PULLMAN, Wash. — James L. Tinney, an experienced newspaper reporter, editor, and education writer, will become the director of media relations and the News Bureau at Washington State University in June.
He comes to WSU after nearly five years at Indiana University, Bloomington, where he currently serves as managing editor for media relations. Tinney also served as a writer and communications advisor for President Myles Brand during his tenure at IU.
During more than 20 years at large metropolitan and smaller community newspapers, Tinney was a news and sports reporter, editorial writer and editorial page editor. His career included stints at The Los Angeles Herald Examiner, The Grand Rapids (Mich.) Press and The Press Democrat in Santa Rosa, Calif. He also served as an adjunct journalism instructor for an IU news writing class.
“We are extremely pleased to have James Tinney join the WSU communication team to lead our media relations efforts,” said Sally Savage, vice president for University Relations. “This is an important area for a public university and his extensive experience in the news media and in university communication work suits him well for the position.”
“Higher education is a great public resource, but sometimes the contributions it makes to a state’s quality of life are overlooked. I know there are great things going on at Washington State and I look forward to being part of the university’s communications team,” Tinney said.
Tinney earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism at Michigan State University and a master’s degree in public affairs reporting from Ohio State University.
He will succeed Sue Hinz who has served as interim director of the News Bureau since December 2002.
