Retired TU professor recognized for service to White House press

By Sean Welsh on April 27, 2018

A Towson University professor emerita has been honored for her exceptional service to the White House Correspondents’ Association.

Martha Joynt Kumar was to be honored with The President’s Award at the April 28 reception at the Washington Hilton in Washington, D.C.

Kumar is a scholar of the presidency and the media who covers the White House. She has spent two decades documenting the relationship between journalists and the presidency.

The former professor of political science is an authority on the presidency and is often quoted in news stories. Her record-keeping is often leaned on as authoritative information.

In a statement, WHCA president Margaret Talev called Kumar “a treasure” and “an incredible resource who is uniquely accessible in real time because of her regular presence in the briefing room and press workspace and her ongoing discussions with the administration.”

Talev continued, “When covering a president who prides himself on upending the status quo and leaving his own mark on traditions, it's especially valuable to have Martha's expertise to help put his words and actions in context with past administrations."

Among the many tasks Kumar performs regularly: tracking how often journalists get to ask questions of the president.

She has authored several books on the presidency and the press, including “Managing the President’s Message: The White House Communications Operation.”

Kumar directs the White House Transition Project and serves on the board of the White House Historical Association.