Kara Lynch

First Year at KU: 2001

Classes taught: Fieldwork in Magazines, Magazine Publishing, Marketing Communications Production and Design

Education: BA, communications, Fort Hays State University; MS, Journalism/Magazine, KU; Secondary teacher certification, English, communications, and journalism, Emporia State University

“I enjoy sharing with students my interest and passion for magazine work, and helping students find their interests and develop their own talents to the highest level.” — Kara Lynch

By Lindsey Scott, Emporia, Kan., senior

After spending ten years as communications coordinator for the Kansas Bankers Association and serving as editor for The Kansas Banker magazine, Kara Lynch decided she wanted to spend more time teaching college students the magazine trade, instead of developing one.

“I was ready to devote my time to teaching,” Lynch said.

While at the Kansas Bankers Association, she would teach Fieldwork in Magazines every fall at the University of Kansas. Now she is at the J-School half-time, teaching Fieldwork in Magazines, Magazine Publishing, and Marketing Communications Production and Design. She has a strong interest in every aspect of the business and creative sides of the magazine industry.

“I enjoy sharing with students my interest and passion for magazine work, and helping students find their interests and develop their own talents to the highest level,” she said.

Lynch began her career as a journalist in the public relations field, serving as news editor for the Office of University Relations at Fort Hays State University and then working as a public information specialist at Pawnee Mental Health Services in Manhattan. She then took a break from working in the journalism field and taught high school English at Emporia High School and Hutchinson High School. Other teaching experiences included three years teaching composition courses at Allen County Community College.

After receiving her master’s of science degree in journalism for KU in 1994, in addition to her work for the banking industry, she began freelancing for magazines, including Kansas!, Kansas Connections, and Veterinary Economics.