Thomas Hrach

Thomas Hrach is a Professor in the Department of Journalism and Strategic Media at the University of Memphis, where he has served since 2008. He was promoted to Associate Professor in 2014 and Professor in 2023. He also acts as Graduate Coordinator (2016–present) and has held guest professorships at Johannes Gutenberg University in Mainz, Germany (2014, 2016).

• Ph.D. in Mass Communication-Journalism, Ohio University (2008)
• M.A. in News Journalism, Kent State University (1990)
• B.A. in History, University of Michigan (1985)

His research focuses on journalism history, particularly media coverage of civil rights and race relations in the 1950s–1960s. His notable work includes a 2015 article analyzing the Commercial Appeal's editorials during the 1968 Memphis Garbage Strike and a 2016 book on the Kerner Commission's impact on media coverage of Black America. Publications span Journalism History, Newspaper Research Journal, and The Tennessee Historical Quarterly.

Hrach teaches journalism history, writing, and reporting courses. He advises the University of Memphis chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists and chairs the Student Publications Board overseeing The DH.com. He has contributed to two edited volumes: The New Encyclopedia of Southern Culture and African Americans in the History of Mass Communication.

• Several awards for journalistic writing and reporting in politics, crime, and business during his tenure at The Marietta Times