Academic Pursuit   

Howard University appoints former Philadelphia Inquirer Managing Editor Phillip Dixon chairman of its journalism department.

After contemplating a move into academia for "years and years and years," former Philadelphia Inquirer Managing Editor Phillip Dixon takes over as chairman of the journalism department at Howard University. Dixon, 50, who left the Inky in January after only six months as ME, says his decision was about personal happiness. "That was important to me--that what little energy, intellect and life I have left be devoted to train young people of color." School of Communications Dean Jannette L. Dates says Dixon's goals, including helping more students of color achieve management and ownership positions, are in tune with the school's priorities. Dixon has taught on and off since 1984 while working as an editor at the Inquirer, the Los Angeles Times and the Washington Post. Says Dixon of his latest move, "You go to a place that believes in what you do."