Ron Stodghill

Ron Stodghill is an Associate Professor and the Meredith Chair in Service Journalism at the Missouri School of Journalism, University of Missouri. A distinguished alumnus of the school (BS/BJ '86), he brings extensive industry experience as a former staff writer for The New York Times, bureau chief for Time, correspondent for Business Week, and editor-in-chief of Savoy magazine. He is the founder and publisher of DETOUR, a multimedia travel magazine dedicated to Black travel narratives, developed in partnership with McClatchy and the journalism school.

• Bachelor of Science in Journalism, University of Missouri (1986)
• MFA, Queens University of Charlotte

Stodghill's research and professional interests center on service journalism, magazine publishing innovation, and culturally grounded travel storytelling. His work emphasizes practical, audience-relevant content and the integration of student learning with real-world media ventures. He is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of journalists, particularly through inclusive and diverse storytelling platforms.

His major publications reflect a strong narrative nonfiction tradition, focusing on race, identity, class, and culture in America. Books like Where Everybody Looks Like Me and Redbone explore complex social dynamics through compelling personal and historical lenses. His co-authored memoir with Congressman Kweisi Mfume highlights leadership and resilience. The launch of DETOUR signals a shift toward digital, multimedia service journalism with a cultural mission, emphasizing authenticity and student collaboration.

His notable honors include:

• Nieman Fellowship at Harvard University (2001)
• Peter Taylor Fellowship at the Kenyon Review (2016)

Stodghill actively mentors students through academic courses and independent study, particularly via the DETOUR project, which offers hands-on experience in editorial production, brand development, and social media strategy. While no formal grants are listed, his endowed chair position and industry partnerships (e.g., with Meredith Corporation) suggest strong institutional and external support for his initiatives. He is known for his accessibility and commitment to student growth, often advising beyond the classroom.

He leads the DETOUR initiative, a student-involved multimedia magazine that functions as both a publishing platform and an experiential learning lab. The project brings together students, industry professionals, and media veterans to create content centered on Black travel, combining journalism, strategic communication, and digital innovation.