FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Award winning photojournalist David Handschuh has been selected as the 2015 visiting distinguished professor of ethics in journalism for the Walter J. Lemke Department of Journalism at the University of Arkansas.
Handschuh has 30 years of experience in the field, and spent much of that time as a photojournalist for the New York Daily News. He has won awards from the Pictures of the Year Competition and the New York Press Club, among others. He gained much acclaim for his work at ground zero on 9/11.
“We are excited to have David here with us this semester,” said Larry Foley, chair of the Lemke Journalism Department.
“He brings a wealth of experience and creativity as an acclaimed photojournalist,” Foley said.
“His expertise and unique commentary as a visual journalist will offer a different perspective on the ethical decisions photojournalists must make,” Foley said. “Often with little time to talk or think about the consequences.”
Handschuh was president of the National Press Photographers Association and the co-author of the National Media Guide for Emergency and Disaster Incidents. He was awarded a DART fellowship to study trauma in journalism, and is a former Poynter Institute of Media Ethics fellow.
“News delivery has become more dependent on visuals,” said Patsy Watkins, associate professor of journalism and Center for Ethics in Journalism committee member.
That fact and the growing role played by social media in the news puts photo ethics right up front for journalists, Watkins said.
“The time was right for the center to host a photojournalist of David’s stature and experience,” Watkins said of the decision to bring Handschuh to the UofA.
Handschuh is the third journalist selected to be the visiting distinguished professor for the Center of Ethics in Journalism. His first appearance will be Sept. 8 in the Arkansas Union, room 507 at 9.30 a.m. to talk with students about his experiences photographing ground zero.
Later in the semester, he will make appearances in university classes to work directly with students, as well as deliver public lectures and direct seminars for journalists working in Northwest Arkansas and the surrounding areas.
Handschuh’s portfolio can be found on his website, davidhandschuh.com. More information about upcoming events featuring Handschuh can be found on the Center for Ethics in Journalism website located at journalism.uark.edu.