Atwood Chair of Journalism
The Atwood Chair of Journalism was established at the University of Alaska Anchorage in 1979 by Robert B. Atwood, publisher of the Anchorage Times, and his wife, Evangeline Atwood, to help advance the quality of journalism in Alaska.
The professorship offers UAA students, faculty, media professionals and the public the opportunity to interact with and learn from journalists of national prominence.
Meet Our Current Atwood Chair Brad Hillwig
“The role of Atwood Chair is an opportunity for a seasoned career professional to provide students with a tangible profile of what a media career can look like,” said Hillwig. “That's what I hope to bring to the classroom, to give students a sense of what is possible with a career that's rooted in visual storytelling. Really, I'm just honored to be in this role and want to be a good steward of the Atwood Chair while I’m in it.”
During his tenure, Hillwig will teach two courses starting in spring 2024. The first course will explore digital storytelling and career pathways into the rising creator economy. Sparked by the ubiquity of high-end cameras and professional editing software in every smartphone, as well as the accessibility of a global audience provided by social media platforms, the creator or influencer economy is expected to grow into a half-a-trillion-dollar industry by 2027.
“Hillwig is a great choice because we teach students to be nimble,” said Paola Banchero, professor and chair of JPC. “They are part of a world in which the creation and distribution of digital content affects all sectors of the economy — from advertising and marketing to journalism and entertainment and even to unexpected industries, such as health care, travel and engineering. We want UAA students to thrive in this environment.”