KU News Release

Frederickson is first recipient of Budig Teaching Professorship of Writing

LAWRENCE — University of Kansas journalism professor Ted Frederickson is the first recipient of the Budig Teaching Professorship of Writing, established by former KU Chancellor Gene Budig. As part of his professorship, Frederickson will present a public address on the importance of teaching writing.

“The selection committee chose Professor Frederickson to receive the first professorship because he embodies the spirit of excellence in teaching writing,” said Ann Brill, dean of the William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications at KU. “He has contributed so much to the school and to our students. This recognition is very fitting.”

Frederickson has been a faculty member at KU for 27 years. He teaches classes in newspaper reporting, media ethics and first amendment law. He received a bachelor’s in political science from the University of North Dakota, a master’s in journalism from the American University and a law degree from the University of North Dakota.

This year, KU’s journalism school placed first in the Intercollegiate Writing Competition of the prestigious William Randolph Hearst Foundation Writing Awards competition. Frederickson coached many of the students who won awards, often referred to as the Pulitzers of college journalism.

“This award is flattering but embarrassing,” said Frederickson. “In the Kansan reporting class where students win the Hearst awards, I get them on their way out the door of the school. They’ve already had many other teachers who helped them be better writers. By the time they are seniors they are polished and ready to go on to work for newspapers. It is easy to teach good writers to be even better when they have already been taught by my esteemed colleagues.”

In nominating Frederickson for the professorship, KU alumnus and Pulitzer Prize-winning Wall Street Journal reporter Kevin Helliker wrote: “He covered a lot of ground (in his class). I remember best, however, his assertion that good writing is not distinct from thoughtful, exhaustive, detailed research. Decades later, whenever I’m struggling to write a piece, I often find that the problem isn’t lack of creativity or inspiration. The problem is inadequate research, then I think of Professor Frederickson. What he taught me is that good, clear writing isn’t possible without a deep understanding of the subject at hand.”

The professorship, which includes a $5,000 stipend, will rotate each year between KU’s journalism and education schools.

“We are very grateful to Dr. Budig for his generous support of the school of journalism,” said Brill. “Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Budig has been dedicated to excellence in education. We are very appreciative.”

Budig was named KU’s 14th chancellor in 1981. During his 13-year tenure, more than 180 faculty positions were established. He was an active fundraiser during Campaign Kansas, the 1987-92 campaign that raised $265 million from private donors. Budig Hall is named in his honor. He left the university to become president of baseball’s American League and now is senior adviser to Major League Baseball. He and his wife, Gretchen, live in Isle of Palms, S.C.

“Too many young people do not write well and that deficiency threatens our society in a highly competitive world,” said Budig. “I believe significant schools of journalism and communications, like the one at University of Kansas, must reverse the trend, showing the importance of the written word.”

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