The University of Missouri has announced a $1 million estate gift from alumnus Timothy Blair to advance journalism education with respect to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender issues.

The gift will establish the Timothy D. Blair Fund for LGBT Coverage in Journalism, enabling faculty and students at the Missouri School of Journalism to research and disseminate information about the media's role in shaping perceptions about gender stereotypes, HIV/AIDS as a force of rapid social change, the advancement of LGBT civil rights within the context of same-sex marriage, and the integration and acceptance of gay people and families into the fabric of American life. Although MU is still deciding how it will use the fund, possibilities include attracting faculty interested in LGBT journalism; supporting research and travel for media coverage of LGBT issues; creating fellowships, internships, and workshops; and developing curricula to better educate students on how media coverage shapes and reinforces legal, social, and political issues.

A native of Joplin, Missouri, Blair became a copy boy at the age of 15 for the Joplin Globe, where his grandfather served as chairman, and graduated from the Missouri School of Journalism in 1973. After earning a master's degree at Washington University in St. Louis, he worked in marketing and public relations for several St. Louis-based companies. In 1993, he launched BlairPR Inc., a Los Angeles-based strategic communications company. A lifelong Episcopalian, he has been an active member of the church, serving as a licensed lay minister, hospital chaplain, and member of the Episcopal Diocese of Southern California Bishop's Commission on LGBT Ministries.

"This gift will further advance the Missouri School of Journalism as the world's leader in journalism education, research, and innovation," said MU chancellor R. Bowen Loftin. "It is of the utmost importance that our journalists be well informed on a wide range of topics so that they can more accurately report on all important social issues. The university community is grateful to Mr. Blair for his generosity and for supporting an industry that is vital to our democracy."