Prof. Doug Ward

KU School of Journalism Assistant Professor Doug Ward has received the 2009 John Katich Award for Creativity from the School.

The $1,000 award is named in honor of John Katich, a dedicated teacher who loved students and inspired them to excel. He was on the School of Journalism faculty from 1986 until his death in Oct. 2001. Among his achievements was the establishment of the sales curriculum, the enhancement of the professionalism of KJHK radio and the creation of KUJH-TV. Katich’s commitment to students and accomplishments as a teacher inspired the School, his family and his friends to establish this award.

“I'm honored and humbled,” Doug Ward said. “The School of Journalism has a history of outstanding teaching, especially in editing, and I'm excited about being a part of that. I tell my students that teaching is a lot like editing: You try to enhance clarity of thought, and you try to draw more out of the people you work with, whether they be writers or students. As I see it, a good teacher leads with ideas, listens to students and then adjusts his message or approach to better fit the individuals or the class. That works only when students are engaged, though, and I've had the opportunity to work with many wonderful students in the School.”

Ward has been at the School of Journalism since 2004. He is a former staff editor for The New York Times, where he worked on the business, national, and metropolitan desks, and contributed to The New York Times Book Review. He earned his master’s degree in journalism, with honors, from KU in 1991, and his Ph.D. in mass communication from the University of Maryland in 1996, with a minor in American cultural history.

The annual John Katich Award for Creativity goes to a tenure-track or tenured faculty member in the School of Journalism who has demonstrated creativity in teaching, research, service or a combination of these areas.

“This is the only faculty award the School of Journalism gives,” said Dean Ann Brill. “The recipient is chosen by a committee of other faculty members, which gives even more meaning to the award. I am pleased to see Professor Ward be chosen for this honor.”

Professors Bob Basow and Barbara Barnett, previous recipients, helped select Ward for the award. They noted “His nominators made a strong case for him, offering evidence of his creativity and imagination in the classroom and his dedication to working with students as a coach and mentor. Doug Ward is an ‘evangelist for editing.’ His nominators praise his imaginative approach to teaching, reporting that his creative continuum extends from ‘Obiter Dicta,’ (a periodic compilation of journalistic ups and downs) to crossword puzzles on AP style. Doug's teaching strengthens students' foundation in the most fundamental of journalistic skills. Known to students as an expert with an open door, he serves as both mentor and coach inside and outside the classroom, helping students develop high standards of fairness and accuracy. His knowledge of copy editing and his passion for teaching make him an exemplary choice for the Katich Creativity Award.”

Previous award recipients include: Rick Musser, 2006; Bob Basow, 2007; and Barbara Barnett, 2008.

For more on Doug Ward, visit http://www.journalism.ku.edu/faculty/people/ward.shtml