Gene Wojciechowski, a distinguished sports activities journalist and New York Times bestselling writer in addition to a proud alumnus of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s College of Communication and Information, will be part of the CCI college in August 2024 as a full-time professor of observe within the School of Journalism and Media.

Wojciechowski’s rent, backed by 12 printed books, quite a few high-profile awards, and greater than 40 years of trade expertise together with notable contributions to ESPN and “College GameDay,” emphasizes CCI’s dedication to getting ready college students for fulfillment in right now’s evolving media panorama.

“The appointment of Gene Wojciechowski to the School of Journalism and Media marks a significant milestone for the college as it solidifies its strength in sports communication teaching and scholarship,” mentioned Joseph Mazer, dean of the College of Communication and Information. “Gene brings to the classroom a wealth of industry experience and unwavering dedication to the industry, making him an invaluable addition to our faculty.”

A Renowned Industry Expert

Wojciechowski graduated from UT with a level in journalism in 1979. His 44-year profession contains roles as a outstanding beat reporter, nationwide reporter, function author, and columnist at publications such because the Los Angeles Times, the Dallas Morning News and the Chicago Tribune, along with ESPN. He spent 26 years at ESPN, the place he served as a senior author for ESPN The Magazine. Later he transitioned right into a broadcast function, making contributions to applications corresponding to “College GameDay,” “SportsCenter” and “SC Featured” in addition to protection of main sports activities occasions together with the Special Olympics World Games, Masters, US Open, PGA Championship and British Open. For greater than a decade, Wojciechowski served as a function reporter on “College GameDay,” producing in-depth segments on athletes throughout the nation.

Wojciechowski’s expertise and dedication to the trade have earned him quite a few awards, together with two Edward R. Murrow Awards for function reporting and 7 Emmys, together with a person Emmy for function reporting. Murrow Awards are among the many most prestigious accolades within the information trade and honor work of the very best high quality produced by radio, tv, and digital information journalists and organizations.

A 3-time New York Times bestselling writer, Wojciechowski has been honored with writing awards from esteemed organizations such because the Associated Press Sports Editors, LA Press Club, Pro Football Writers Association, Golf Writers Association of America and Football Writers Association of America. He performed an integral function on the ESPN The Magazine employees that secured the National Magazine Award for General Excellence.

From Scholarship Recipient to Educator

Wojciechowski will maintain the Edward J. Meeman Distinguished Professorship, which acknowledges his excellent contributions to trade and helps bringing nationally acknowledged trade leaders to the classroom. As a UT pupil, Wojciechowski was a recipient of the Edward J. Meeman Scholarship, highlighting his deep connection to the faculty and bringing his profession full circle.

“Without that scholarship, more than likely I was going to have to drop out of school because of financial difficulties. It is jaw-dropping to me that it has come full circle like this,” mentioned Wojciechowski. “I owe the Meeman family continual thanks from the beginning of my career to the start of a new career. It’s amazing that the Meeman name is connected to both ends of that. They’ll never know how much that meant to me.”

Edward J. Meeman established the Knoxville News in 1921. After the Scripps-Howard newspaper acquired its afternoon competitor, The Sentinel, he served because the Knoxville News-Sentinel’s first editor till he moved to Memphis in 1931 to be editor of the Press-Scimitar. In addition to his management in Tennessee journalism, Meeman was integral in establishing the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. His legacy continued when, in 1949, he established the Edward J. Meeman Foundation, devoted to supporting endeavors like Wojciechowski’s professorship.

In addition to his intensive trade expertise, Wojciechowski holds a robust ardour for pupil journalism. During his time at UT, he served as editor-in-chief of The Daily Beacon, UT’s student-run newspaper. Committed to fostering the expansion and improvement of aspiring journalists, he’ll dedicate a portion of his time working straight with college students at The Daily Beacon and The Volunteer Channel, UT’s student-run tv initiative.

“I’m beyond honored to have been asked to do this, and I’m still making sense of it all. I think it’s fantastic that UT is making a commitment to sports communication and journalism,” Wojciechowski mentioned. “Sports isn’t going anywhere, and it continues to be one of the industries that the valuations always increase. NFL franchises aren’t selling for less money, they’re selling for more. Neyland Stadium is filled to the brim because people want to watch the product. Broadcast rights continue to grow exponentially. Sports is a growth industry, so you need people to chronicle that. I think it’s a smart strategic move by UT to commit resources to covering that industry.”

In his function as a professor of observe, Wojciechowski will educate a wide range of subjects that align with the School of Journalism and Media curriculum, together with sports activities reporting, function writing, and video manufacturing. His insights and experience will enrich the classroom expertise, offering college students with invaluable real-world views and getting ready them for profitable careers.

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Media Contact:

Tyra Haag, 865-974-5460, tyra.haag@tennessee.edu

Deborah Crouse, 865-974-6727, dcrouse@utk.edu