The Chair of Excellence position in the Journalism Department iscurrently vacant. Rick Bragg, former New York Times writer andrecipient of a 1996 Pulitzer Prize, may soon occupy this positionor at least move into the empty office.
According to Journalism Department chair Dr. Jim Redmond, Braggis, "One of the best journalistic writers in current times."
In 2003, Bragg spoke at the Freedom of Information Congress atThe University of Memphis. After his speech Redmond asked Bragg ifhe would be interested in becoming more involved with theJournalism Department.
After completing several New York Times bestsellers including "IAm a Soldier, Too: The Jessica Lynch Story," Bragg relocated toMemphis in hopes of teaching U of M students the writing craft.
"I love to talk about writing and the craft of writing," Braggsaid. "It would be a pleasure to teach students about how a storycomes together. Thankfully, Dr. Redmond was gracious in expressingthe same interests and this would also be a fun experience forme."
Bragg has also been active in working with young writers at theTeen Appeal. According to Redmond, he has a real sense ofconnectivity with students.
In addition to lessons such as mechanics and writing style,Bragg can give deeper insight into the profession of journalism andreal world work environments.
Although it is not certain yet if and when Bragg will occupy theChair of Excellence position, Redmond expressed his desires forBragg at The U of M. "I want to have him around as much as I can,"Redmond said. "How many times do you get a Pulitzer Prize winnerwalking in the halls?" Redmond said.
Bragg too has high hopes for working at The U of M. He said aposition here would provide him with a structure that he hasn\'d5tnecessarily had throughout his years as an author.
Bragg said he is also looking forward to being surrounded bystudents.
"It sounds clich '80," Bragg said, "But being around studentsmakes you feel young again."
Redmond hopes Bragg will work with students in differentwriting- intensive classes like feature writing, advanced newspractices and reporting.
"Bragg's presence will be a tremendous resource based on hisexperience," Redmond said.
Some believe writing is a talent that only some possess. Othersbelieve it is a process that can be learned over time. Braggbelongs to the latter group of believers.
"I'm not one of those people that believes writing is a gift. Ibelieve it can be learned. Anybody can tell a story," Braggsaid.
Redmond's feelings on this debate are similar. "The technique ofwriting can be learned, but a talent for writing can be developedover time and eventually blossom into something great," he said."When proper technique and extreme talent meet at that juncture,that is where Bragg sits."
