���ϲ�����

Kelly Furnas, a dedicated champion of scholastic journalism and a multifaceted educator, was by the Journalism Education Association (JEA). This accolade, JEA’s highest, acknowledges Furnas’ lasting impact on journalism education through his visionary leadership and dedication to empowering students and teachers.

A senior lecturer in journalism at ���ϲ�����, Furnas has made a name for himself as an innovative and devoted instructor. His commitment to fostering journalistic integrity and skill is evident in his roles, including his service as a board member for the Student Press Law Center and his position as a faculty mentor for ���ϲ����� News Network, ���ϲ�����’s student-run news organization.

Additionally, Furnas’ tenure as JEA’s executive director from 2010 to 2016 marked a period of significant growth and innovation for the organization. Sarah Nichols, director of student media at Whitney High School and a former JEA president, saw Furnas’ commitment firsthand.

“As executive director, Kelly was a visionary, but he was also a patient leader and supportive teammate,” Nichols said in an August award announcement. “Everyone loved working with and for Kelly. He made each of us better, and because of his investment in us, the association thrived.”

One of Furnas’ most significant contributions is the JEA Curriculum Initiative, a comprehensive set of journalism lesson plans and resources developed with former JEA President Mark Newton. This curriculum, designed and implemented by a team of volunteers, has equipped teachers with the tools to educate and inspire the next generation of journalists, with a lasting impact on thousands of students nationwide.

Nichols notes that this initiative “has kept some teachers in the classroom and has helped others get better.”

Even after his official role as JEA executive director concluded, Furnas continued his involvement in JEA’s initiatives. Today, he serves as the organization’s global initiatives director and nominations chair, and he’s played a crucial role in launching the Scholastic Journalism Credentialing Program. This program will provide students, particularly those overseas, with the opportunity to earn journalism credentials, further extending the reach and accessibility of journalism education.

Since his arrival on ���ϲ�����’s campus in fall 2016, Furnas has embedded himself in the School of Communications, benefiting students and faculty alike, explains Anthony Hatcher, professor and chair of ���ϲ�����’s Department of Journalism.

“I would say he’s as clever and as smart as any educator in any field I’ve come across,” Hatcher said. “When you get his perspective, it’s worth something. He’s wonderful to work with. It’s a lot of praise, but I’d say he’s worth it. He’s a good teacher. He’s a good friend. He’s a good mentor. I could say he’s a star on the faculty, but that’s selling him short.”