"We are gratified and excited about Don's eagerness and willingness to join our program because he is entirely focused on helping young journalists begin their careers," said William Rainbolt, director of the Journalism Program. "Our students will benefit greatly from not only his experience but also from his enthusiasm and his dedication to conveying the best practices of good journalism."

The Journalism Program, a popular minor at the University for more than 30 years, was offered as a major beginning in the fall of 2006. Currently, 50 students are declared journalism majors and more than 150 students are minoring in journalism.

"I am delighted that our students will have a chance to learn what the newspaper business is really like from someone with as great a variety of experience and accolades as Don Forst. He can impart knowledge that no textbook contains," said Joan Wick-Pelletier, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

Under Forst's guidance and direction, the Village Voice (1996-2005) and New York Newsday (1985-1995) received numerous awards, including three Pulitzer Prizes. The New York Press Association named Newsday best paper in the state three years under his leadership. 

Forst began his career in 1950 as a reporter for the Burlington Free Press and worked as a reporter and in various editorial positions for The New York Times, New York Herald Tribune, New York Post, Los Angeles Herald Examiner, Boston Herald American, Newark Star-Ledger and Houston Post.

Forst received his master of science degree from Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism and bachelor of science degree from the University of Vermont. He resides in Columbia County.