Center for Ethics in Journalism Names Director

Matt Reynolds

Raymond McCaffrey

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - Raymond McCaffrey, assistant professor of journalism in the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences, has been named director of the Center for Ethics in Journalism in the Walter J. Lemke Department of Journalism. McCaffrey came to the University of Arkansas in 2014 to serve as the center's interim director.

"I am excited about the opportunity to continue the center's mission of promoting the study of journalism ethics on a local, state and national basis," said McCaffrey. "I hope to advance an outreach effort that has been focused on educators, media professionals, the greater public and, most importantly, students."

McCaffrey worked for more than 25 years as a journalist, including eight years as a staff writer and editor at The Washington Post. He has taught an array of courses, including news reporting and writing, journalism ethics and journalism history.  

"Dr. McCaffrey's work as a reporter and instructor make him a valuable asset to the department and our students," said Larry Foley, department chair. "We are thrilled to see him continue his work with us."

McCaffery has received awards and recognition from many national and state organizations for his writing, including the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication, the Washington, D.C. Society of Professional Journalists, the Colorado Press Association and the Colorado Associated Press. Since joining Fulbright College, McCaffrey has served on the department's Diversity and Inclusivity Committee.

McCaffrey holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Fairfield University, a Master of Arts in clinical psychology from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs and a doctorate in journalism studies from the University of Maryland.

Bobbie Foster will join McCaffrey as the center's assistant director and instructor of journalism. She founded WarpZone Network, a podcasting website. Foster earned a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in journalism from the University of Arkansas. Her thesis focused on memes on Facebook during the 2012 election.

About the Department: The Walter J. Lemke Department of Journalism offers specialized sequences in news/editorial, advertising/public relations and broadcast. Students are trained in writing news, analyzing media, planning campaigns, producing television programs and basic photojournalism publishing. The department offers special interdisciplinary options, various student media organizations, award-winning faculty and a Center for Ethics in Journalism.