Advertisement

Staff

Joel Mathis

Photo of Joel Mathis

Hometown: Hillsboro, Kan.

College: Tabor College; Hillsboro, Kan.

Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Communications, with an emphasis in journalism

At what moment did you realize you wanted to become a journalist (videographer, meteorologist, sports reporter, etc.)? And if there wasn't a specific point in time, what was the motivating factor?

I've always loved history. When I was in high school watching coverage of the Tiananmen Square protests in China during the summer of 1989, I knew I wanted a job that would help me touch history as it was being made.

When you really want to relax and let your hair down in Lawrence, where do you go and what do you do?

Cover myself in chocolate sauce and... never mind.

As is probably too well known, I spend lots of time in downtown coffee shops -- great places to read, meet new people, get into lively discussions and make new friends.

What comes to your mind as the most memorable local story you've covered?

I would say the December 2000 bank robbery standoff that resulted in the evacuation of businesses around Ninth and Massachusetts streets. I remember that story because it was more complicated than a simple crime -- it was about a financially desperate man who committed a foolish and desperate act.

If you couldn't be a reporter, what occupation would you want to try?

Owner of a small, struggling bookstore.

If you were stranded on a desert island with only one song to listen to and one book to read for the duration, what would they be?

The "Kansas: Land of Ahs" theme from 20 years ago. "A Prayer for Owen Meany" by John Irving.

If they were going to execute you tomorrow, rightly or wrongly, what would your last meal consist of?

A small Rudy, thin wheat crust, from Rudy's Pizzeria in downtown Lawrence.

Recent Stories

City’s No. 2 heads for KU

Assistant city manager takes job in athletics department

City Hall’s No. 2 administrator is leaving to take a job with the Kansas University athletic department. Debbie Van Saun, assistant city manager since 2000, will become associate athletics director and senior women’s administrator at KU. “It just seemed like a good fit,” said Van Saun, who has worked for City Hall more than 28 years.

They’re real: Southern Illinois’ Salukis are dogs with long history

Unless you’re a dog expert, Southern Illinois’ mascot, the Saluki, might sound every bit as made-up as the Jayhawk.

Bohl novel takes on college basketball

Book doesn't try to settle old scores, he says

Al Bohl’s first novel is coming. It features big-time college basketball, scenes set at Kansas University and a coach of “questionable reputation.”

Jayhawks have different view of Nebraska fans

Lawrence braces for red-clad 'Husker backers

You know what to expect. You’ll see them all over town today. Droves of bulky, red-clad people will be among us, corn-fed football fans blocking the way to breakfast at your favorite spot, or slipping ahead of you into a Mass. Street parking spot.

KU: Allen Fieldhouse will be fire-ready

Games aren't expected to be disrupted

Kansas University and fire officials met Wednesday morning to ensure the fire safety of Allen Fieldhouse during the upcoming college basketball season.

Fieldhouse fire safety questioned

Construction on Hall of Athletics raises concerns; no disruptions expected in basketball schedule

Kansas University has spent more than $1 million in recent months to improve fire safety at Allen Fieldhouse, but state authorities still have questions they want answered before the Jayhawks begin play next month.

Giddens pays visit to law enforcement center

A limping J.R. Giddens, wearing a protective boot and his trademark headband, was greeted by a police officer and escorted into an office at the Law Enforcement & Judicial Center about 11:15 a.m. today.

Giddens’ judgment called in question

KU player released from hospital after stabbing; alleged participant in custody

Kansas University leaders criticized J.R. Giddens’ judgment Friday, the same day the Jayhawk basketball star was released from the hospital for injuries suffered early Thursday in a fight at a Lawrence bar.

KU fieldhouse tops ESPN poll

A couple of weeks back, Philip Bradley got an e-mail from a friend, asking him to vote for Allen Fieldhouse in ESPN.com’s poll of best college basketball arenas.

True-blue fans say hot seats worth wait

Jayhawk faithful fired up for season's start

Twin sisters Katie and Liz Mukherjee have made Allen Fieldhouse their home away from home.

More stories