Gary L. Watson Endowment for Leadership in Journalism Management

This fund was established in 2005 by Gary L. Watson to support graduate students seeking to study the aspects of management in journalism. Gary was born in Chicago and attended Northern Illinois University for his bachelor’s degree in journalism. After receiving his bachelor’s degree, Gary moved to the University of Florida to receive a master’s degree in journalism and communications in 1970.

Gary began his newspaper career at the Rockford Register Star in Illinois, where he would be a reporter, political editor and city editor. He later returned in 1981 to become the president and publisher of the Register Star. He started working for the Gannett Co. in the late 80’s and became president of the newspaper division in 1990. He retired from the position in 2005. Gary served on the board of directors of the American Press Institute AMCORE Bank, N.A., the World Association of Newspapers and the Newspaper Association of America.

Gary and his wife, Sue E. Watson, have two sons.