Journalism professor Kathleen McElroy is leaving UT to become the director of Texas A&M University’s new journalism program, according to a June 13 press release from Texas A&M. 

According to the press release, McElroy graduated from Texas A&M in 1981 with a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism and wrote for The Battalion. McElroy said she wants to add journalism to A&M’s established reputation for quality STEM education by partnering with STEM programs.

“President (M. Katherine) Banks made a bold decision to elevate journalism at A&M at a time when news organizations face historic challenges,” said Hart Blanton, head of A&M’s Department of Communication & Journalism, in the press release. “Dr. McElroy brings the vision and experiences needed to rise to her call.”

McElroy has nearly 30 years of experience in professional journalism, working for newspapers such as The New York Times and the Austin American-Statesman, before coming to UT to work on her doctorate. McElroy said her time at The New York Times web desk inspired her to teach the next generation of professional journalists.

“I was working with amazing young producers,” McElroy said. “I felt as if I was learning as much from them as they might be learning from me. I was ready to do something different, and I didn’t want to retire, … so going into education seemed like a natural fit for me.”

McElroy said she also taught at Oklahoma State University before teaching at UT, eventually serving as the director of the University’s journalism school from 2018 to 2022. McElroy taught classes such as Narrative Journalism and Fundamental Issues in Journalism. 

Eniola Longe, McElroy’s former teaching assistant, said McElroy’s real-world experience taught her students to develop critical thinking skills necessary for reporting.

“What I have with (McElroy), personally, is more than just journalism,” Longe said. “It was very encouraging to see what she had accomplished in her career and that she was at UT. She was a very big champion for me, making me aware of opportunities I should apply for.”

McElroy said A&M’s revamped program could “put the evidence-based, ethical work of journalism” within the well-known Aggie Spirit. She said she wants to instill a sense of service within A&M’s new program, toward the university and the community.

“It’s a completely different university than the school I went to more than 40 years ago,” McElroy said. “I wouldn’t have left for any other position. This was a unique opportunity to help build something at another place, but I will always have UT students in my heart.”