Chad Stuart Owsley

Biography

Dr. Chad Stuart Owsley is an Assistant Professor of Communication in Emerging Media Studies at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. A media historian and scholar of emerging digital innovation, his research examines the diffusion of technology in mass communication, with a focus on AI-powered tools in journalism. He applies Diffusion of Innovation Theory and Actor-Network Theory to explore how intelligent systems shape newsroom practices, media ethics, and audience engagement.Dr. Owsley teaches courses in visual communication, media production, and broadcast journalism, preparing students to navigate the evolving media landscape. He is actively involved in university service, contributing to AI ethics initiatives, student media, and global academic partnerships. He is also leading the development of the Emerging Media Lab, a space dedicated to exploring new media technologies in journalism and communication.Beyond academia, Dr. Owsley has a passion for travel and outdoor adventure. He spent 12 years living in Mainland China and has visited 27 countries across four continents, experiences that continue to shape his global perspective on media and culture.

Teaching Interests

Dr. Owsley’s teaching focuses on the intersection of media theory, production, and emerging technologies, equipping students with both practical skills and critical perspectives on journalism and mass communication. His courses emphasize visual storytelling, media production, and digital content creation, preparing students to navigate the evolving media landscape.With expertise in photojournalism, television production, broadcast and convergent journalism, and multimedia communication, he integrates hands-on learning with discussions on media ethics, global media systems, and the role of technology in journalism. His teaching approach encourages students to engage with innovative tools and techniques while grounding their work in foundational journalistic principles.At the graduate level, Dr. Owsley incorporates qualitative research methodologies to explore media history, diffusion of innovation, and the impact of AI-driven technologies on communication industries. His courses challenge students to critically examine how emerging media technologies shape storytelling, audience engagement, and global information flows.Keywords: Visual communication, media production, media content creation, photojournalism, multimedia storytelling, television production, broadcast journalism, convergent journalism, journalism principles, media ethics, global media, qualitative research methodologies.

Research Interests

Dr. Owsley’s research explores the historical and theoretical foundations of media, focusing on the diffusion of innovation and the evolving role of emerging technologies in journalism and mass communication. His work applies Diffusion of Innovation Theory and Actor-Network Theory to examine how technological advancements shape news production, media practices, and audience engagement.A key area of his research investigates the societal and cultural impact of AI-powered technologies in journalism, analyzing their influence on newsroom dynamics, media ethics, and public discourse. He also examines broader trends in media history and the adoption of digital innovations within communication industries.Through his interdisciplinary approach, Dr. Owsley contributes to understanding the intersection of technology, media, and society, offering insights into the challenges and opportunities presented by intelligent systems in contemporary communication landscapes.Keywords: Media history, Diffusion of Innovation Theory, Actor-Network Theory, emerging media technologies, journalism innovation, mass communication, AI-powered technology, media and society, newsroom automation, intelligent systems in journalism.

Service Summary

Dr. Owsley is dedicated to fostering academic partnerships, enhancing educational resources, and engaging with the community through service. He played a key role in establishing a Memorandum of Understanding between the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) and Guangdong University of Foreign Studies (GDUFS), creating student exchange and research collaboration opportunities.He serves on multiple university, college, and departmental committees, including the AI Campus Consortium Core Committee, Gateway Publication Board, CFAM Strategic Planning Committee (Pillar II: Pragmatic Research and Discovery), CFAM Technology Committee, Advisory Committee for the School of Communication, and the High School Media Conference Committee. His contributions help shape technological advancements, ethical AI guidelines, student media, strategic planning, and media education outreach.Beyond UNO, Dr. Owsley collaborates with the Center for Faculty Excellence on faculty development initiatives and speaks on international media experiences. He is an active member of the American Journalism Historians Association, the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication, and the International Communication Association.

Awards and Honors

Kappa Tau Alpha, Scholarship/Research - 2023

Education

Ph D, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, Journalism, Minor in College Teaching, 2023

MS, Boston University, Boston, MA, Journalism, Photojournalism, 2010

BA, Art Institute of Colorado, Denver, CO, Photography, 2006

AA, St. Louis Community College, Meramec, Photography, 2003

Professional Development

Continuing Education Program, The AI Advantage: Transforming Teaching and Preparing Students to Thrive, 07/05/2024 - 08/16/2024

Institutional Training, Faculty Search Training - 01/23/2024

Seminar, Service Learning Seminar, 07/15/2024 - 07/19/2024

Institutional Training, Foundations of Teaching Online Canvas Courses, 07/01/2023 - 08/01/2023

Selected Publications

Owsley, Chad, Owsley, Chad. 2023. Understanding the impact of Artificial Intelligence on newsroom social culture and journalistic performative roles : a qualitative case study of AI as an emerging digital innovative technology in newsrooms, University of Missouri Libraries, 167.

Non-Credit Instruction Taught

Workshop, School of Journalism and Communication, Guangdong Univeristy of Foreign Studies, 06/26/2024 - 07/03/2024

Guest Lecture, Office of Engagement, University of Nebraska at Omaha - 09/20/2024

Department, College, and University

Panel discussion - "AI, Fake News, and Your Digital World", Other, Organized, chaired, and moderated a panel discussion on "AI, Fake News, and Your Digital World" at the High School Media Conference, recruiting participants and setting the agenda for exploring AI-powered fact-checking and its ethical implications. - present

Gateway Publication Board, Committee Member, 06/30/2024 - present

CFAM Technology Committee, Committee Member, 09/01/2023 - present

CFAM Strategic Planning Committee, Committee Member, Serve on Pillar II, Pragmatic Research and Discovery. , 09/01/2023 - 09/30/2023

AI Campus Consortium Core Committee, Committee Member, The committee is tasked with helping guide the AI approach on campus, in addition to giving feedback to the AI Learning Lab on what type of support is needed/desired on campus., 09/01/2024 - present

Community

Omaha Westview High School, Guest Speaker - present