New Chair Established in Writing Education at Poynter School

Students honing their writing skills at the Poynter Institute's new initiative.

News Summary

St. Petersburg’s Poynter Institute has announced the creation of the Roy Peter Clark Chair in Writing and Editing to enhance writing education. An endowment campaign aims to raise $500,000 to fund the position, supporting journalism education amidst digital challenges. The chair honors Roy Peter Clark’s contributions to writing education, which spanned decades and aimed to prepare future journalists for today’s media landscape. This initiative, along with Poynter’s long-standing commitment to quality journalism, reinforces the importance of writing and reporting in the evolving world of media.

St. Petersburg has unveiled a new academic initiative honoring esteemed writing educator Roy Peter Clark with the establishment of the Roy Peter Clark Chair in Writing and Editing at the Poynter Institute. This chair aims to bolster writing and editing education, highlighting the institute’s longstanding commitment to journalism and the written word.

The Poynter Institute has launched an endowment campaign to secure funding for this academic chair, with a target goal of $500,000. This endowment will facilitate the hiring of a qualified teacher who will oversee the newly created position, emphasizing leadership, ethics, and entrepreneurial skills in journalism education.

This initiative follows a challenging period for journalism, which has faced significant upheaval due to digital transformation and increasing attacks on the press. As a response, Poynter is focused on enhancing the quality of writing and reporting, fostering the next generation of journalists equipped to navigate the evolving media landscape.

Roy Peter Clark served as a prominent writing educator at the Poynter Institute from 1977 until his retirement in 2016. His influence in the field of writing and editing is substantial, as he has been associated with various educational programs and initiatives, including a literary prize and a writing contest. The Roy Peter Clark Chair aims to build on this legacy, impacting journalism and literary education at multiple levels, including high school and college students.

Typically known for its rigorous writing programs, the Poynter Institute has provided valuable educational resources to journalists for decades. For more than thirty years, the institute has operated summer writing camps specifically designed for young aspiring writers, helping to cultivate the skills necessary for effective communication in today’s world.

Clark’s humorous suggestion about alternative forms of recognition—specifically, being honored with a plaque in a restroom stall instead of the newly established chair—highlights his modesty and dedication. Nevertheless, the initiative gathered momentum, with Clark and his wife contributing a $1,000 donation towards the endowment at its inception.

As the Poynter Institute moves forward with this initiative, the focus remains on nurturing quality journalism and fostering a new generation of writers. The establishment of the Roy Peter Clark Chair in Writing and Editing marks a significant step toward revitalizing writing education at various levels in light of the challenges that the journalism profession faces today.

This move not only honors Clark’s contributions but also signifies Poynter’s commitment to upholding the highest standards in writing and reporting as it prepares to adapt to and thrive in a changing digital landscape.