FAqs

How long have you been a professor?

It's complicated! I started teaching in 2004, when I was a reporter for The Associated Press living in Athens where my husband, Andy, was sports editor of The Athens Banner-Herald. I commuted to the Atlanta AP office on the weekends to be day supervisor/editor and worked from home during weekdays, generally, unless breaking news pulled me to another city. I was invited to teach a class or two a semester so that student could learn from someone practicing journalism day in, day out.

My colleagues included former professors and mentors Conrad Fink and Barry Hollander, as well as faculty who had joined the department since I was a undegraduate student and provided a constant source of support and ideas.

I taught part-time for 15 years, and in the meantime, I left the AP, started Fast Copy News Service, a freelance writing agency, and earned my MFA in narrative nonfiction. A full-time lecturer position came upon in 2019, and I applied, went through the interviewing process and got the job. I started in fall 2019 and have loved this next step in my professional career.

Here's a photo gallery of me with my faculty colleagues and friends over the years.

Lori Johnston CV.pdf

What did your Career Path Look like?

I often get asked this question by students who are curious about how I went from being a journalist to a professor. My full resume provides an expanded view of my experience as a professor and journalist.

When and where are your office hours?


The Cox Institute's suite on the first floor if the Journalism Building is home to office and the JLab, a casual, welcome workspace for students and professors to gather and collaborate. Depending on the need, I meet with students in the JLab and in my office. I also use the JLab to meet with students who participate in the Journalism Writing Lab.


I want students to feel comfortable asking for help. Students can drop to guidance on interviewing, writing, reporting, style, grammar and other skills you want to develop. I’m also happy to chat about internships and careers.


When: 3-4 p.m. Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-noon Thursdays, or by appointment. You are welcome to drop in at any time during my scheduled hours, but if you want to make sure I don't have another student in the office then or need to make an appointment for another day or time, please fill out the form below.

Where: Cox Institute Suite, Room 136, Journalism Building, First Floor