Drewry, John E. (John Eldridge), 1902-

"Born June 4, 1902 in Griffin, Ga., [John E.] Drewry attended the University of Georgia and was the second graduate of the journalism program in 1922. After completing his masters at UGA and proceeding to Columbia for further postgraduate work, he succeeded founder S.V. Sanford as director of the school in 1932, and accepted the position of dean when it was created in 1940. That same year he helped create the Peabody Awards recognizing excellence in broadcasting. Dean Drewry played a large role in developing the reputation of the journalism school as one of the finest in the world, and his character and the respect he commanded from his peers still supports that reputation. (...) Drewry wrote four books, edited 26 others, and wrote a column called "New Book News" for 61 years. Many groups, associations, and organizations have honored him, but nothing compares to the honor that those who knew, loved, and learned from him possess." -- "Grady College History" from the Grady College website, http://www.grady.uga.edu/about_grady.php?al1=About+Grady&al2=History&page=history.inc.php (Accessed November 30, 2009)

John Eldridge Drewry (1902-1983) educator and Dean of the Henry W. Grady School of Journalism at the University of Georgia (1940-1969), resident of Athens, Georgia.

John E. Drewry's teaching skills and knowledge of the field of journalism are legendary. In a 1982 Athens Banner Herald article, Loren Smith recalled that when John E. Drewry was dean of the Henry Grady School of Journalism, "we all were charmed by his presence, inspired by his intellect and relaxed by his wit". A native of Griffin, Georgia, John E. Drewry in 1922 became the second person awarded a B.J. degree from the University of Georgia's journalism program. In 1925 he received his A.M. degree from UGA based on graduate work done at Columbia University in New York City and at the University of Georgia. Hired as a journalism instructor at UGA in 1922, Drewry was promoted to Director of the Journalism School in 1932 and - with the creation of the position - took on the role of Dean of the Henry W. Grady School of Journalism; a position he held from 1940 through his retirement in 1969. Some Magazines and Magazine Makers, published in 1924, was the first in a long line of books and brochures that Drewry either wrote or edited. Drewry's column "New Book News" which ran for 61 years was just one of many columns and articles that he authored during his lifetime. During his long career Drewry served as a Capitol Reporter and State Editor for the Associated Press. Additional journalistic activites included work as a correspondent for the Christian Science Monitor and the Atlanta Journal and Constitution. Drewry was also instrumental in the creation of the prestigious Peabody Awards in 1940. Other accomplishments include playing a pivital role in the establishment of the Georgia Scholastic Press Association, the Georgia Collegiate Press Association, the Georgia Press Institute and the Georgia Radio and Television Institute. In 1949 Drewry and his fiancee, Miriam Thurmond, were shot by his ex-wife, Kathleen Drewry. The victims recovered and married, but some believe this event and subsequent trial eclipsed Drewry's chances to be appointed President of UGA at the time. Drewry continued as Dean until retirement in 1969 and died in 1983 at the age of 80.