The Man Behind The Pen

David Squires has left his mark in the world of journalism

through his keen eye for editing, writing, and reporting.

(Photo Courtesy of: Twitter Account @dsquires80)

By: Megan Wiggins, Trajan Douthit, Ashley Winborn, and Khandler Kimber

Professor David Squires, adjunct Lecturer at North Carolina A&T State University,
works as a universal editor and digital specialist at the McClatchy Publishing Center at the
Charlotte Observer. The North Carolina native, returned to his home state to become assistant
managing editor leading the iPad-base sports section of SportingNews.com. Squires was also a
news and sports columnist at Tribune Company Hampton Roads Daily Press.
 (Photo Courtesy: North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University)

If that wasn’t enough, Squires has since then become a well known name across the halls
of North Carolina A&T. Students enjoy not only the passion Squires portrays in his classroom,
but the richness of his past and present experiences as well as the knowledge he has for
journalism. Although, at times, he can show a firm hand, he’s always open to helping his
students succeed.

(Photo Courtesy of: The Charlotte Observer)

 David Squires has served as an accomplished writer and editor for many publications. His
resume includes, but does not limit working for: New York Times, Newsday, St. Petersburg
Times, Fort Worth Star-Telegram and Cleveland Plain Dealer. He also notably was the original
editor-in-chief of BlackVoices.com and Black Voices Quarterly magazine. Currently, he is an
editor and digital specialist at the McClatchy Publishing Center at the Charlotte Observer.

After achieving his bachelor degree in journalism and psychology at UNC-Chapel Hill,
he went on to also get his masters degree in journalism with a concentration in management as
well. He said he wanted to get into journalism because he liked writing and wanted a leadership
role without doing much talking or giving speeches. This evolved into him doing reporting, then
into sports journalism and feature stories within high school and begin his career path into
journalism.

(Photo Courtesy of: UNC Chapel Hill)

Mr. Squires is a very impactful and intellectual person, his advice for aspiring journalist
was very influential. He said,”There are many things to look out for when in this field, I wish I
knew the things I knew now about the obstacles that would be in my path with my facts across”.
And hearing that shows that he is very in tune with his craft and is willing show when he is
wrong. That is what journalism takes, it’s going to be somes when your point will not get across
but you have to fight for what you love.

When asked about if he enjoys what journalism is now today he said,” I believe that
journalism is a career that is forever evolving and it does makes sense for it to be more
electronic”. Because taking that in consideration it makes sense, journalism could not stay in the
same form because news and media is always change. You always have to keep up or you will
be left behind. News now is on social media and you have to keep up with this generation cause
technology is not slowing down no time soon.

Clearly, Professor Squires has found his niche in the journalism industry. When asked
about his fondest moments in his career, he explains how important it is to reach one another
through telling stories. The highly respected professor spoke about taking advantage of your
opportunities and internships by going into situations with a chip on your shoulders with prior
knowledge on your craft. This only adds to one of the reasons Professor Squires is one of the
most respected Professors in the Journalism department.

In conclusion, Professor Squires is a well-known talent and a force that is very much
appreciated by his students. His unique way of teaching puts his students at ease as they prepare
themselves for the real world after college. Squires is constantly reassuring his students that if
they work hard, and put their best foot forward, that there is absolutely nothing they can’t
achieve! For more information on David Squires, ​ ​including research and a list of current and
past awards, please email bgpost@gmail.com.