Park professor conferred third Fulbright fellowship award
Steve Youngblood, a renowned associate professor of communication arts at Park University and the director of the Center for Global Peace Journalism, has been selected as a 2023-24 Fulbright Scholar. This marks Youngblood's third time receiving the prestigious award, having previously taught in Moldova in 2001 and Azerbaijan in 2007.
The Fulbright Program, the U.S. government's flagship international educational exchange program, funds this exchange. Upon returning to their home countries, Fulbright Scholars share stories and become active supporters of international exchange.
In Moldova, Youngblood will focus on teaching peace journalism and countering misinformation. Moldova, geographically surrounded by Ukraine on three sides, has been bombarded by Russian misinformation and disinformation. Youngblood's work is expected to contribute significantly to promoting a more nuanced understanding of conflicts and fostering empathy in the country.
Youngblood will collaborate with two journalism organizations and a youth organization while in Moldova. His projects are expected to improve media literacy among journalists and the public, encouraging critical thinking about news consumption and the role media plays in shaping public opinion.
Community-based initiatives will foster interaction between different groups, enhancing understanding and cooperation. The primary goal is to encourage journalists to report on conflicts in a way that promotes peaceful resolution rather than escalating tensions. Training journalists to cover conflicts in a balanced and sensitive manner empowers them to contribute positively to societal debates.
Collaborating with international organizations, such as the U.S. Department of State (through the Fulbright program), will help leverage resources and expertise. Working with local media outlets, universities, and community organizations in Moldova is crucial for embedding peace journalism principles within the local media landscape.
Linking with other peace-oriented projects globally helps in sharing experiences and strategies, enhancing the effectiveness of peace journalism in Moldova. Youngblood's work in Moldova aligns with his long-standing commitment to peace journalism. He has taught peace journalism in 45 countries and territories worldwide, including conflict areas.
Steve Youngblood has been recognised for his service to global peace by the U.S. Department of State and Rotary International. In 2012, the United Nations Association of Greater Kansas City honoured him as its World Citizen of the Year. More recently, he was awarded the 2020-21 Luxembourg Peace Prize for Outstanding Peace Journalism.
Youngblood has been a member of Park University's faculty since 1997 and serves as editor of The Peace Journalist, a semi-annual Park University publication. For more information about the Fulbright Program, visit [fulbrightprogram.org](http://fulbrightprogram.org).
- Steve Youngblood's focus on teaching peace journalism and countering misinformation in Moldova, as part of his third Fulbright Scholar term, aims to foster personal growth and education-and-self-development among journalists and the public, in turn contributing to the nation's empathy and media literacy.
- Youngblood's collaboration with local organizations, international partners, and community initiatives in Moldova not only empowers journalists to report on conflicts in a balanced and sensitive manner, fostering peace, but also advances his continued commitment to global peace journalism and personal growth, aligning with his extensive experience and recognitions in this field.
