Department of Communications

Mr. Lee Williams
Instructor

Markham Hall
Room 216

918-343-7852
lwilliams@rsu.edu
Course Web Page

Education

M.A., Communications
University of Illinois

Poynter Institute News Management Seminars
Substantial knowledge of broadcast law, management and community service.

B.A., Broadcast Journalism and Speech (Summa cum laude)
University of North Texas

Professional Experience

May 2006-Present
Instructor, Department of Communications
Rogers State University, Claremore, OK

• Television production, writing for media, news reporting, corporate media production, public relations, screenwriting, speech

Jan. 2006-Present
Freelance Producer, ABC and NBC News

• Coordinated coverage of Texas/Oklahoma grassfires, school murder conspiracy, Oklahoma City bombing follow-ups, and regional stories

Interim Executive Director, Crime Commission

• Managed non-profit organization that funds Crime Stoppers, media spokesman, public speaker

Web Site Designer and Consultant

• Created a new Crime Commission web site, served on the Crime Commission Board of Directors for six years.

1997-2005
News Director, KTUL TV
Tulsa, OK

• Led news team to ratings wins and top awards; Top rated ABC late news in America for five years; All newscasts among ABC Top 10
• Experienced in interpreting research and creating strategic plans and marketing strategies
• Broad knowledge of news, local and state government, public affairs, advertising and communications
• Managed multi-million dollar budget and large  staff

1990-1997
News Director, WAND TV
Decatur/Springfield/Champaign, IL

• Doubled news content creating new morning and evening newscasts resulting in 54% increase in news as a percentage of station revenue
• Frequent training
• Community involvement: established mentoring program and Explorer post

1989-1990
Executive Producer, KTVI TV
St. Louis, MO

• Oversaw large staff supervising primetime promotions and all phases of news coverage
• Created new format and graphics
• Advanced quality and awards
• Executive Producer United Way Special simulcast

1986-1988
News Director,  KRDO TV
Colorado Springs, CO

• Top rated station; Won more Associated Press and Colorado Broadcasters Awards than other stations combined.

Previous experience includes capitol bureau chief and political reporter, science and investigative reporter. Newscast and series producer.

Honors & Awards

• Heartland Emmy Awards Best Newscast two years in a row
• Murrow Award Best Newscast
• AWRT (American Women in Radio and TV) Award for Best News Director two consecutive contests
• Presenter Oklahoma Speech and Communications Association, 2006
• Oklahoma Association of Broadcasters Station of the Year Awards
• Associated Press Award for Best Newscast, Illinois
• Missouri Broadcasters Award for Best Newscast
• Regional Emmy Award Best Newscast, Colorado
• Dominated AP and Colorado Broadcasters Awards
• Magazine articles published

Community Involvement

• Leadership Tulsa, Class 29. Local community, business and leadership training.
• Crime Commission, Board Member 2001-2006
• Citizens’ Police Academy. Substantial training on police operations and issues.
• Mentor to At-Risk Youth, Big Brothers

Personal

• Married with two children
• Hobbies include Tae kwon do, skiing, camping, writing and photography