Stories from award-winning Dallas journalists inspired Austin College students and guests at the College’s Posey Leadership Institute “Women in Journalism Symposium” Tuesday on campus.
Stella Chavez, KERA education reporter; Catherine Cuellar, freelance journalist; and Clarice Tinsley, KDFW Fox 4 news anchor, were featured guests, detailing their own backgrounds and experiences for the audience. Dr. Erin Copple Smith, assistant professor of media studies at Austin College, moderated a panel discussion among the journalists. The presentation continued at a luncheon sponsored by Austin College Texoma Women Get Connected.
During the event, the journalists discussed how social media and online news has changed an industry that earlier in their careers was more finite—the morning newspaper, the 10 p.m. news. Now, they said, news is available immediately through posts to websites and social media channels. But, traditional news sources still have a very important role, they explained. “I know we make a difference and that what we do is important to democracy,” Tinsley said. “There are many voices out there that are not vetted or professional.” Those “unvetted voices,” Cuellar said, may look and sound the same as professional news outlets, though sources have not been checked or material verified as accurate. “I take a great deal of pride in being a professional journalist,” Tinsley added. “I am not in my position to make a judgement or give my own opinion. I am here to present information,” she said.
The women agreed that men would never have a symposium titled “Men in Journalism,” that their place in the field is taken for granted. These women said they are more attuned to equity in interview sources and experts. “As a woman I note if five men are interviewed for a story, but no women,” Chavez said. “A light bulb goes on. Where are the women?” Seeing women under-represented also makes her aware of the need for multiracial representation and for more voices than the ‘usual’ experts, she said.
Offering advice to students who might aspire to journalism or related fields, the women advocated seeking out mentors, getting involved with professional organizations, and making and maintaining contacts that may become important later. “Credibility is your currency,” Cuellar told students, “and must be managed with integrity. All the stories you ‘tell’ on social media, etc., become on the record. The beauty of that is that you can choose and curate your content.”
The Posey Leadership Institute was initiated in 1994 by Austin College’s President Emeritus Oscar C. Page. Designed to develop women and men of influence, the institute provides an opportunity to engage all interested students in the study and practice of leadership in their personal and professional lives and promote personal, group, and organizational leadership skill and effectiveness. Students may earn a minor in leadership studies. The Posey Leadership Institute Speaker Series brings a number of leaders to campus to speak to all interested students. Posey Leadership Institute director Martinella Dryburgh coordinated the event.
Austin College, a private national liberal arts college located north of Dallas in Sherman, Texas, has earned a reputation for excellence in academic preparation, international study, pre-professional foundations, leadership development, committed faculty, and hands-on, adventurous learning opportunities. One of 40 schools profiled in Loren Pope’s influential book Colleges That Change Lives, Austin College boasts a welcoming community that embraces diversity and individuality, with more than 40 percent of students representing ethnic minorities. A residential student body of approximately 1,275 students and a faculty of more than 100 allow a 13:1 student-faculty ratio and personalized attention. The College is related by covenant to the Presbyterian Church (USA) and cultivates an inclusive atmosphere that supports students’ faith journeys regardless of religious tradition. Founded in 1849, the College is the oldest institution of higher education in Texas operating under original name and charter.