Ken Paulson

Biography

Ken Paulson is director of the Free Speech Center at the College of Media and Entertainment at Middle Tennessee State University and former dean of the College of Media and Entertainment at MTSU

A First Amendment expert, Paulson has written and been quoted widely on issues related to free speech and a free press, freedom to assemble and to petition the government, and freedom of religion.

Paulson served as:

Former president and CEO of the First Amendment Center at Vanderbilt University.
Former president of the Newseum in Washington, D.C.
Editor and senior vice president of USA Today from 2004 to 2009.
Host of the television show “Speaking Freely” from 2001 to 2004, an Emmy-nominated show featuring interviews with artists and celebrities about free expression in America.
Founder of 1 for All, a national First Amendment campaign to help teachers better teach the five freedoms in grades 1 to 12.
Columnist on the USA Today Board of Contributors since 2010.
Paulson, who has a law degree from University of Illinois College of Law, was admitted to the Illinois and Florida bars. He has spent much of his career as a journalist, educator and advocate for First Amendment values.

News Media

Ken Paulson’s media appearances include the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Washington Post, USA Today, CBS News, Good Morning America, ESPN and hundreds of additional news outlets.

Among recent articles and appearances: