Sources: Kimetris Baltrip, 785-532-3596, kbaltrip@k-state.edu;
and Angela Powers, 785-532-3963, apowers@k-state.edu
Photo available. Contact media@k-state.edu or 785-532-2535.
News release prepared by: Emily Vietti, 785-532-2535, evietti@k-state.edu

Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2010

BALTRIP RECEIVES BUSINESS JOURNALISM FELLOWSHIP

MANHATTAN -- Kimetris Baltrip, assistant professor of journalism and mass communications at Kansas State University, has been named a Business Journalism Professors Seminar Fellow by the Donald W. Reynolds National Center for Business Journalism.

Baltrip was one of 15 professors chosen for the fellowship. She will attend the Business Journalism Professors Seminar, Jan. 4-7, in Phoenix, Ariz.

"Dr. Baltrip stood out for her extensive journalism experience at The New York Times, her solid academic and teaching credentials, and her enthusiasm for business journalism," said Linda Austin, executive director of the Reynolds Center.

"When I found out, I was ecstatic," Baltrip said. "If I can transfer my passion for the importance of business journalism, along with the expertise from my training, I hope I can influence students' interest in that direction."

Baltrip, who worked as copy editor on the business and metro desks at The New York Times, has discussed creating a crossover business journalism course with Anand Desai, associate dean and director of undergraduate programs for the College of Business Administration. She wants to use training she gains at the seminar to create course curriculum.

"Dr. Baltrip is filling a need in a particularly important area that impacts all aspects of people's lives. So much of what media cover involves business reporting," said Angela Powers, director of K-State's A.Q. Miller School of Journalism and Communications. "Dr. Baltrip is an innovative teacher, always identifying ways we can benefit our students. We are looking forward to her participation in the fellowship."

"Too few journalism schools put an emphasis on business journalism," Baltrip said. "Perhaps they don't all understand the importance of it, but business is something journalists are going to have to report on more and more."

Baltrip said she's most looking forward to attending sessions on conducting business investigations, reading financial statements and analyzing data.