During nearly 29 years on the faculty of the William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communication, I had the privilege of teaching with many exemplary educators. Many of my colleagues committed themselves to significant research that advanced the body of knowledge in the many professions of journalism. Others rendered outstanding service to the university, the public and academia. Few, however, graced all three attributes to the degree of my colleague and friend Charles Marsh.

Chuck Marsh is an educator and scholar who has led by example, demanding no more of others than he is willing to do himself. As a teacher, he achieved a rare “Triple Crown” of recognition in 2005-06, winning the Kemper Award for Teaching Excellence, the HOPE Award and the Award for Teaching Excellence from the KU Panhellenic and Interfraternity Councils.  Professor Marsh is an active scholar who has created a national reputation for his research into the role of rhetoric in the practice of public relations.  This is research that he has blended into his classroom lectures.  He has been a prolific writer, authoring a book on Isocrates that is a touchstone of the field.  Professor Marsh and I collaborated on three widely acclaimed public relations textbooks, all of which promote the ethical application of the profession. He has received regional and national and international academic recognition his research papers and, on at least seven occasions, private and professional associations recognized Professor Marsh for his work as a public relations practitioner.  My friend and colleague received one of the university’s highest honors, the Chancellor’s Club Career Teaching Award in 2018.

On a personal note, Chuck has repeatedly demonstrated a strength of character and commitment to high moral and professional standards.  A man could not have a better friend. And my experience is not unique. It would not be hard to find a legion of his former students who feel the same way. Both inside and outside of the university, Chuck Marsh is recognized as being a good, empathic and unselfish leader.

Perhaps the greatest praise I can give my friend is that I became a better teacher, writer and person for having known him.  For this reason, I empathetically support the establishment of a scholarship in his name.