Dr. Martin Smith-Rodden is an Associate Teaching Professor of Journalism at Ball State University’s School of Journalism and Strategic Communication, where he leads the Photographic Storytelling sequence and teaches photojournalism, visual communication, writing, and other topics. A former visual journalist, editor and team leader with 35+ years of experience in markets like Washington, D.C., San Antonio, and Norfolk, Virginia, he held key editorial roles at The Virginian-Pilot.

He has a Ph.D. in Applied Experimental Psychology from Old Dominion University, with research in 21^st-century skills, including subtopics such as I/O Psych applications to journalism, media psychology, media effects, intersectionality and visual ethics. A recipient of the NPPA’s Robin F. Garland Educator Award, he is known for mentoring students and advocating for visual storytelling and media literacy.