For Gary Hairlson, journalism was not just his career – it was a way to help others. 

WKU’s chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists welcomed its first speaker, Gary Hairlson, in its new speaker series. During the event on Wednesday afternoon, Hairlson spoke about his journey as a photojournalist up until his recent retirement. 

“I’ve always acted as a self-proclaimed evangelist for public journalism,” Hairlson said. “I just think that what we do, or what I do, in this industry, it’s the best job in the world.”

A Henderson, Kentucky native, Hairlson began to work in the industry as a junior in high school through his local paper, the Gleaner. He attended WKU from 1980 to 1982, where he was hired as the first campus photographer until 1986. 

After leaving WKU, Hairlson worked as a photo editor at the Pensacola News Journal and the Jackson Sun. Between 1999 and 2025, he was part of the photo staff at the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, serving as the Multimedia Director from 2017 to 2025. 

Broadcast professor and NABJ faculty advisor Ryan Dearbone said that when thinking about speakers for the series, they wanted someone who has related to and worked with students.

 “If anybody can speak to WKU students as well as speak to the business and its evolving nature, it’s Gary,” Dearbone said. 

Hairlson spoke to the audience about how he has approached representation in his field throughout his career. He said that when he was starting out, only 4% of journalists were minorities, and that fueled him to help his community. 

Hairlson discussed ways that he has contributed as a mentor, especially for black journalists who “need to see teachers who look like them.”

While at WKU, he was a founding member of the campus’ NABJ chapter and was a visuals director of Xposure, WKU’s high school journalism workshop, guided towards helping develop skills for young journalists. 

“One of the most important jobs is working with students,” Hairlson said. “This is what I love, working with students.”

He also gave thanks to the people who have helped him since the start of his career, like mentors and friends from WKU, Bob Adams, Joanne Thompson and Scott Robinson. 

Towards the end, Hairlson also gave professional and life tips to young people, ranging from learning how to network to remembering to have hobbies outside of work. 

Junior broadcasting major and NABJ member Deontay Webb said Hairlson taught him the importance of paying attention to others’ work and improving on it. 

Senior broadcasting major and president of WKU’s NABJ chapter, Jaden DeFreeze, said she found Hairlson’s wisdom enlightening and inspiring. 

“You get to see somebody who looks just like you in a field that you may want to go into,” DeFreeze said.