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Bahn to Speak at Gambill Alumni Speaker Series

03/02/2017

JONESBORO — Veteran journalist Chris Bahn returns to Arkansas State University March 6-7 (Monday and Tuesday) as the guest speaker for the spring 2017 Dr. Joel Gambill Distinguished Speaker Series in the Department of Media. He will speak to students, faculty, staff, administrators and community members during his visit.

Bahn is currently the managing editor for special publications at Arkansas Business Publishing Group in Little Rock.

He began his reporting career as a freshman at Arkansas State under the leadership of Gambill and has spent the last two decades in media and publishing. He received his degree in news editorial journalism and a minor in political science from A-State in 1999.

After graduating from Arkansas State as the Robert L. Hoskins Professional Achievement Award winner in 1999, Bahn worked for the Jonesboro Sun and the Benton Courier before a 15-year stint at multiple publications in Northwest Arkansas covering sports and business. 

Bahn’s coverage of business and agriculture, tourism, Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and the University of Arkansas has been recognized with awards locally, regionally and nationally. He has also been a regular contributor on statewide sports radio and television.

Bahn lives in Little Rock where he serves on the board of Family Promise of Pulaski County, a nonprofit organization focused on providing shelter and other resources to homeless families.

About the Dr. Joel Gambill Distinguished Alumni Speaker Series

The endowed Dr. Joel Gambill Distinguished Alumni Speaker Series is named after the 1965 A-State graduate who wanted to bring the media world to A-State students. Gambill was the first instructor hired in journalism. He spent four decades building the department into a nationally respected and recognized powerhouse. He served as department chair for 36 years.

As a reward to his dedication to education and journalism, Gambill received numerous awards and recognition, including the Arkansas Press Association’s Outstanding Educator and the Distinguished Service Award. 

Chris Bahn
Chris Bahn