In a ceremony honoring Aggie journalists, Texas A&M announced it will welcome three new journalism professors in the fall. New hires will include CNN’s Mariano Castillo and Flora Charner, and Dallas Morning News’ Paul O’Donnell.

Castillo, A&M Class of 2002, is senior director of news standards and practices. Charner is the weekend coverage director for CNN’s international newsgathering. O’Donnell is the senior business editor of the Dallas Morning News.

Department of Journalism and Communication Chair Hart Blanton announced the inductions April 19 at the Journalism Alumni Students Association, or FJSA, Hall of Honor reception.

Recognizing former students

Since 1996, FJSA members have voted annually to induct distinguished Aggies into its Hall of Honor. This year, two alumni were honored at the ceremony: Cathie Anderson, Class of 1986, and Al Reinert, Class of 1970. Reinart was honored posthumously.

Incoming FJSA President Matthew Watkins, Class of 2007, introduced Reinart and some of his professional portfolio. From his time as a reporter to becoming a filmmaker, Watkins said Reinhart had an “incredible but hardcore career.”

Reinart was best remembered for his work documenting the United States space program, such as his 1989 documentary “For All Mankind.” However, Reinart was also nominated for an Academy Award in 1996 for co-writing the 1995 film “Apollo 13,” one of his few works of fiction, Watkins added. One of Reinart’s best friends, Thorne Dryer, accepted the FJSA award on his behalf.

Anderson was introduced by her former editor at The Detroit News, Sue Burzynski Bullard. Bullard met Anderson in 1989, who quickly moved up the leadership ladder thanks to her attention to detail.

While currently reporting for the Sacramento Bee, Anderson has held various editorial and reporting positions over the past 30 years at the Dallas Morning News, the Detroit News and the Austin-American Statesman.

Anderson reflected on his time at A&M and, in particular, within The Battalion. In the fall of 1986, Anderson was the first black editor-in-chief. While there, he said his race was never an issue or a reason to feel self-conscious.

He said he connected with other members of student media on a deeper level and that the competitive nature of the newsroom always pushed them to do more.

The importance of Aggie journalism

Castillo said many Aggies have reached great heights in journalism and communication. However, the derailed hiring of future journalism director Kathleen McElroy was a wake-up call.

“Our year started with a pause,” Blanton said.

Castillo said that since June 2023 he was proud of how alumni supported journalism students. In July, FJSA and Friends of The Battalion partnered to cover additional printing costs to support The Battalion’s in-depth coverage of the McElroy fallout.

Blanton said the hiring of new faculty will support A&M’s program as it moves in the next direction. The head search continues in the background, Blanton said, but A&M’s priority is to continue building an amazing program.

Journalism professor Tom Burton said A&M needed to offer the degree sooner, but he has high hopes for the program’s future. Burton said a committee was assembled to get input and the greed a university the size of A&M needs to offer journalism.

Incoming Professor Charner said journalism helps give a voice to the voiceless, and the newly reintroduced journalism degree will help teach the next generation of storytellers.

“Even if we are not avid consumers of news, we still need to see what is happening in the world and in our communities in each country, and journalism allows us to do that,” Charner said.

Since A&M has reintroduced the journalism degree, Burton said some progress has been made so far, but the department will continue to grow in the coming years.

“Journalism is important because it tells the story of the community and also holds those in power accountable,” Burton said, adding that the future of journalism is in the hands of the current generation of students.

Currently, there are three journalism professors in the department, in addition to one communications professor. Now, with three more, the department plans to expand further into political, international and audio reporting. Burton said that as it adds more faculty and courses, A&M will have the faculty needed to support its growing number of students.