University community mourns death of School of Journalism mentor, instructor Tom Eblen

LAWRENCE — For generations of University of Kansas journalism students, a marked up copy of the University Daily Kansan was an integral part of learning the craft.

It was a signature tool of Tom Eblen. He was the student newspaper’s adviser and general manager at the William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications from 1986 until his retirement in 2001.

Eblen died June 10 in Prairie Village. He was 80.

“Tom Eblen was an excellent teacher and an invaluable mentor to the many journalism students who benefited from his keen intellect and kind heart,” said Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little. “On behalf of the entire university, I offer my sincere condolences to his family, friends, students and to all who knew him at KU.”

In addition to his role with the Kansan, Eblen also taught reporting and editing classes. Earlier in his career, Eblen was KU’s Gannett Foundation professional in residence from 1979 to 1980.

"Tom was our colleague, mentor and friend,” said Ann Brill, dean of the School of Journalism. “We counted on his honest opinion, his wit and expertise to guide generations of students. We will miss him.  Our sympathy to his wife, Jeannie, and the rest of his family."

Services have not yet been announced.