Award-winning NY Times journalist to join UNC journalism school faculty

Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times investigative journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones will join the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s journalism school in July as the Knight Chair in Race and Investigative Journalism.

However, she will continue to work for The Times.

In her new role, Hannah-Jones will join Knight Chairs at 21 other colleges and universities.

Susan King, dean of the journalism school, said:

“This is the story of a leader returning to a place that transformed her life and career trajectory. Giving back is part of Nikole’s DNA, and now one of the most respected investigative journalists in America will be working with our students on projects that will move their careers forward and ignite critically important conversations.”

Hannah-Jones started her career as an education reporter in North Carolina and has then worked at The Oregonian and at ProPublica before joining The New York Times in 2015.

“The University has given me a lot,” Hannah-Jones said, “and I’m grateful for the opportunity to give back by helping students pursue their dreams and learn how to practice the type of journalism that is truly reflective of our multiracial nation.”

Hannah-Jones holds a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.