Webster served as Virginia Quarterly Review’s acting editor from December 2011 to December 2012, and he taught journalism in the University of Virginia media studies department. Siva Vaidhyanathan, director of UVA’s Center for Media and Citizenship, said he “performed admirably” as a professor. “I’ve known him when he was strong and together and performing at the top of his ability,” said Vaidhyanathan, “and I knew him when he was far weaker. Through it all, Donovan remained a warm and caring person.”