Former Associated Press chief Middle East correspondent Terry Anderson will join OU's journalism faculty next fall.

Anderson accepted an offer yesterday to be a Scripps-Howard visiting professional, a two-year position with the Scripps School of Journalism, said Ralph Izard, director of the school of journalism and professor of journalism.

Anderson became known worldwide in 1985 when he was taken hostage by the Shiite Muslims in Lebanon. By the time of his release in 1991, he was the last American to be released of those held captive.

Anderson will begin instruction at OU during the second half of the summer session. He does not have specified classes yet, but will possibly continue to teach classes on urban and international journalism, which he teaches at Columbia University, he said.

In the past, visiting professionals have taught basic journalism requirements along with other specialized courses, Izard said.

Anderson began his teaching career in 1996 at Columbia as an adjunct professor - a professor that teaches, but isn't officially on staff. He decided to continue teaching on a full-time basis because of he enjoyed the students, he said.

Teaching also allowed him more time for his family and his personal writing, he said.

Anderson, who is originally from Lorain, Ohio, says that Athens' location in the state was one of the reasons he chose OU.

"Once I made that decision (to teach) I just needed to know where. Ohio University is the place," he said.

Anderson also likes Athens because of its small-town atmosphere, which will allow him more time to write and be a good place to raise his 12-year-old daughter, he said.

Anderson's strong professional credentials will be an asset to OU's program, Izard said. Students will benefit from Anderson's dedication to journalism, he said.

"He's full of zeal and passion and all the types of things I try to teach in my ethics class," said Michael Bugeja, professor of journalism. Bugeja interviewed Anderson after his release from captivity, and has since developed a friendship with Anderson through their shared interests in journalism and poetry, he said.

Anderson's professional contacts also will benefit students, Bugeja said.

"I'm not only happy that he's coming here, I'm happy for the students," he said.

There are no definite plans to offer Anderson a permanent position, but the possibility is a consideration, Izard said.

"If the marriage looks good, there is a big maybe," he said.

Anderson does not know whether he will remain at OU after his time as a visiting professor, but he will "likely remain for some time," he said.