​Mr. William "Lee" Harter

As a daily newspaper editor of 38 years and a classroom journalism instructor for 16, Lee Harter remains passionate about journalism and committed to fostering that passion in future journalists.

Biography

Lee Harter has a unique perspective on what today’s mass media is looking for in those entering the profession from collegiate programs. Training journalists for the multitasking challenges they will face is a challenge. His teaching objectives are focused on doing just that.

Education

• Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, University of South Carolina, 1978.
• Convergence Software Bootcamp, IFRA Newsplex, University of South Carolina, 2009
• Lee Enterprises Inc. training in print, online and social media strategies.
• Continuing South Carolina Press Association training in all facets of journalism, from legal issues to newsroom management

Experience

Harter has nearly four decades as editor of The Times and Democrat, the daily newspaper in Orangeburg, S.C. He has serves as the Journalist-in-Residence for sixteen years at Claflin. Harter has taught reporting and editing, multimedia reporting, media law, and layout and design. Harter has served more than a decade as the advisor to The Panther, Claflin’s student-run newspaper. In addition, Harter has served as the President of the South Carolina Press Association (SCPA, 1989) and as Past President of the South Carolina Associated Press News Council. Also, he is the Past President of the SCPA Collegiate Committee and a former member of the SCPA Freedom of Information Act Committee.

Activities and Honors

Lee Harter has more than 50 individual journalism awards for editing, design, reporting and public service. In addition, his staff at The Times & Democrat have won awards totaling more than 500, including top three overall awards in multiple years, as well as journalist of the year and assertive journalist of the year awards. The student-run newspaper, The Panther, has won awards every year that Harter has been the advisor, including the top award of South Carolina Collgiate Journalist of the Year for two years in a row, 2014 and 2015.