Dr. Jerry Goodwin has taught TCC Connection Honors class among other courses at Tulsa Community College for 16 years. Under his leadership, TCC Connection students have won multiple awards in journalism, and some of the former students are currently working for prestigious mass media and communications outlets. Goodwin received his doctorate degree in 2022. The TCC Connection would like to highlight Goodwin’s career and achievements in this profile.
How and when did you begin your journalistic career?
I began my full-time journalism career in 1987. I worked with my family’s newspaper, The Oklahoma Eagle, during my high school and college years in a part-time role. I worked full-time up to my last position as chief operating officer with the newspaper from 1987-2000. I am currently a member of the board of directors and a contributing writer to the newspaper.
When did you start working at TCC? What is your current title at TCC?
I started teaching at TCC in 2000 as an adjunct professor. I became an assistant professor in mass communication and digital media, and faculty advisor to the TCC Connection in 2007.
Which classes do you teach at TCC?
I teach a broad range of courses in journalism, digital media, communications, and business.
What kind of doctorate degree did you earn, and where did you recently complete it?
I received my doctorate in law and policy from Northeastern University-Boston in July 2022.
What are your other college degrees?
I currently have a master’s degree in business (MBA) from the University of Phoenix and my undergraduate degree in political science from Xavier University (Ohio).
We know you are a member of NABJ (National Association of Black Journalists.) Please, describe your role in the organization and what kind of goals the organization has.
Regarding the National Association of Black Journalists – Tulsa chapter, I am a founding member and currently serve as its treasurer. Additionally, I am a board member of the Oklahoma Society of Professional Journalists Pro Chapter. I am a member of the Public Relations Society of America and its Counselor Academy and am a current member and a former board member of the Tulsa Press Club. Each of the organizations is committed to promoting the journalism profession and developing the next generation of journalists and storytellers.
What kind of memberships in other organizations do you have? What are the organizations’ purposes and activities, and what are your roles in the organizations?
I presently serve as a board member and advisor to the communications and policy committees of the City of Tulsa/Rogers County Port of Catoosa, the nation’s most inland waterway system. As a mayoral appointee, I am the longest serving member at 27 years, serving the second longest term as chair for four terms. I am also a board member for Circle Cinema, whose mission, according to its website, is to use film to foster understanding and appreciation of the diversity of the human experience and create community among its supporters. Lastly, I am a second vice president for the Christian Ministers
Alliance, which is a faith-based organization with representatives from local churches.
Did members of your family pursue higher education and stay active in different organizations?
Education has been very important in my family. I am a third-generation college graduate. Yes, I am as active in the community because of the example that primarily my father and mother set for me. At a very young age, my brothers, sisters, and I were involved in local organizations, where we served in officer positions. One of my greatest accomplishments in leadership in my early years in college was when I served as student body president in my senior year after initially becoming involved with student government as a freshman.
