John Hudnall

First year at KU: 1990

Degrees: B.A., education & journalism, Central Missouri State University; M.S., education, Central Missouri State University

Honors: James Frederick Paschal Award and Gold Key, Columbia Scholastic Press Advisers Association; Pioneer Award, National Scholastic Press Association

John Hudnall is a lecturer for the J-School and the former executive director of KSPA, the statewide organization for secondary-level journal, for 19 years.

Hudnall says the biggest influence in his journalism career was his college newspaper advisor.

"She was the first woman daily newspaper editor in the state of Missouri," he sys. "She was just real gutsy - tough, real tough. But she made a huge impact in a lot of people's lives, not just mine. She probably had forgotten more about journalism than anyone else will ever know."

After he received his master's degree, Hudnall's first teaching assignment was in 1969 at Marshall High School in Marshall, Mo. He went on to teach at Blue Springs High School in Blue Springs, Mo., and Westside High School in Omaha before coming to KU.

Hudnall's advice for students is simple and straightforward.

"Get involved, find out about internships and take your early courses seriously," he says. "They create the foundation for what is to come. And don't take yourself too seriously. Life's pretty short, when you think about the big scheme of things."

Hudnall says the best thing about KU is that it is a very traditional college atmosphere.

He says, "There are traditional, spirited types of things that go on here that you don't necessarily see at other schools. It also has a very good academic reputation. At KU you can take pride in where you work."