The Connecticut chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists has inducted two members of the University of Connecticut's Journalism Department faculty into the Connecticut Journalism Hall of Fame: Assistant Professor-in-Residence Kate Farrish and Instructor-in-Residence Steven Kalb.

Farrish and Kalb were recognized during a May 21 event at Race Brook Country Club in Orange for their decades of significant contributions to Connecticut's news media landscape and their dedication to shaping the next generation of journalists. 

Farrish, a UConn alum from the class of 1983, counts over three decades of experience as a journalist and educator. Her career is marked by a persistent pursuit of public accountability and a deep commitment to open government. Farrish spent 23 years at the Hartford Courant, serving in various capacities including higher education reporter, bureau chief and city editor. 

Following her tenure at the Courant, Farrish continued her journalism work at the Connecticut Health Investigative Team (C-HIT). Her reporting at C-HIT tackled critical health-related issues, from opioid prescription violations and restrictions on gender-affirming surgery to elder abuse investigations. Notably, her 2018 investigative story on Connecticut nurses and addiction earned her a Publick Occurrences Award from the New England Newspaper & Press Association, detailing accounts of nurses driven by addiction who committed crimes to support their habits.

As an educator, Farrish previously taught as a UConn adjunct instructor and as an assistant professor at Central Connecticut State University before returning to UConn full-time in January 2025.  Known for her high standards and real-world insights, she prepares students for the rigors of the profession. Her commitment to transparency extends to her leadership roles as president of the Connecticut Foundation for Open Government (CFOG) and a commissioner on the Connecticut Freedom of Information Commission. She actively promotes FOIA as a vital tool for all citizens, fostering greater government accessibility.

Kalb brings over 35 years of experience in radio and television to his role as an Instructor-in-Residence at UConn, where he has been teaching since 2003. Kalb began his career in radio, gaining recognition as a reporter and talk show host for the Connecticut Radio Network. He covered high-profile cases, including the murder trial of Michael Skakel and the corruption trial of Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim. His extensive television career included serving as a news director in major markets like Boston, as well as contributing to the launch and management of a 24-hour news operation in Philadelphia. Kalb's reporting style emphasizes "being there" for the story, such as his coverage of major Connecticut news events such as the Mianus River Bridge collapse and the L’Ambiance Plaza construction disaster.

Kalb's dedication to journalism is also reflected in his active involvement with professional organizations, having served twice as president of the Connecticut Society of Professional Journalists and as state coordinator for the Radio Television Digital News Association.

Farrish and Kalb become the second and third members of the UConn Journalism Department faculty added to the Connecticut Journalism Hall of Fame. Former Department Head Maureen E. Croteau was inducted in 2017.