Don Carson, Former Head Of UA Journalism School, Dies At 85

TUCSON, AZ – The former head of the journalism school at the University of Arizona died on Thursday. Don Carson was 85-years-old.

Carson graduated from the journalism school in 1954 and returned 12 years later to be a member of its faculty. In between he worked for the Arizona Daily Star and the Associated Press, covering Phoenix and Washington D.C.

He was the director of the journalism school from 1978 through 1985 and retired in 1997.

"Professor Carson was a true gift in my life, as a professor, mentor and friend," said Gabrielle Fimbres, a graduate of the school and former Tucson Citizen reporter and editor.

"When you are writing stories that have the power to impact lives, there is little room for error. Don's impact as a journalist, educator and incredible mentor lives on in the work of generations of students and professionals."

Carson, who co-authored a biography of Rep. Morris Udall, helped launch the school's Editing Program for Minority Journalists and would often drive students to the California Chicano News Media Association's annual employment fair.

His efforts to help minority students led to honors from the National Conference of Editorial Writers, the California Chicano News Media Association, the National Association of Hispanic Journalists, and the Institute of Journalism Education.

"Don had a large group of ex-students and friends who loved him and whom he energized to successfully stave off elimination of the journalism program, which has thrived since then," said Frank Sotomayor who helped found the editing program with him.

Carson's wife of 61 years, Helen, died in 2016. He is survived by three children, five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Photo courtesy University of Arizona.