M. Stanton Evans facts for kids

Medford Stanton Evans (born July 20, 1934 – died March 3, 2015) was an American journalist, writer, and teacher. He was known as M. Stanton Evans. He wrote eight books, including Blacklisted by History (2007).

Early Life and Education

Evans was born in Kingsville, Texas. His father, Medford Bryan Evans, was an author and college professor. His mother, Josephine Stanton Evans, was a scholar of classic literature. M. Stanton Evans grew up in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and near Washington, D.C.

He graduated from Yale University in 1955 with high honors. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. Later, he studied Economics at New York University.

A Career in Journalism

While studying at Yale, Evans worked as an editor for the Yale Daily News. After college, he became an assistant editor for The Freeman magazine. The next year, he joined the staff of National Review, a well-known magazine. He also became a managing editor for Human Events.

In 1959, Evans became the head editorial writer for The Indianapolis News. At 26, he became the youngest editor of a major daily newspaper in the country. He held this job until 1974.

Working in Broadcast Media

In 1971, Evans started working as a commentator for CBS Television and Radio. Later, in 1980, he became a commentator for National Public Radio and the Voice of America. He also worked for other radio stations.

Newspaper Columns and Teaching

In 1974, he became a nationally syndicated columnist for The Los Angeles Times. This meant his articles were published in many newspapers across the country. Famous politicians like Barry Goldwater and Ronald Reagan praised his writing.

In 1977, Evans started the National Journalism Center. He led this center until 2002. The center helps young journalists begin their careers in Washington, D.C. From 1980, he also taught journalism at Troy University in Troy, Alabama.

Political Involvement

M. Stanton Evans was very involved in conservative politics. In 1960, he helped create the Young Americans for Freedom (YAF). He wrote the group's main statement, called the Sharon Statement. Many conservatives still see this document as a key guide for their beliefs.

From 1971 to 1977, Evans was the chairman of the American Conservative Union (ACU). This is a group that supports conservative ideas. He was one of the first conservatives to speak out against President Richard Nixon early in his presidency.

In 1975, the ACU, under Evans's leadership, asked Ronald Reagan to run for president. They wanted Reagan to challenge the current president, Gerald Ford. Evans also met with President Reagan in 1982 to discuss government spending.

Evans taught journalism at Troy University for over 30 years. He also led the National Journalism Center, which helped new journalists. He was part of several other important conservative groups, like the Philadelphia Society and the Council for National Policy.

Awards and Recognition

M. Stanton Evans received many awards and honors for his work. He was given honorary doctorates from several universities, including Syracuse University. He won awards for his writing, including two Freedom Foundation awards.

He also received the National Headliners Club Award for his excellent editorial pages. Other awards include the Reed Irvine award for journalism and the Barbara Olson Award for Excellence & Independence in Journalism. Troy University holds an annual event and has an alumni award named in his honor.