Leonard Teel

Leonard Teel is Professor of Communication at Georgia State University and founding director of the GSU Center for International Media Education (CIME), with a dual career spanning academia and professional journalism. His work bridges historical research with global media practice.

Education

• Ph.D., Georgia State University, 1984

Research Interests

Teel specializes in U.S. and international media history, examining pivotal moments like the Cuban Revolution's impact on American journalists and Southern journalistic conscience through figures like Ralph McGill. His scholarship reveals how historical media narratives shape contemporary global communication frameworks, with particular focus on Cold War-era international press dynamics and ethical journalism traditions.

Scientific Awards

• Journalism Historians Association’s Excellence in Research Award (4 times)
• Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication best researched book award for "Ralph Emerson McGill: Voice of a Southern Conscience"
• Emmy Award for CNN news coverage of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing

Grants and Professional Leadership

Secured over $1 million in external funding for journalism training initiatives across the Middle East, North Africa, and China. As founding president of the Arab-US Association of Communication Educators, he established faculty exchange programs and created the Economic Information Network – a global reporter consortium. Hosted 70+ World Media Forums connecting international journalists with students.

Professional Background

Former reporter, columnist, and editor at Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Washington Evening Star, Miami Herald, and other major publications. Continues active journalism through Atlanta Journal-Constitution and CNN.