Distinguished Professor of Journalism and Media Studies Jorge Reina Schement, who served Rutgers University-New Brunswick as Dean of the School of Communication and Information (originally the School of Communication, Information and Library Studies, as dean, Schement successfully facilitated the name change); first University Vice President for the Rutgers University Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion; and Vice Chancellor of the Rutgers Office of Diversity and Inclusion, retired December 31, 2024.

SC&I will honor Schement at a private luncheon on February 19, 2025 at the Rutgers Club.

Interim Dean and Distinguished Professor of Journalism and Media Studies Dafna Lemish said, “Jorge‘s long history with Rutgers and his deep commitment to diversity and inclusion issues and to his graduate students left a unique mark on our school. He is a fantastic storyteller who enriches his listeners with vivid historical recollections and sharp analyses of social phenomena. I will miss his strong encouragement and original advice.”

Schement, who earned a BBA from Southern Methodist University in 1970, a Master of Science in Marketing Theory from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 1972, and a Ph.D. in Communications from Stanford University in 1976, is an international expert on the social and policy implications of the production and consumption of information, especially as they relate to ethnic minorities.

Schement co-conducted a foundational study of the impact of minority ownership in broadcasting and conducted research that led to recognition of the Digital Divide. He also developed the idea of Universal Service as an evolving concept in the Telecommunications Act of 1996.

Schement co-conducted a foundational study of the impact of minority ownership in broadcasting and conducted research that led to recognition of the Digital Divide. He also developed the idea of Universal Service as an evolving concept in the Telecommunications Act of 1996. Schement’s studies of minority ownership contributed to the Supreme Court’s decision in Metro Broadcasting, Inc. v. F.C.C. et al. He is an author of more than 250 books, articles, and papers.

Richard L. McCormick, the 19th President of Rutgers (2002 to 2012), and the current Interim President of Stony Brook University, said, “Jorge Reina Schement has led a remarkably distinguished career as an influential scholar of the social aspects of the Information Age, as a renowned teacher, and as a farsighted academic leader. As he retires, Jorge has the thanks, the admiration, and the affection of the entire Rutgers community.”

Schement’s career at Rutgers University-New Brunswick began in 1987 when he arrived as an Associate Professor in the Department of Communication, a position he held until 1996, after which he joined the faculty at Penn State. He then returned “to the banks” to serve as SC&I’s Dean from 2008-2013. Schement has been affiliated with several other departments and centers at Rutgers, including the Center for Latin American Studies, Department of American Studies, Department of Latino Studies, the Institute for Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences, and The Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy.

Schement has contributed to the university in many other ways, including serving as a member of the Board of Directors on the Latino Council of Rutgers University from 1991-1996; a member of many search committees for Rutgers leadership positions; and Chair of the Planning Committee for the Rutgers 250th Anniversary Commemoration from 2011-2016.

Reflecting on a few highlights of his career, Schement said he was most proud of having “served four American Presidents—Clinton, Bush, Obama, and Biden, and two Rutgers University Presidents, McCormick and Barchi. I created a narrative of diversity at Rutgers as the first DEI Officer; I chaired the organizing committee for the Rutgers 250 celebration; and I taught 9-10,000 students at the University of Texas at Austin, the University of Southern California, the University of California Los Angeles, Pennsylvania State University, and Rutgers.”

Ross K. Baker, Distinguished Professor of Political Science (Emeritus), in the Department of Political Science,Rutgers-New Brunswick School of Arts and Sciences, said, “Both on a personal level and a professional level, Jorge is a splendid friend and colleague. He stands high in the estimation of scholars in his field, has been an effective administrator, and has contributed enormously to the Rutgers community. I know of no person with Jorge's depth and breadth of knowledge across a broad range of fields. The university should count itself fortunate to have had him as a faculty member.”

University Professor Robert Goodman, a plant biologist and virologist who from 2005 to 2020 served as Executive Dean of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Rutgers University; executive dean of the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences; executive director of the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station; and Distinguished Professor of Ecology, Evolution, and Natural Resources, said, “It was a privilege to serve alongside Jorge during our shared years as deans at Rutgers.  Jorge brought integrity, transparency, personality, and positivity to our relationship.  He has an interesting and somewhat unusual academic career history.  I’ve learned a lot from him, and I deeply treasure our time together.  I join my colleagues in wishing him a healthy and engaged life in retirement."

Richard L. McCormick, the 19th President of Rutgers (2002 to 2012), and the current Interim President of Stony Brook University, said, “Jorge Reina Schement has led a remarkably distinguished career as an influential scholar of the social aspects of the Information Age, as a renowned teacher, and as a farsighted academic leader. As he retires, Jorge has the thanks, the admiration, and the affection of the entire Rutgers community.”

Board of Governors Professor of Environmental Science Lily Young, a Distinguished Professor in the Rutgers School of Environmental and Biological Sciences and a former Rutgers-New Brunswick Provost for Faculty Development and Excellence, said, “Jorge is in SC&I and writes about the telecommunication field.  I am an environmental microbiologist at SEBS and happily collect contaminated sediment samples.  I would never have met and worked with him if it were not for our common efforts in fostering faculty diversity.  It was my lucky day when he reached out and said, ‘Let’s have lunch.’ His wisdom, humor, and storytelling taught me how to be a better ‘communicator.’”

Schement has served on editorial boards of 18 academic journals, guest edited the Annual Review of Technology for the Aspen Institute, and was editor-in-chief of the Encyclopedia of Communication and Information.

In 2010 he was included in the list of “100 Most Influential Hispanics in Information Technology” by the Hispanic Information Technology Executive Council (HITEC), HCS Publisher, and in 2006 Hispanic Business Magazine included him on its list of “100 Most Influential Hispanics.”

Looking forward to retirement, Schement said he plans “to continue a memoir project that I have been writing for several years. I have plenty of material. Next to my desk, there is a pile of books on the history of the 20thcentury, and on the Roman Republic that I intend to work through.” He will also enjoy brunches with friends, and fishing.

Learn more about the Rutgers School of Communication and Information on the website.

Photos: Courtesy of Jorge Reina Schement