[Editor’s Note: This story will continue to be updated, as additional information is made available.]
Robert Wernsman died earlier Sunday afternoon in his Lubbock home, after a long battle with cancer.
Wernsman, who retired as a Texas Tech University professor last semester, taught classes in the College of Media & Communication for more than 20 years, including News Writing and Principles of Journalism.
“He was best teacher I ever saw or knew,” said Pete Brewton, a journalism instructor and faculty adviser to The Hub.
“I was in awe of him, and a little jealous. He could hold a class in the palm of his hand.”
Lucinda Holt, a former student, said: “Today the world grew smaller. Mr. Wernsman was a wonderful mentor and amazing friend to many. His legacy will forever live through all of the lives he has touched.”
Randy Reddick, a professor in the College of Media & Communication, said he had visited with Wernsman only a couple of weeks ago, when Wernsman had stopped by the college.
“He had been battling cancer for more than a decade,” Reddick said, mentioning it had spread through his lungs, and more recently, his brain. “He had just undergone a round of treatments at the end of last semester.”
Todd Chambers, the interim associate dean for undergraduate affairs in the College of Media & Communication, said Wernsman had received chemotherapy treatments, but the cancer had returned.
Reddick remembered the retired professor’s outspoken nature.
Robert Wernsman teaching during his news writing lab in January of 2014.
“He would leave no doubt where he stood on an issue,” Reddick said. “He did have a very interesting off-the-wall sort of humor, that unless you really understood him and understood the context, it would be easy to not know it he has joking.”
“I will miss his raging against ignorance and mendacity,” Brewton said.
Chambers reminisced about Wernsman’s perfectionism in teaching.
“He was the best news writing teacher in the state of Texas,” Chambers said. “I cannot begin to even count the number of former students of his that all said the same thing: ‘It was difficult going through it, but by golly, as soon as I got out in the real world I realized how thankful I was to have had that class with Robert Wernsman.'”
Randi Leigh Thomas, a 2014 journalism graduate, said in a Facebook message that Wernsman inspired her to pursue journalism, even when she was not sure if it was right for her.
“His passion for journalism and seeking out the truth in ethical ways inspired me to get into COMC as quickly as possible and eventually earn my degree,” Thomas wrote. “He was always up to chat about life and directed me in the right direction plenty of times. Whenever someone asks me what it means to be a journalist, he’ll always be my go-to example because of the way he exemplified the greatest qualities of the trade.”
Before coming to Texas Tech, Wernsman was the editor of the Huntsville Item in Huntsville, Texas. He also worked at the Big Spring Herald in Big Spring, Texas, for a number of years. Wernsman originally came to Texas Tech to earn a doctorate in fine arts with a focus in theater. He chose to dedicate his life to teaching journalism instead.
Wernsmans’ wife, Marijane Wernsman, is the assistant dean of student affairs in the College of Media & Communication. In class, Wernsman frequently talked about his love and admiration for her.
Services will be held Tuesday at 3 p.m. at Lake Ridge Chapel & Memorial Designers in Lubbock. There will be an informal memorial service/wake for Wernsman at the College of Media and Communication on Thursday, March 26, in Room 281 at 5:30 p.m.
About Sarah Self-Walbrick and Allison Terry
I am Everett Browning, Prof. Emeritus, Peru State College, Bob Wernsman’s first journalism teacher. I am proud that Bob learned early on not to accept everything at face value, the making of a true journalist. We didn’t always agree, again the requisite of a journalist.
It is with great pride that I acknowledge his accomplishments and hope that in some way I contributed to his success.
My name is Joshua Koch, I am a 2013 graduate of the College of Media and Communication. In my time at Texas Tech Robert Wernsman was the best. He taught you how to be a good journalist, reporting the truth and always doing the best at your job every day.
Whoever was taught by Robert Wernsman will never forget his teachings or his impact on their lives and careers. He will be truly missed.
I had the pleasure of taking Newswriting with Professor Wernsman in 2010. I cannot say enough about his enthusiasm to help students learn. The guy was incredible, and there are so many of us out there who owe our successes to his outspoken nature. We were blessed to know him, and I’m personally grateful he came to know the Lord before his passing. We will see you again Wernsman = )