Kerr Named Journalism Area Head
By Will Cornelius
On Oct. 1, Dr. Robert Kerr assumed the role of Journalism Area Head for Gaylord College.
“It's an exciting time to be involved with the Journalism Area because it has seen tremendous growth in recent years,” Kerr said. “It is very encouraging to see so many young people interested in practicing journalism and helping the profession meet the challenges of changing times.”
He succeeds Dr. Elanie Steyn, who was named the new associate dean of Gaylord College over the summer. Kerr says the college and students are very fortunate to have such a strong group of experienced journalists and educators on faculty.
“My job will be trying to help give them all they need to best do their job.”
Robert Kerr’s journalism career began at the age of 16, working for his hometown weekly newspaper. His humble beginnings turned into 20 years with daily newspapers, culminating at The Commercial Appeal in Memphis. Kerr then pursued his master's at OU and a Ph.D. in media law and history at the University of North Carolina, leading him into his second career of teaching. In addition to leading the Journalism Area at Gaylord College, Kerr teaches media law and media history. Gaylord College students have twice voted him recipient of the Gaylord College Teaching Award.
“One of the funnier moments,” he said, “was in response to a survey on students' recommendations for the media law class.” A student suggested “It would be awesome to have candy flung into the audience."
So Kerr did just that for several semesters. More recently, he’s switched to Girl Scout cookies, “…because my nieces started selling them, although I don't fling those.”
When asked about charting the course for the future of the journalism program, Kerr writes, “Our biggest goal in the year ahead will be completing the major overall curriculum revision that the faculty have been working on, with great leadership by professor Julie Jones. It will help better prepare up-and-coming journalists at OU, with enhanced introductory coursework, greater synergy with all student media and much more.”
“It's an exciting time to be involved with the Journalism Area because it has seen tremendous growth in recent years. It is very encouraging to see so many young people interested in practicing journalism and helping the profession meet the challenges of changing times." - Robert Kerr