Kathy Kiely

Kathy Kiely is the Lee Hills Chair in Free-Press Studies at the Missouri School of Journalism, University of Missouri, where she focuses on free expression, transparency, and the future of fact-based journalism. She has held faculty positions at Princeton University, American University, George Washington University, and the University of New Hampshire. As a veteran political reporter and editor, she brings real-world experience to her academic role, advocating for press freedom globally.

Her educational background includes a bachelor’s degree from Princeton University, a master’s degree from American University, and a Knight Fellowship at Stanford University.

Kiely's research and professional interests are centered on journalism as a public service, media literacy, and democratic accountability. She emphasizes the importance of free expression in sustaining democracy and works to increase public understanding of the value of a free press. Her interdisciplinary approach connects journalism with civic engagement, government transparency, and digital innovation.

While no peer-reviewed academic articles are listed in the provided texts, her professional contributions are extensive and impactful, including organizing international press freedom fellowships, leading media literacy programs, and training journalists globally. Her work spans the U.S. and regions such as Niger, Afghanistan, and the Philippines, focusing on combating disinformation and supporting endangered journalists.

• 2024 Mel Carnahan Public Service Award

Kiely mentors students and emerging journalists, including Lukas Parrish, a former student who received the Mel Carnahan Public Service Scholarship. Through the Lee Hills Chair, she has funded fellowships and grants that support persecuted journalists, such as Afghan journalist Zabihullah Ghazi and Pakistani reporter Ahmad Noorani. She has also collaborated on international training initiatives, including a 2022 program in Niger with colleagues from the Missouri School of Journalism.

Kiely leads and participates in significant initiatives such as the Olive Lundgren Lecture on Press Freedom and the Friends of the Facts conference. She also supports KBIA-FM's 'Views of the News' program and has helped launch podcasts like 'Canned Peaches' through grant funding. Her work exemplifies the Missouri Method—hands-on, real-world journalism education and public service.