An ‘Idiosyncratic Genius’

EWU’s Gary Krug was that rare public intellectual who could make his classroom come alive with learning.

Gary Krug, professor emeritus of communication studies, joined Eastern’s faculty in 2002 and, over the next two decades, served the university with distinction, passion, integrity and humor — all qualities which underscored his success as both an educator and scholar.

Krug’s intellectual curiosity was boundless. He taught undergraduate and graduate courses in media and technology, political communication, cultural studies, global communication, and integrated social science theory. He created dynamic classroom environments where learning came alive.

In addition to teaching, Professor Krug held leadership positions in both his department, where he served for many years as chair, and the United Faculty of Eastern, which he led as president and vice president for labor-management affairs. In both roles he was a tireless advocate for fairness, collaboration and faculty empowerment.

Outside of campus, Krug gained a reputation as a quintessential public intellectual. As the popular voice of the shows “Eat the Press” and “Long Waves” on KYRS Thin Air Community Radio, his commentary brought historical and cultural context to current events.

“Gary was an idiosyncratic genius, wired to cut against the grain and question everything,” says Peter Shields, Eastern’s current chair of communication studies. “He was a gift to those students who were prepared to open their minds.”

Krug was often described as a Renaissance soul: a painter, a guitarist and singer, a lover of nature, a bird watcher, a connoisseur of beer and whiskey, an amateur astronomer and a voracious reader with astonishing recall. “I so enjoyed Gary as a person,” said EWU’s Provost Jonathan Anderson. “His warmth, humor, and that spark of curiosity in everything he did. He was also a truly gifted musician, and I will always remember his love for sharing music as one of the many ways he connected with others.”

Gary James Krug died on March 18, 2025. He was 69 years old.