A Devotion to Students & Journalism

Senior Lecturer, Dr. Brad Owens’ career in journalism has taken him from Bryan, Texas, as city editor at the Bryan-College Station Eagle to working with media professionals in Iraq, the Arabian Peninsula, Russia, and Central Asia as a writer and consultant. Now, after 25 years teaching in the Journalism, Public Relations and New Media department, he is retiring.

Through the years Owens has taught a combination of journalism courses including: Reporting & Writing, Advanced Reporting & Writing, Editing, Law & Ethics, Public Affairs Reporting, Global Community, International Community and other courses for nonmajor students.

Owens said he utilized his field experience prior to teaching in structuring his courses at Baylor using the “Socratic Method.” This method uses a form of dialogue by asking students intensive questions to produce engaging discussions.

“I took pride in drawing people in and teaching journalism to nonmajors,” Owens said. “It was all about translating a world to those outside of it, and with so many varying backgrounds present in the classroom, we would get into a hell of a discussion.”

Dr. Brad Owens recounts his time in the department and details his plans for retirement. By Anna

Lea Otness

These discussions, Owens explained, serve the journalism community by demonstrating the courage and stubbornness of the student media. Both of which Owens notes are a good thing.

“It’s student journalism, but it’s the best journalism we have at Baylor, and quite frankly, the Lariat has become the best student paper in the state. Our students are hungry for aggressive, true and neutral journalism, and Baylor Alumni should appreciate that’s what they are producing.”

He explained that while the department is in a season of transition, the basic journalism values the students hold will aid in the transition and will serve as a grounding piece while new leadership finds their way.

“These students are impeccable and brave,” Owens said. “They take the heat and do unpopular things when needed. Having relationships with these students after they finish my classes is the best part of the job. Those relationships won’t leave when I retire, they will continue to endure.”

With those relationships in hand, Owens looks toward retirement eager to spend time developing his land with his wife and continuing to play in his church’s band.

“I’m looking forward to building our land and expanding the ranch—I’ll have my hands full for the next 20 years or so,” Owens said. “While the pace of ranch work is the opposite of journalism, both of them require a moral compass and it’s a place I’m ready to build up with my family.”