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Thought Leader: Bob Steele

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Bob Steele returned to his Hoosier roots in 2008 to become the Eugene S. Pulliam Distinguished Professor of Journalism at DePauw University, his undergraduate alma mater. He also now serves as the Director of the Janet Prindle Institute for Ethics at DePauw. He teaches a seminar on journalism ethics and another seminar on leadership and responsibility to students from all majors. He also developed a course at the intersection of values, storytelling and writing modeled after the popular public radio project, This I Believe.

Bob also continues his work with the Poynter Institute as the Nelson
Poynter Scholar of Journalism Values where he joined the faculty in 1989. In addition to teaching thousands of journalists and media leaders in Poynter seminars, he's led sessions on ethics, leadership values and critical thinking for nearly 100 news organizations nationwide, including newspapers, television stations and networks, and print and broadcast companies. He frequently advises journalists and editors on real-time ethics challenges, and he has been on the receiving end of thousands of interviews by reporters writing about journalism ethics issues.

Bob's full circle journey from and then back to small-town Indiana included stops in Phu Lam, Vietnam as an army officer; Bangor, Maine, Green Bay Wisconsin and Cedar Rapids, Iowa as a television reporter and news director; Syracuse University and The University of Iowa while earning masters and doctoral degrees; as well as five years teaching at The University of Maine and the 19 years at Poynter in St. Petersburg, FL.

His journey has been enriched by his family. His wife, Carol, is his best friend, soul mate and muse. His three wonderful daughters always give him great pride and joy, and now there is a trio of fine sons-in-law. The next generation includes a terrific grandson and a spectacular granddaughter.

Whether as a student or a journalist, as a professor or a parent, Bob's life journey has been about the process and product of inquiry. He values pondering and probing as a pathway to exploration and understanding.

 

 

Bob has written the essay, The Value of Questions as part of the IVOH Voices & Values of Journalism Project - listen to and read the entire collection of essays here.

 

 

Bob's recent work and related links: