A call to action on behalf of college journalism in Texas

I just closed out my fifth year in higher education.

While I still maintain ownership of a community newspaper, my full-time job is at the university. It has been a rewarding experience, and I look forward to many more years in the classroom. Along the way, I have met some incredible people who are dedicated to developing the future generation. I’m humbled to keep company with such amazing humans.

By AUSTIN LEWTER, director, Texas Center for Community Journalism

It is no secret that higher education has become increasingly politicized — both statewide and at the national level. Over the past three years, there have been fundamental shifts in higher education funding, administration and curriculum. 

I’m not here to make a political statement about any of that, though I do have my opinions. Feel free to stop by for a cup of coffee   sometime and we can discuss.

I do, however, have acute concerns when shifting politics, education and funding collide with good people doing hard work and helping students. One such incident occurred last month when a dear friend and colleague was caught up in across-the-board budget cuts at Baylor University. 

Julie Reed has been the adviser of the Baylor Lariat student newspaper for 21 years. In that time, she has molded and influenced a generation of successful journalists. 

She has former students in some of the biggest newsrooms in the country. She has some at community newsrooms. Some are published authors, business owners, philanthropic professionals — the list goes on.  

When you’ve done the job as long as Julie, you start shaping a second generation. 

Her influence is widespread because she is also the executive director of the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association (TIPA), the statewide association of college newsrooms. 

Though I had long been a Texas publisher before entering education, I was never a Texas undergrad. I went to college in Oklahoma, so I was not familiar with TIPA. It is a one-of-a-kind association offering invaluable experiences to college journalists. Julie came to the helm in a time of great uncertainty for the organization. She has since stabilized it and grown it. It is more vibrant now today than ever.

When Julie took over TIPA, it moved back to Baylor with her. This is fitting because the association was founded at Baylor a century ago.

So, Julie Reed is a rock star. She is the heart and soul of college journalism in Texas. She is our guiding light. 

All this being said, you can imagine how surprised we were last month to learn that Julie had been dismissed from the university. 

Extreme financial troubles at Baylor have forced 12% cuts across all departments. Julie got caught up in the whirlwind and was discharged with one month’s severance, effective July 1. 

According to alumni sources, the university has a $47 million deficit. This is unfathomable to me, because next fall it will cost almost $68,000 per year to attend Baylor. There’s a big tuition hike on the way and the university has reduced the amount it contributes to retirement funds from 10.8% to 8%.

The Lariat will continue publishing, but with a diminished support staff. And the future of TIPA is uncertain.

Higher education cuts are not exclusive to Baylor. Earlier this spring, the University of North Texas announced deep cuts in their programs and personnel with millions of dollars of faculty buyouts. Midwestern State is suffering through much of the same.

Times are tough, but across-the-board cuts are never the way to go. There is always a more thoughtful way. 

Students at Baylor will suffer when Julie is not there. College journalists across Texas will suffer as well. Journalism in Texas will suffer. 

The fourth estate of government, and the future thereof, is dependent upon young people stepping up to take the reins.

Julie is integral to this mission in Texas and beyond, and her dismissal should not be left unchallenged. 

If you care about the future of college journalism in Texas, I encourage you to let Baylor know.  Letters on Julie’s behalf are being sent directly to Baylor’s Office of President. 

Beyond Baylor, I encourage you to get dialed in with the college journalism program closest to you. Texas abounds with vibrant college journalists, both at two- and four-year schools. Reach out, meet them, support them, see how they can help you. 

And let their administration know how much these students and their advisers mean to you. 

If you care about journalism, young people, and the future of both in the state of Texas, please get involved.

Austin Lewter is executive director of the Texas Center for Community Journalism, which is based at Tarleton State University.