NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)–Todd Starnes, assistant editor of Baptist Press, has been named director of university communications at Union University, according to David S. Dockery, president of the Tennessee Baptist Convention-related institution.
Starnes, 35, will serve as the university’s primary creative director for developing an integrated strategic marketing communications plan, manage publications for all programs of the university, and supervise audio and video communications initiatives. Starnes also will provide counsel to news and media relations initiatives at the university. He will join the staff Feb. 3.
“We are pleased to add Todd Starnes to our office of university relations,” Dockery said. “His vast experience and commitment to excellence will make a significant contribution to the life of Union University.”
Starnes joined Baptist Press as a staff writer and was promoted to assistant editor in 2000. He has served as copy editor of the Convention Newsroom during the annual meetings of the Southern Baptist Convention in 2001 and 2002.
“We are sad to lose Todd from our staff but always will look on him as part of our Baptist Press team,” said Will Hall, vice president for news services of the SBC Executive Committee and executive editor of Baptist Press. “His contributions to Baptist Press are many and we will miss his talent and drive. But, we are proud of his selection to this new post and are excited for the opportunities this career move holds for him.”
At Baptist Press Starnes initiated BP Sports, a daily sports news service that provides coverage of Baptist university athletic programs and Christian athletes; BP On Assignment, an eight-page supplement to SBC Life that featured in-depth reporting on issues impacting evangelical Christians; and coordinated the annual Baptist Press Student Journalism Conference, featuring more than 150 student journalists from Christian colleges and universities.
Starnes created TruthQuest: California, a joint project with Baptist Press, FamilyNet Television and Broadman & Holman Publishing. TruthQuest: California was a reality-based television series featuring 12 teenagers exploring their faith in California. The 13-part series, produced by FamilyNet, has received critical acclaim from national and international media.
Starnes is an award-winning journalist, having been recognized by the Georgia Press Association for editorial and column writing and the American Legion for news coverage of the Persian Gulf War.
His writing has appeared in HomeLife Magazine, Christianity Today, Essential Connection, Living with Teenagers, and a number of other Christian and secular periodicals.
In 2003 he accepted an invitation to join the summer faculty of the World Journalism Institute and he currently hosts a weekly radio talk show on Newsradio 1510 WLAC in Nashville.
Starnes is the author of three collections of one-act plays, “David’s Homecoming” (WhiteWing Press 1997); “The Great Adventures of Super Dude” (WhiteWing Press 1998); and “A Portrait of Christ” (LifeWay Christian Resources 1997).
In 2000 he created Super Dude and the CP Squad, a collection of Bible study lessons to teach children about the SBC’s Cooperative Program. It was published by the SBC Executive Committee.
Starnes has taught on the faculty of the National Drama Festival sponsored by LifeWay and in 2003 was named to the executive governing board of the Christian Creative Arts Association. He is an active participant in TBC-related programs and has been a frequent workshop leader at the state dramatic arts festival.
Starnes is a member of the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.
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