W.C. Dub Shoemaker

A Simpson County native, “Dub” Shoemaker began his career in journalism as an office runner and then reporter foro the Jackson Daily News, where he covered many key moments during the civil rights era.  In 1965, he moved to Kosciusko and purchased a share of The Star-Herald, which he bought outright after several years.  He later owned or co-owned additional newspapers in Pontotoc, Forest, Newton, Mendenhall, and Madison.  His work has received numerous awards and he has been recognized for achievement in journalism by the University of Southern Mississippi, the University of Mississippi, and the Mississippi University for Women.  Mr. Shoemaker is also an influential businessman, owning printing and paper companies and serving in various leadership capacities and on several boards of directors.  He served as president of the Mississippi Press Association and is a member of its Hall of Fame.  At the time of his induction into the MCJ Hall of Fame in 2007, Mr. Shoemaker was also serving as a member of the School of Mass Communication and Journalism Advisory Board.