A former Associated Press reporter and a former news anchor are the recipients of this years West Virginia University Perley Isaac Reed School of Journalism Professor and Adjunct Professor of the Year awards.

Ogden Newspapers Visiting Professor George Esper, who joined the schools faculty in fall 2000, was named the Professor of the Year. Gina Dahlia, who has been an adjunct since fall 2001, was named Adjunct Professor of the Year.

The school gives the awards based on exemplary performance. Winners are chosen by SOJ faculty and staff.

In the long history of The Associated Press, only a few have achieved the title distinction of special correspondent. George Esper is one of them.

“While George earned his professional reputation as one of the countrys best war reporters and feature writers, he has spent a lifetime as a teacher,” SOJ Dean Christine Martin said.”And now he is teacher and mentor to hundreds of students. Every semester they leave the School of Journalism inspired and guided by him.”

In his 42 years with the AP, before retiring in the fall of 2000 to teach, Esper covered the Vietnam War from 1965 to 1975 and the Fall of Saigon. He covered most major national and international events of the second half of the 20th Century, including the first war in Iraq.

Esper is the author of”The Eyewitness History of the Vietnam War,”a book focusing on the human side of the war, and has won numerous awards. He was also a finalist for the Pulitzer.

Dahlia is a WVU graduate who teaches beginning and advanced broadcast journalism classes part-time. Dahlia brings nearly 10 years of media experience to her teaching. She worked at WDTV News Channel Five in Bridgeport as a news anchor, reporter and producer.

“I dont know anyone who loves teaching more than Gina,”Martin said.”Her passion for teaching broadcast news builds success for her students and makes her a joy to work with.”

Before coming to the WVU School of Journalism, Dahlia was the campaign manager and political speech writer for West Virginia Secretary of State Joe Manchin’s campaign, which Manchin won in November 2000.