Headshot of Susan Ladd

Susan Ladd

Instructor in Journalism

Department: Journalism

Office and address: Schar Hall- Communications Bld, office 005 2850 Campus Box Elon, NC 27244

Brief Biography

Susan Ladd's journalism career spans 38 years and includes experience as reporter, editor and columnist in both news and features at The Fayetteville Times and the Greensboro News & Record. Since 2010, she has also taught courses in communication and journalism at colleges and universities including the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, High Point University, N.C. A&T University and Guilford Technical Community College. She is also a popular speaker on issues including race, journalism and politics.

    Education

    University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, N.C. (2010)

    • Master of Arts, Communication Studies, with focus on race and identity.                                                              

    University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, N.C. (1980)

    • Bachelor of Arts, Journalism, concentration in print journalism.   

    Employment History

    News Columnist, News & Record, Greensboro, N.C. (2015-2018)                                     

    Wrote commentary on topics of local, state and national interest, including the impact of gerrymandering; how the state’s court fee system produces unequal justice for the poor; the plight of local immigrants improperly targeted due to changes in immigration policy; the need for more affordable housing; and the performance of the district’s Congressional delegation.

    Senior Reporter and Columnist, News & Record, Greensboro N.C. (2012-2014)

    Features Editor, News & Record, Greensboro, N.C. (2003-2011)

    Enterprise Editor, News & Record, Greensboro, N.C. (2002-2003)

    Assignment Editor, News & Record, Greensboro, N.C. (1998-2002)

    High Point Bureau Chief, News & Record, Greensboro, N.C. (1996-1998)

    Features Writer, News & Record, Greensboro, N.C. (1984-1996)

    Features Writer, The Fayetteville Times, Fayetteville, N.C. (1980-1984)

    Courses Taught

    High Point University, High Point, N.C. (2018)

    • Opinion Writing
    • Introduction to Human Communication

    University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, N.C.  (2012-Present)

    • Introduction to Oral Communication

    N.C. Institute of Political Leadership, Greensboro, N.C. (2017-Present)

    • Faculty Media Panel

    N.C. A&T State University, Greensboro, N.C. (2012-2014)

    • The Art of Persuasive Communication

    Guilford Technical Community College, Jamestown, N.C. (2010-2012) 

    • Interpersonal Communication
    • Public Speaking

     Shepherd’s Center of Greensboro, Greensboro, N.C.  (2011)

    • Understanding Diversity                                                                                   

    Presentations

    The State of Things, Monday Meet, (2018)

    Guilford College Conference, “The Journalist as Witness,” welcome speaker (2018)

    American Association of University Women, “Women as Change Agents,” keynote speaker (2017)

    Capital Tonight, Roundtable panel (2017)

    The State of Things, WUNC, occasional guest appearances (2014-2017)

    Rock the Runway (Triad Goodwill fundraiser), celebrity judge (2014-2017)                                        

    The Monti (Unlearning racism) (2014)                                                                                          

    Greensboro Day School (Unlearning racism) (2011)                                                                        

    Bennett College (Unlearning racism) (2010)

    Skills

    Writing

    Editing

    Commentary

    Teaching

    Public speaking

    Professional Development

    Society for Features Journalism Conference (2012 and 2013)

    Landmark Strategic Leader Program (2007-2008)

    American Press Institute, Seminar for Features Editors (2004)

    Poynter Institute for Media Studies, Seminar for Assigning Editors (2000)

    Southern Newspaper Publishers Association Workshop for Editors (1998)

    Landmark Leadership Program (1997)

    National Writers Workshop (1996 and 1998)

    Awards

    North Carolina Press Association, Third Place Headline Writing, 2017

    Society for Features Journalism, Honorable Mention, General Commentary, 2017

    North Carolina Press Association, First Place Lighter Columns, 2016

    Society for Features Journalism, Honorable Mention, General Commentary, 2016

    International Association of Fire Fighters Media Awards, First Place News Story, Series or Feature, 2015

    North Carolina Press Association, Third Place Serious Columns, 2013

    Society for Features Journalism, First place General Commentary and honorable mention, Short Feature, 2013.

    Society for Features Journalism, Third place General Commentary and third place General Features, 2012.

    Greensboro Beautiful, Inc. Special Recognition for excellence in educational journalism related to mission of Greensboro Beautiful, 2012.

    Society for Features Journalism, Top Five Features Sections, Division I, 2011.

    American Association of Sunday and Features Editors, Finalist, Best Features Section, 2009.

    Missouri Lifestyle Journalism Award, First Place General Excellence, Class III Circulation Division, 2008.

    Carl K. Bell Editing Award, N.C. Associated Press, 2002, 2003, 2004.

    Landmark Award for Feature Writing, First Place, 1994. Won second-place award three times.

    N.C. Press Women. Awards for features, criticism and sports features.

    J.C. Penney-Missouri Newspaper Awards, Third Place General Excellence, Fayetteville Times, 1982.