KU News Release

KU journalism school announces new Knight Chair

Pamela B. Fine

LAWRENCE — Pamela B. Fine, managing editor of the Indianapolis Star, will become the Knight Chair in News, Leadership and Community at the University of Kansas’ William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications this summer.

“The Knight Chair at Kansas was one of the first established,” said Ann Brill, dean of the school. “We think it is a strong indication of the Knight Foundation’s commitment to journalism education and news in the community. We are looking forward to having Pam join us. She brings many years of experience and creativity to the position. Every person who has held this chair has been a highly regarded journalist. Pam certainly continues this tradition.”

Fine has been the managing editor of the Indianapolis Star since 2004. She has held leadership positions at the Minneapolis Star Tribune and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and in the American Society of Newspaper Editors and the Associated Press Managing Editors.

“For me, it’s a terrific opportunity to blend my years of experience with my interest in exploring what’s new and working with students,” Fine said in a statement to the Indianapolis Star.

Fine has been a Pulitzer Prize juror four times. She holds a bachelor’s in journalism, with a minor in English, from the University of Florida. She is working toward her master’s degree in media management.

“What, in the 21st century, will inform and inspire communities the way great daily newspapers did in the 20th century?” asked Eric Newton, vice president of Knight Foundation’s journalism program. “Will the daily paper remake itself and survive? Will other forms of life rise up in the news ecosystem? We don’t know. But we’re glad that a journalist of Pam Fine’s caliber will be helping look for the answers.”

The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation endows 24 chairs at 22 universities in the United States. The professorships are awarded to those who are committed to promoting the study of and advancement of journalism and journalism education.

In 1990, KU’s journalism school received one of the first three Knight Chairs in Journalism that focuses on teaching community journalism. John Ginn held that position until his death in 1999, followed by Peggy Kuhr, who held the Knight Chair from 2002 to mid-2007, when she left to become journalism dean at University of Montana.

-30-

The University of Kansas is a major comprehensive research and teaching university. University Relations is the central public relations office for KU's Lawrence campus.