If you’ve ever taken a Journalism class, there is a 50 percent chance you have had him. Professor Chuck Marsh currently teaches the Journalism 101 class, ‘Media and Society’ and Journalism 308, ‘Ethics in a Wired World’. Anyone whom has had the privilege of having him as a professor knows just how interesting Marsh can be. Not only does he teach his classes with the passion and enthusiasm every teacher should have about their field, he also shows a genuine interest in multiple other topics. I had the opportunity to interview Marsh recently.
Q: What professional experience are you most proud of?
A: I was a corporate speech writer, which I thought was really cool. An older gentleman saw that I was struggling and helped me. That always struck me because he didn’t have to help me at all, he chose to.
Q: What has been your most exciting experience in journalism?A: Teaching. That is the best job to me. I also worked as an editor for American Airlines In Flight magazine which was awesome because I got to travel everywhere.
Q: At the beginning of J101, you said that you had always wanted to teach this class. Why? A: This is going to sound like I am disqualifying myself to teach the class, but as I get older I realize that the media world is getting more and more elaborate. You are a part of the media world and I’m a spectator.
Q: How do you define good teaching? What is your teaching philosophy?A: I think with good teaching you have to be deeply passionate about the topic. You have to go into it thinking that you want to expand others minds and I also want others to teach me. That, and coffee.
Q: In a way, you are the ‘gatekeeper’ to the J-School. What do you feel are the most important things that you want students thinking about journalism to come out of J-101 knowing?A: An awareness of the power of media. I want people thinking about going into the field to know just how powerful it can be.
Q: What do you find most challenging in your job? What about most enjoyable?A: Most enjoyable would be a tie between the students and the research. The hardest thing is that there is just not enough time in the day.
Q: Anyone who has had you as a professor can sense your passion the moment they walk into your class. Would you call journalism your passion or is there something greater?A: Family is my biggest. I’m really lucky with my family Second is journalism. I also love reading and travel.
Q: How would you describe the corporate culture of journalism?A: There really is not a good answer to this. It tends to vary from business to business. At some places, it can be very intense, and others are more laid back.
Q: Would you recommend any classes or experiences that would set someone apart from the pack?A: Ethics and accounting. Most leadership positions require this now. Also, take a class that you know nothing about. It almost led me to a new major.
Q: What professional organizations would you recommend both Strategic Communications and News and Information majors look in to?A: Look into the Ad Club at KU or Public Relations Student Society of America. I think students should also find a publication that pertains to their major and read it all through college. It won’t make sense at first but once they come out of college they’ll just be brains on the subject.
Again, Professor Marsh teaches JOUR 101 and JOUR 308.