2021 JPR&NM Homecoming Program to Honor Former Professors September 27, 2021
Posted by Mia Moody-Ramirez in : Uncategorized , trackback
Baylor University’s Department of Journalism, Public Relations & New Media will dedicate three walls during this year’s homecoming reception at 3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 15, in Room 245 of the Castellaw Communications Center.
The walls will honor three former JPR&NM faculty members who made an important contribution to our department during their years of service and beyond: David McHam, Doug Ferdon and Carol Perry.
Honoree David McHam
David Mcham taught at Baylor University from 1961-74. He is a retired newspaperman who set a record as the longest tenured journalism professor in Texas while teaching at four different universities in Texas from 1961 through 2015. In addition to Baylor, he taught at Southern Methodist University (1974-98), UTA (1998-2001), and the University of Houston (2001-2015). He specialized in courses emphasizing writing and communication law. Named the outstanding journalism teacher in the nation by the Society of Professional Journalists in 1994, McHam said he “didn’t ever intend to teach.” McHam earned his bachelor’s degree from Baylor in 1958.
Honoree Doug Ferdon
Doug Ferdon, Ph.D., joined Baylor in 1982, as the Lariat adviser and later became a full-time faculty member, teaching Law & Ethics and History of Journalism. He also served as chair while teaching. In his long career at Baylor University, both as a faculty member and as chair, Dr. Doug Ferdon’s primary focus was on students. He mentored, nurtured, and empowered numerous generations of young journalists and public relations professionals. He stayed in touch. He made connections. He wrote untold letters of reference and recommendation.
Since his retirement in 2014, Ferdon has continued as an adjunct instructor, although he said when he retired that he was going to “just read books and play golf.” He didn’t.
Honoree Carol Perry
Carol Perry is a former full-time lecturer (1994-2019) for the Baylor journalism, public relations and new media department, who taught graphics design.
Perry was the recipient of various professional awards from the Texas Municipal League, Texas Municipal Information Officers, Texas School Public Relations Association, National School Public Relations Association and accreditation from the Public Relations Society of America.
She served as the public information officer for the City of Waco and the Waco Independent School District for 21 years.
Professor Bob Darden, alumni engagement chair, will dedicate the David McHam Wall. Senior Lecturer Cassy Burleson will dedicate the Doug Ferdon Wall. Undergraduate Program Director Liz Bates will dedicate the Carol Perry Wall.
In addition to the dedication ceremony, we will have tours of the building. Other points of interest include Associate Professor Clark Baker’s exhibit titled, “Migrant Journeys.”
The reading room display case and outer wall feature the scholarly contributions of JPR&NM faculty whose research is driven by compassion, courage and curiosity. These faculty help make the world a little brighter.
We are also excited to share many new posters and updated signs created by members of the JPR&NM beautification committee. Other updates include classroom collaborative learning environments, updated furnishings and more common spaces for our students to study and work on group projects.
Baylor’s Excellence Funds and the College of Arts & Sciences funded the wall and this year’s beautification projects in the department.
We are grateful!
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