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My next gig: teaching at Ohio University’s Scripps School of Journalism

OU BobcatsI’m thrilled to announce that I’ll be the Scripps Howard Visiting Professional at Ohio University for the upcoming academic year. Some of the proudest moments of my journalism career came under the Scripps banner. Spending a year at OU teaching journalism seems a perfect next step for me.

The Scripps School of Journalism is a renowned program, which is demonstrated by the number of OU students I’ve placed in internships and full-time openings at the various media companies I’ve worked for.

I’ve never been disappointed when I’ve hired a Bobcat.

Now I’ll get to work closely with students as they develop their skills. If you’re shopping for talent, let me know and I’ll steer the best and brightest your way.

The statue of E.W. in Scripps Hall. His nose is shiny because students rub it for good luck before tests.
The statue of E.W. in Scripps Hall. His nose is shiny because students rub it for good luck before tests.

After I was laid off from Hanley Wood last winter, I started sizing up the opportunities that were coming in over the transom. Andy Alexander and I had coffee on P Street in D.C. and started talking about OU. Andy and I served on the Scripps School’s professional advisory board together several years ago, and after he left his role as ombudsman at the Washington Post he amped up his relationship with OU, including working as a visiting professional.

Andy got me thinking. I’d had numerous conversations with J-school director Bob Stewart over the years about opportunities to move to Athens to teach, but the timing never was quite right. This time, it was, and Bob helped make it so.

Lara and I moved from D.C. to Athens in late June. We were stressed about leaving D.C., which we love. But we’re now smitten with our new home. Athens is a great town (the farmers’ market rocks, and there are several great restaurants within walking distance of the house we’re renting.)  Shortly after arriving, I had a chance to participate in OU’s High School Journalism Workshop. The quality of that program convinced me I’d made the right decision.

While I’m teaching at OU I’ll continue the digital media consulting I’ve been doing under the LedgeSolutions banner.  And I’ll be rooting for the Bobcats.

This is an HDR shot I took of Scripps Hall several years ago. OU's campus is beautiful.
This is an HDR shot I took of Scripps Hall several years ago. OU’s campus is beautiful.