The Mass Communicator logo

A Tribute to
Robert
Wernsman


Robert Wernsman

Robert Wernsman, a journalism professor in the Texas Tech University College of Media & Communication, who retired in January, died March 15 after a long battle with cancer.

Wernsman was born on Oct. 9, 1952, the son of Robert and Lola Wernsman, of Prague, Neb. He is survived by his wife, Marijane Wernsman, who was the assistant dean for student affairs in CoMC until her retirement in March, three children, two stepchildren and 12 grandchildren.

Wernsman earned a bachelor's degree from Peru State College in Nebraska and a master's from Northern Arizona University. He spent 20 years in the newspaper business, and during that time he held editing positions at the Huntsville (Texas) Item and the Big Spring (Texas) Herald.

In 1994, Wernsman came to Lubbock to pursue a doctorate in theatre management and acting/directing. He started teaching journalism courses in what was then the School of Mass Communications, and decided to fully commit to educating aspiring journalists. While Wernsman never completed a doctorate in theatre, many of the students in his journalism classes said that every class Wernsman taught was like watching a performance.

Mary Ann Edwards, an adjunct instructor in the CoMC and owner of Word Publications in Lubbock, began teaching news writing with Wernsman in 2005. She remembered Wernsman as a master of communication.

"Robert was passionate about life and especially about conveying the basics of communications and principles to his students," Edwards said. "He was a master communicator. He was an amazing person to teach with. I am a better teacher and a better person for having known and taught with Robert Wernsman."

Cam Stone, Ph.D., an assistant professor of practice in the College of Media & Communication, said that Wernsman's passion for the truth and position on ethics in journalism were unequivocally known, and that although Wernsman was “rigorous and tough,” it was for a good reason.

"When students successfully completed one of his courses, they knew they had learned a great deal from him and felt an overwhelming sense of accomplishment due to the way he conducted his classes," Stone said.

Aleesa Ross, director of the Center for Student Success, Outreach & Engagement in CoMC, was a former student and teaching partner of Wernsman's. She remembered him as being one of the best instructors on campus.

"You could tell by the way he shared information in class that he believed in the lesson he was teaching students, and he delivered it in such a memorable way, time and time again,” Ross said. “He cared deeply about students coming away from his classes as critical thinkers and strong writers."

Jerry Hudson, founding dean of the CoMC, said that while countless students attribute their career success to Wernsman, the greatest reward in Wernsman’s eyes was the fact that he was able to aid them in their writing skills.

"He spent many hours each week grading papers, meeting with students individually, and preparing for lectures," Hudson said. "His greatest reward came when students told him they got a job because he taught them good writing skills."

Natalie Wilson Ilseng (BA Public Relations, 2010), a senior account executive for Edelman, a Dallas-based international public relations firm, said Wernsman was one of the professors at Texas Tech who truly made a difference both during her collegiate years and in her professional life.

"I took News Writing during the summer, where he was as intimidating as he was encouraging,” said Ilseng. “He pushed students to be their absolute best in everything he did and embodied all a professor should. Everyone in my office comes to me for AP Style advice, and I know I have his curriculum to thank!”

Emily Jones McCoy (BA Broadcast Journalism, 1998), the Texas Rangers' dugout reporter, living in Fort Worth, said there was no greater or more positive influence during her time at Texas Tech than Wernsman.

"His desire to teach and unrelenting ability to get the most out of his students are qualities I always admired and have tried to emulate in my own career," McCoy said. "I am forever grateful for his impact on my life."

Nate Winslow (BA Journalism, 2005), former assistant program director at KJKK-FM 100.3 in Dallas, said that while Wernsman was very tough, and a bit scary, he credits Wernsman for pushing him to be a better student.

“I'll admit, at the time I took his class, I was not the best student," Winslow said. "With him being an exceptional educator, that was a volatile mix. However, he is one of the main reasons I am proud to say I am a Texas Tech graduate."

Winslow added that Wernsman's impact far exceeds the few hours a week he spent in his classroom, and that he thinks he can speak for the majority of his students, when he says, “We will never look at the AP Stylebook the same way again."

Megan Clark Dillingham (BA Journalism, 1997), former University Daily editor who now works as the communications and advancement manager at The Parish School in Houston, called Wernsman a champion of student journalism.

"The difference he made in students' lives leaves a significant tradition of excellence in the industry and beyond," she said.

James Doughty (BA Broadcast Journalism, 1997), who worked in TV news in Texas for 17 years and now writes a newsletter and runs a press office for a city councilman in San Antonio, said he uses Wernsman’s tips every day.

“Mr. Wernsman was more than a top-notch instructor. He taught his students about life and how to survive a career in journalism,” Doughty said. “Mr. Wernsman was a true inspiration and I will treasure his many personal stories about his life as a newspaper journalist. I am thankful he kept in touch with me over the years, and I was honored when he invited me to speak to his students several years ago.”

David Perlmutter, Ph.D. and dean of the CoMC, said Wernsman was an institution within the college and Texas Tech.

"I have met hundreds of alumni who spontaneously told me they are better writers and thinkers because of taking a class with Professor Wernsman," Perlmutter said.

(Rachel Blevins is a sophomore journalism major from Mineral Wells, Texas.)