With the lectern as his pulpit and the students as his congregation, Dr. David Arant preaches the virtues of ethics in his journalism classes.
If old habits die hard, that's because Arant, associate professor of journalism at The University of Memphis, was a United Methodist minister for seven years in South Carolina.
Arant said originally he planned to put his bachelor's degree in psychology to use by getting his Ph.D. in clinical psychology.
However, he said, those plans changed after an internship at a mental hospital where he worked in a ward for severely disturbed patients.
"I decided it wasn't for me," Arant said.
Instead, Arant decided to go into the ministry. He entered The Candler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta, where he earned his master's of divinity.
Arant served as minister for three different churches throughout South Carolina. It was during this time, he said, his interest in journalism began to shape him for another career.
Arant was asked to be the associate editor of The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate. Arant was also the church communications officer where he wrote press releases and was a liaison to the media.
Arant said he decided to leave the ministry and pursue journalism full time.
"I found pastoral ministry to be intense," Arant said of his decision be leave the ministry. "Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week."
Arant received his master's in journalism from The University of South Carolina in Columbia and his doctorate in mass communication research from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He also worked as a general assignment reporter at The Daily Times in South Carolina.
Arant came to The U of M in 1992 and now teaches both undergraduate and graduate students.
He said he likes to get students excited about the field of journalism. He said he also tries to impart upon students the importance of doing journalism well and doing it with integrity.
Helen Hawkins, who is getting her master's in journalism, said Arant was helpful when she transferred from another university to The U of M.
"He was very informative and showed me around," Hawkins said.
Annette McDevitt, a graduate student in journalism, said Arant has really helped her in the past with classes and always made himself available.
"He's the best person in the world in a crisis situation," McDevitt said. "He goes the extra mile for students."
Hawkins said if Arant doesn't have an answer to a questions, he finds it and gets right back to people.
McDevitt said Arant is thorough and has a good grasp on the subjects he teaches. She also said he is current and open-minded.
"He certainly prepared us for comps (comprehensive examinations)," she said.
Arant said he is equally enthusiastic about students.
"As a teacher, you enjoy your students' successes."
