The Fund for American Studies (TFAS) announces that businessman, political essayist and philanthropist Neal B. Freeman has been chosen to serve as chairman of the Robert Novak Journalism Fellowship Program.
Retired publishing entrepreneur Thomas L. Phillips, who becomes chairman emeritus, launched the journalism program in 1994. It offers full- and part-time fellowships of $75,000 and $35,000, respectively, to working print and online journalists with fewer than 10 years of professional experience to pursue writing projects of their choosing on topics supportive of American values, a free society and free enterprise.
To date, 130 fellowships have been awarded. Fellows have published more than 50 books, most stemming directly from their fellowship projects. Each year’s new Fellows are introduced at a gala awards dinner at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. The 2016 dinner will be held May 11.
The vision of legendary journalist Robert D. Novak was the inspiration for the program, which was named in his honor following his passing in 2009.
Freeman served as Washington editor of National Review from 1978 to 1981. In 1981, he founded The Blackwell Corporation, an advisory firm with clients in communications, defense and wealth management. He previously worked as an executive with the Hearst Corporation and was appointed by President Reagan as director of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. As a television producer, Freeman has produced more than one thousand programs for national broadcast. His productions have won many awards for journalistic excellence, including the George Foster Peabody Award, the Emmy, and, for three consecutive years, the documentary medal of the International Film and Television Festival.
Novak Program Executive Director John W. Farley, who organized and implemented the program and administered it since its inception, announced his retirement effective Feb. 5. His role will be assumed by Jeffrey Hollingsworth. Continuing in her role as executive assistant is Vanessa Henderson, who provides logistical, technical and related program support.
“John Farley leaves an impressive and unforgettable legacy through his outstanding management of the Robert Novak Journalism Fellowship Program over the years,” said TFAS President Roger Ream. “He has made an indelible mark on the lives and careers of the 130 Novak Fellows thanks to his guidance, advice, wise counsel and friendship.”
“We’re thrilled that Neal Freeman has agreed to serve as the Novak Fellows program’s chairman,” Ream added. “He brings a wealth of hands-on experience and proven leadership strengths to the role. He’s going to be an excellent ambassador and advocate for the program, and its day-to-day management is in good hands with Jeff and Vanessa.”
The Fund for American Studies, a 501(c)(3) educational organization founded in 1967, offers transformational programs that teach the principles of limited government, free-market economics and honorable leadership to students and young professionals. TFAS programs inspire these future leaders to make a difference in their communities and throughout the world by upholding the values essential to the preservation and success of a free society.