Ball
State University’s School of
Journalism and Strategic Communication inducted into its
Journalism Hall of Fame Don Yaeger—an author, journalist, executive coach, and
internationally recognized keynote speaker; and Leisa Richardson—executive
editor of the State Journal-Register in Springfield, Illinois. Ms.
Richardson is the first African
American woman inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame.
The inductions were held at an awards luncheon
on Ball State’s campus Oct. 6.
A 1984 Ball State graduate, Mr. Yaeger’s
lengthy career includes writing 35 books—11 of which were New York Times
Best Sellers—plus working as a reporter and investigative journalist in Texas
and Florida before serving as an associate editor of Sports Illustrated.
Mr. Yaeger is particularly well-known for his
book Greatness: The 16 Characteristics of True Champions. He is also
known for his work as an executive coach—guiding leaders, teams and businesses—and
as a keynote speaker.
“Professionally and personally, Don Yaeger
tirelessly devotes himself to encouraging, supporting and inspiring others,”
said Dr. Johnny
V. Sparks, director and professor at the School of
Journalism and Strategic Communication. “He is a prodigious storyteller who has
modeled and chronicled the characteristics of greatness.”
Ms. Richardson has
modeled efficient strategic leadership to maximize resources and execute
award-winning multi-platform coverage that engages and grows journalism
audiences.
Her leadership has propelled her teams to top
honors from the Associated Press, Gannett, and the Hoosier State Press
Association. She has championed diversity as a leader in National Association
of Black Journalists (NABJ), as president of the Indianapolis Association of
Black Journalists, and as president and a founding member of the
NABJ-Cincinnati chapter. She has worked as a reporter, editor, and publisher at
newspapers in Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, and at USA TODAY in Northern
Virginia.
“Writers and reporters who work with Leisa Richardson
will remember her as someone who nurtures and inspires journalists to be the
best version of themselves by asking questions and challenging the status quo,”
Dr. Sparks said. “She has demonstrated continuous pioneering leadership in
multi-platform storytelling, diversity, and inclusion in journalism.”
The
School of Journalism and Strategic Communication’s Hall of Fame was
established in 1985 and has 48 inductees.
Eight
other journalism and communications professionals were also
honored at the Oct. 6 event:
• Outstanding Journalism Alumna Award: Deana Haworth — Chief Operating Officer, Hirons (Indianapolis, IN)
• Outstanding Journalism
Alumnus Award: Stephen Beard — Graphics Journalist, USA
TODAY (Fishers, IN)
• Joseph Costa Courtroom
Photography Award: Sean Krajacic — Photojournalist, Kenosha
News (Kenosha, WI)
• National Writing Award: Esmé Deprez — Investigative Reporter,
Bloomberg News
• Young Alumna Award: Jennifer Prandato — Art Director, TODAY.com
(NBCUniversal) (Brooklyn, NY)
• Young Alumna Award: Grace Hollars — Visual Journalist, The
Indianapolis Star (Indianapolis, IN)
• Indiana Journalism Award: Hon. Marianne Vorhees — Judge, Indiana Circuit Court (Muncie, IN)
• Majeri Award for Graphic
Journalism: Chiqui Esteban — Graphics Director, The Washington Post (Rockville, MD)