Ken Paulson

Ken Paulson serves as Director of the Free Speech Center and Professor in the Recording Industry Department at Middle Tennessee State University, holding the additional title of Dean Emeritus of the College of Media and Entertainment. Previously editor-in-chief of USA TODAY, he remains an active columnist for the publication focusing on media and First Amendment issues.

His academic credentials include:

• JD from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (1978)
• BJ from University of Missouri (1975)

Paulson's scholarly work centers on constitutional protections for expression, examining censorship mechanisms, journalistic integrity frameworks, and digital era media literacy challenges. His unique interdisciplinary approach connects legal theory with music industry practices, particularly through historical analysis of popular music's relationship with free speech movements. This synthesis reflects the Recording Industry Department's mission at the intersection of creative arts and policy.

His distinguished recognition includes the Missouri Honor Medal for Distinguished Service in Journalism (2012), Society of Professional Journalists' highest honor as Fellow (2007), and the Robert S. Abbott Memorial Award (2008). Additional honors comprise the API Lifetime Service Award, Illini Publishing Hall of Fame induction, and Emmy recognition for his nationally broadcast 'Speaking Freely' television series.

Paulson maintains significant industry engagement through the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Board and previously chaired the PBS Editorial Standards Review Committee. His creative output includes 'Freedom Sings'—a touring multimedia stage production celebrating First Amendment principles—and co-authorship of journalistic works 'Profiles in Power' and 'Truly One Nation' during his tenure with USA TODAY's national reporting teams.