
I did not seek this nomination, and am content to continue as a member and friend regardless. But
I am ready to stand up and chip in where I am able, should my name be called.
Sincerely,
Jared L Johnson
Assistant Professor of Sports Media
Oklahoma State University
