The Atwood Chair of Journalism was established at UAA in 1979 by Robert B. Atwood, publisher of The Anchorage Times, and his wife, Evangeline Atwood, to help advance the quality of print and broadcast journalism in Alaska.

Continuing support from the Atwood Foundation and generous contributions from donors are used to bring nationally recognized journalists and educators to JPC for the visiting professorship. These outstanding professionals teach the foundation courses in news writing and reporting, and hold seminars in various broad issues of journalism.