3.12.2009

ATHENS, Ohio (March 12, 2009)—Drew Berry, an Emmy Award-winning producer who has worked in the broadcast industry for more than 30 years, is sharing his expertise with students in the School of Media Arts and Studies as the first Joe Berman Professor at Ohio University.

“Drew was chosen for the professorship because of his vast experience and leadership in the media industry,” said Roger Cooper, the school’s director. “Drew has a lot of experience to draw from, and he’s a very engaging individual. Students seem to open up to him, making him an ideal teacher.”

Most of Berry’s industry experience has been in the nation’s top five markets. He’s worked as executive producer at WABC-TV New York, producer at WPVI-TV (ABC) in Philadelphia and assistant news director at WFAA-TV (ABC) in Dallas. While serving as news director at WCAU-TV (CBS) Philadelphia, he won two back-to-back Emmy Awards for “Outstanding Newscasts.”  Berry also worked in markets in New Orleans, San Antonio and at CNN Atlanta during its beginnings. Berry is now the president and CEO of Drew Berry & Associates, a news talent agency.

“I’m quite honored to be named the Joe Berman professor,” he said. “From everything I have read about him, he seems to be an amazing man. I hope I can meet his expectations for someone who sits in a chair with his name on it.”

Berry’s first impression of Ohio University was formed in 2005 when he visited Athens with the Scripps Howard Foundation Board. At that time, he was blown away by the students, faculty and resources.

When he was asked to serve as the first Joe Berman professor, the timing was right, and Berry jumped at the chance. He says he is pleased with both the high caliber of students and fellow faculty and the hands-on experiences available on campus through WOUB and Athens MidDay.

“Everything I had previously thought about Ohio University was even better in terms of resources and students,” Berry said. “Students probably don’t realize this, but their professors are extremely talented. They’re all up to date on the industry and are knowledgeable. It’s refreshing to see.”

Berry commutes from his home in Bellaire, Md., each week to teach two “Leadership Development for the Media Industries” classes and one journalism seminar.

“I’m a producer at heart, so I like to produce my classes,” Berry said of his class experience, in which students role play, watch videos and do ethical case studies.

“I like working with young people before they get all their bad on-air habits,” he said. “It’s exciting to see fresh up and coming talent.”

The Joe Berman Professorship, announced in 2005, was established by donations from a number of alumni. Perry Sook, BSC ’81, was among the contributors and says he wanted to support a professorship in management and media.

“Regardless of the medium, now and in the future, turning out graduates equipped to manage in a complex environment should be an important mission of the Scripps College,” Sook said, recalling his time as one of Berman’s students in the ’70s. “Joe Berman is indicative of the best of the Scripps College.”

In addition to serving as dean of the Honors Tutorial College, Berman served as a founding director of the J. Warren McClure School of Communication Systems and Management and director of engineering, operations and production for the WOUB Center for Public Media. He retired in 2002 and was the 2005 recipient of the Scripps College’s L.J. Hortin Faculty Mentor Award.

Berry, a Texas native, grew up in Dallas. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Radio, Television and Film from the University of Texas at Austin. Berry is married and has a daughter and twin sons.