Political IQ, an op-ed column distributed nationally by Q Syndicate - , including grants, proposals and other fundraising materials
- Hope & Politics, a column published in Camp KC and The Liberty Press, 2006-2008
- Blogging at In This Moment and The Bilerico Project
- Books
- The New Civil War (Franklin Watts, 1997)
- Kansas Storms (Hearth Publishing, 1991)
My work as a journalist has included assignment as the Statehouse reporter for The Wichita Eagle, a McClatchy newspaper. I specialized in front-page coverage of the Kansas Legislature, taxes, higher education, social services, the military, gambling, crime and natural disasters.
My political assignments included serving as communications chair for the Kansas Equality Coalition, a statewide LGBT rights group; and the Kansans For Fairness campaign for marriage equality. I also served as press secretary for the Joan Wagnon for Governor campaign.
Employment History Freelance Writer & Editor
2007 – present
KU Endowment, Lawrence, Kan. Senior Editor (final position), 1994-2007
KU Endowment is a $1 billion foundation that serves as the fund-raising and fund-management organization for the University of Kansas. In my work at the foundation, I:
Helped lead publicity for the KU First campaign that raised $653 million
Led e-commerce for the foundation and supervised the web team
Led the development team that launched two magazines
Edited the award-winning Catalyst, Campaign Insight and Accolades publications.
Joan Wagnon for Governor, Topeka, Kan.
Press Secretary, 1994
Led all aspects of communications planning and execution in campaign for the Democratic nomination for governor.
Silverword Enterprises, Lawrence, Kan.
Owner, 1990-1994
Among other successes, this media consulting business transformed negative publicity into positive coverage for a successful candidate for Kansas state treasurer and launched a new product line for an Illinois engineering firm.
The Wichita Eagle, Topeka, Kan.
Statehouse Reporter, 1985-1990
Volunteer Work
Kansas Equality Coalition
Media and Communications Chair, 2005 - February 2008
Kansans For Fairness, Topeka, Kan.
Communications Chair, 2005
Education
Michigan State University, East Lansing, Mich.
Bachelor of Arts (1975) & Master of Arts (1985), journalism
Teaching Experience
University of Kansas and Michigan State University
I have taught everything from basic writing to advanced reporting.
Professional Affiliations
Honors
Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) Region VI: gold, silver and bronze medals for KU Endowment's Catalyst periodical as best magazine, best visual design, best cover, best science/research articles. Gold and bronze medals for KU Endowment's Accolades newsletter for best visual design in newsletter/tabloid and best fundraising newsletter/tabloid.
“Diane is a highly competent professional writer and editor with an excellent understanding of strategy, planning and execution. I strongly recommend her.”
Eileen Gunn
Editor & Publisher, The Infinite Matrix