MUNCIE, Ind. - When Jane Pauley steps down from her position as anchor of 'Dateline NBC' in June, she'll be remembered as one of the first truly respected female journalists, says a Ball State University professor.

During her 27-year tenure at the network, Pauley established a pioneering news presence, says David Smith, a retired telecommunications professor at Ball State.

Smith was the program manager at WISH-TV in Indianapolis when Pauley entered the station looking for a job shortly after graduating from college.

"Next to Barbara Walters she has no peer. By keeping her poise and dignity intact, she has the ability to ask hard questions. She will be remembered for the example she set, quietly and efficiently advancing the image of women in the electronic media."

After a short stint in Indianapolis, Pauley moved to Chicago. She was plucked from a newscast in 1976 to be co-host of "Today" with Tom Brokaw. Bryant Gumbel replaced Brokaw in 1982 and, with Pauley, formed a team that led "Today" past ABC's "Good Morning America" to ratings dominance.

When NBC executives, seeking a fresher face, replaced Pauley with Deborah Norville in 1989, they badly underestimated Pauley's popularity and the move backfired, Smith said.

"She handled the ticklish replacement brouhaha at the 'Today' show deftly and left in the good graces of everyone. She simply decided she wanted to spend more time with her family and a (television news) weekly series was much easier than a daily grind. She managed her family and her career with equal aplomb."

For more information on Pauley's influence on television journalism, contact Smith at dsmith7855@comcast.net or (317) 842-1975.