Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame Names UCO Professor Mark Hanebutt Distinguished Inductee
Liberal Arts News and Events
February 22, 2024
Mark Hanebutt, J.D., professor of journalism at the University of Central Oklahoma, has been recognized as a distinguished inductee to the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame.
Located at UCO, the hall of fame honors the men and women who’ve made outstanding contributions to journalism in Oklahoma, the United States and worldwide.
New members include 10 longtime journalists, a First Amendment attorney and a Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient. The inductees were selected from more than 90 nominees in a competitive selection process, showcasing their outstanding contributions to the field of journalism.
“The seven men and five women being honored this year represent the best in journalism from a number of different areas and in their service to journalism,” said Joe Hight, director of the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame.
This accolade recognizes Hanebutt’s remarkable career and underscores his profound impact on UCO students.
“For more than 35 years, Dr. Hanebutt has been teaching and mentoring journalism students at UCO,” said Mary Carver, Ph.D., chair of the Department of Mass Communication at UCO.
“His past and current students praise him for his passion and dedication to their development as better journalists, citizens and human beings. Dr. Hanebutt’s influence in preparing professionals can be seen throughout Oklahoma and the entire United States.”
Hanebutt worked as a journalist for the Evansville Courier and The Orlando Sentinel for eight years, where he covered significant events such as the Ted Bundy murder trial and the quest to find Amelia Earhart’s airplane, before joining UCO in 1987. Hanebutt has also authored influential journalism and media law textbooks widely used in universities across the nation.
Hanebutt’s commitment to journalism has been noted through past awards including fellowships from the American Press Institute and the Gannett Foundation, and in 2023, he received the Teacher of the Year Award from the Oklahoma Professional Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists.
The induction ceremony is scheduled for 11:30 a.m., Thursday, May 2, 2024in the UCO Nigh University Center Grand Ballroom.
The Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame was established in 1971. All esteemed members are prominently featured on the Hall of Fame website and plaques commemorating past honorees are displayed on the third floor of UCO’s Nigh University Center.
For more information on the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame visit okjournalismhalloffame.com.
For more information about UCO, visit uco.edu.