Karen Jurgenson
●Born c. 1949, in NC
●daughter of Kai (a drama teacher) and Peggy Jurgensen; married first husband (divorced);
married Bill Leary (an attorney); children: Kirsten (from first marriage).
Education and Jobs
●University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, B.A., 1971.
●Began journalism career as editorial and features writer, columnist, and layout editor of
the editorial page, Charlotte (North Carolina) News, 1972–75
●became writer and editor at the University of North Carolina, Raleigh, Sea Grant College
Program, 1976–79
●assistant lifestyle editor and then lifestyle editor, Miami News, 1979–82, assistant city
editor, 1982
●joined USA Today, 1982,
●held several posts, including topics editor, 1982,
●special projects editor, 1983–85
●managing editor, life department, 1985–86
●managing editor, cover stories department, 1986–87
●senior editor, special projects, 1987–91
●editorial page editor, 1991–99
