Retired Commercial Appeal editor and University of Memphisalumnus Angus McEachran has returned to his alma mater as thejournalism department's distinguished professional.
"I have a real warm spot for The University of Memphis,"McEachran said. "I think this is an opportunity for me to talkabout the practical side of journalism."
McEachran returned to The University after 43 years of "realworld" experience working for and managing major dailynewspapers.
In addition to serving in an advisory capacity to journalismdepartment faculty, McEachran will guest lecture in severaljournalism and communication courses.
"A lot of journalism departments don't have real access to aperson who has managed papers that have three Pulitzer Prizes,"said journalism department chair Jim Redmond. "He's a realasset."
McEachran began his career as a clerk for the Commercial Appealin the early 1960s. During his career McEachran was named editor ofthe Birmingham Post-Herald, Pittsburgh Press and Commercial Appeal.Under his leadership, reporters at the Post-Herald and TheCommercial Appeal won Pulitzer Prizes.
Journalism department associate professor Elinor Grusin said sheexpects McEachran to bring the same level of excellence to thedepartment.
"I think he'll bring the real world of traditional journalisticvalues to the department," Grusin said. "He has first handknowledge of what journalism is supposed to be -- a check ongovernment."
McEachran, known for his gruff exterior, said students canexpect him to be equal parts engaging, encouraging and brutallyhonest.
"I hope to get students some practical experience," he said. "Iwould love to steer the best and brightest to The CommercialAppeal, but if I think someone is pursuing the wrong career, I'lllet them know that, too."
McEachran's dogged nature and passion for journalism are whatcaused the journalism department to offer him the position asdistinguished professional for the 2003-2004 academic year.
"He's passionate about journalism and he's straight forward,"Redmond said. "He's also fun... When he walks in he's fun, he'scolorful, passionate and strong willed."
McEachran's old-school journalistic instinct is exactly what thedepartment needs, Redmond said.
"Too many journalism students have role models that aremarketing oriented, infotainment people," Redmond said. "Basically,we want him to be around to tell stories to students about themanagerial side of journalism as well as what's expected of areporter. We want him to show students that journalism is aboutinforming the public of what they need to know about and not theinfotainment that distracts."
