Courage Under Fire: Kimberly Dozier

Risking their lives under fire is common for soldiers, but most journalists can report stories without having to fear for their safety. CBS News journalist Kimberly Dozier isn't like most journalists.

On May 29, 2006, Dozier and the rest of her crew were working on a story about how Memorial Day was just another day for United States' troops in Iraq, when a car bomb detonated near the armored vehicle in which they were riding. Cameraman Paul Douglas and soundman James Brolan - as well as the U.S. Army captain and the Iraqi translator they were following - were killed instantly. Dozier suffered two broken legs, severe burns, and head trauma.

"I lost half of my blood and my heart stopped twice," said Dozier, who required multiple surgeries to survive. "Ironically, we were headed to what we thought was a relatively safe assignment."

At first, doctors thought she would never walk again - or at least not without a noticeable limp. However, after months of physical therapy, she appeared to have recovered completely from her injuries as she walked onstage for the fifth Marie Torre Memorial Lecture and Award.

The Marie Torre Memorial Lecture Series was established as a partnership between KDKA-TV and Carlow as a living memorial to television anchorwoman Marie Torre, a pioneer and role model for women in the field of communications, and to honor individuals who are exemplars of ethical and professional leadership. Dozier was introduced by Carlow University president, Dr. Mary Hines. They were joined onstage by the Torre family.

"We [war correspondents] used to stand next to the targets. Now, we are the targets," Dozier told a capacity crowd in Kresge Theatre at Carlow University on Saturday, November 3, 2007. She noted that more than 100 journalists - most of them Iraqi journalists - have been killed during the war.

The predominate view in the Arab world, according to Dozier, is that the United States is a bully. They liken the country to a "bull that has smashed into a china shop, and now has no idea how to pick up the pieces." Still, the wide majority of Arabs, in general, and Iraqis, in particular, want the violence to stop.

Despite the dangers from extremists of all stripes, Dozier believes journalists have an important, and even a defiant, role to play in reporting stories from the field. "If we tell the story, we're helping to spread democratic ideals," she said, noting that continuing to tell the story has tremendous risks. "Telling the story means continued dangers in the field…but I think it's our job and our duty."

"Kimberly, you have demonstrated courage, spirit, and conviction. You inspire us with your commitment to excellence in your profession," said Dr. Hines, as she presented the award to Dozier at the conclusion of her remarks. "You have demonstrated the highest standards of professional and personal integrity, in the spirit of Marie Torre."

Torre was the first American journalist to go to jail rather than reveal the name of a confidential source. She was a columnist for the New York Herald-Tribune before moving to Pittsburgh in 1962 to work for KDKA-TV. She returned to New York in 1977, working for WABC and WCBS and earning Emmy Awards for investigative reporting.

Dr. Hines presented Dozier with the Marie Torre Award on behalf of Carlow and its Women of Spirit Institute®. Dozier is the fifth journalist to receive the Marie Torre Award. Previous recipients/lecturers include Mike Wallace, Carol Marin, Thalia Assuras, and Byron Pitts.

Kathy Chrisman
Associate Director, Graduate Admissions
Carlow University

Carlow University Offers Its First Doctoral Degree

After receiving approval earlier this year from the Pennsylvania Department of Education to begin offering its first-ever doctoral program, Carlow University admitted 14 students all of whom began the program in August 2007. The students are seeking a doctorate in counseling psychology, which carries the degree designation of PsyD.

Robert Reed, PsyD, chair of the Department of Psychology and Counseling said, "Typically, a PsyD is granted for programs that are more focused on practitioner training rather than training people to be researchers."

According to Mary Burke, PhD, the doctoral program's director of training, "The Counseling Psychology program is anchored by a framework informed by social justice and feminism. The framework is actualized through curricular elements that promote analysis of, and action to change, sociopolitical structures. This is in keeping with the Carlow mission and with the identity of the counseling psychologist."

The doctoral program is also committed to teaching and engaging students both in and outside of the classroom.

"One of Carlow's strengths is the personal attention we offer our students," said Cindy Rothenberger, EdD, dean of the Graduate School at Carlow University. "This close interaction between professors and students is especially important for professions like counseling psychology, where treatment success is so dependent on developing strong clinical relationships."

Carlow plans to admit new students to the doctoral program in counseling psychology each fall. Applications are now being accepted for fall 2008.

Kathy Chrisman
Associate Director, Graduate Admissions
Carlow University

Based on an article by Drew Wilson, which first appeared in Carlow University's "Extra! Extra! E-Newsletter," February 27, 2007