| Journalism professor Dr. Linda Florence Callahan has been recognized as Journalism Educator of the Year by the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ). The association announced Callahan as the 2014 recipient of the outstanding journalism educator award on May 27.
The award recognizes the service, commitment and academic guidance of a journalism teacher, professor or educator who has helped increase the number of black journalists in newsrooms.
“It was a surprise,” Callahan said. “I didn’t know about the nomination until I received a call from NABJ President Bob Butler informing me that I was the 2014 Journalism Educator of the Year.”
Seven years ago, Callahan served as a member on the committee to nominate former North Carolina A&T journalism professor Nagatha Tonkins for the same award. As she recalled the recommendation process for Tonkins, who received the award in 2008, Callahan was shocked to have been nominated without prior knowledge.
“I am very grateful to the Triad Association of Black Journalists for nominating me for the award,” she said. “I especially want to thank TABJ President Kerry Charles and TABJ secretary Dioni Wise for the nomination.”
Callahan began her journey at N.C. A&T in 1996 as associate professor and chair of the department of journalism and mass communications—a position she held for over four years. Prior to her appointment at A&T, Callahan worked in a similar capacity as chair at Elizabeth City State University.
For almost three decades Callahan has watched a bevy of young people transition from students to award- winning and highly-acclaimed journalism and public relations professionals.
“That’s the biggest reward,” she shared. “When you see students go on and become successful – that’s it.”
Over the years Callahan has devoted her creativity and leadership to different capacities at the university. She served as Faculty/Senate President from 2007-2012. Callahan is also the inventive force behind High School Media Day, an initiative she began in 1997 in partnership with the North Carolina Scholastic Media Association. The regional workshop is designed for local students to promote diversity in high school or middle school media programs.
In addition, she drives the university’s annual Earth Day program, an initiative that has turned her classroom into a practical learning lab as students help plan, execute and promote the popular Earth Day Fashion show and food drive.
Callahan holds a Ph.D and Masters in Communication from The Ohio State University and dual degrees in journalism and radio and television from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
“I am honored and humbled to be named NABJ's 2014 Journalism Educator of the Year,” Callahan, a long-time NABJ member said.
"Professor Callahan has been preparing the next generation of journalists for three decades," said NABJ President Bob Butler. "Her dedication is evident with the number of her former students who now portray "Aggie Pride" every day in television, radio, print and online newsrooms."
By: Courtney J. Jackson
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