Five Journalism Alumni to Be Inducted Into Lemke Hall of Honor

U of A alumni Denise Beeber (B.A.'85), Maurice Britt (B.A.'41), Michael Frazier (B.A.'01), T.J. Holmes (B.A.'99) and Rusty Turner (B.A.'83) will be inducted into the Lemke Journalism Alumni Society's Hall of Honor at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 9, at The Barn at the Stonebreaker Hotel.

The 2026 Lemke Hall of Honor recognizes five graduates of the School of Journalism and Strategic Media with distinguished careers who have shared their time and expertise with students or the community.

Denise Beeber

Beeber built a distinguished career in newspaper journalism, spending nearly three decades helping lead newsroom operations at The Dallas Morning News. As a news editor, she played a key role in shaping daily coverage and overseeing the production of one of the nation's leading regional newspapers. Earlier in her career, she worked as a copy editor and newsroom leader at major publications including the Arkansas Gazette, the Los Angeles Times, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and The Dallas Times Herald. Today, Beeber brings that experience into the classroom as an instructor in the School of Journalism and Strategic Media and faculty adviser to The Arkansas Traveler, mentoring the next generation of journalists and newsroom leaders.

Maurice Britt (posthumous)

Britt (1919-1995) lived a life defined by bravery, leadership and service to his country and community. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army and earned the Medal of Honor for heroic actions in Italy after continuing to lead his men despite severe injuries in combat. Before his military service, Britt gained national recognition as an All-American football player and later played in the National Football League. After the war, he continued to serve his state and nation through public leadership, including two terms as lieutenant governor of Arkansas. His legacy endures as a powerful example of courage, integrity and dedication to others.

Michael Frazier

Frazier brings more than two decades of experience across journalism, politics, communications, advocacy and executive leadership. Throughout his career, he has worked at the intersection of media, policy and public engagement, helping organizations navigate complex public issues and communicate effectively with key audiences. Frazier currently serves as executive vice president of public affairs in the New York office of SKDK, where he advises leaders and institutions on messaging, reputation and strategic outreach. His work reflects a career dedicated to thoughtful storytelling, effective advocacy and the power of communication to shape public understanding.

T.J. Holmes

Holmes has spent more than two decades reporting and anchoring major news stories for national audiences. He first gained widespread recognition during his time at CNN before joining ABC News, where he served as anchor and correspondent for programs such as World News Now, America This Morning and GMA3. Today, Holmes continues engaging audiences through podcasting with iHeartRadio, where he brings his conversational style and journalistic insight to discussions on news, culture and current events. His career reflects a commitment to clear storytelling and connecting audiences with the stories that shape their world.

Rusty Turner

Turner devoted more than four decades to community journalism, guiding news coverage during a period of major change in the newspaper industry. Over the course of his career, he worked as a reporter, editor and newsroom leader, ultimately serving as editor and executive editor of the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. Turner's contributions to Arkansas journalism earned statewide recognition, including the Distinguished Service Award and Golden 50 Service Award from the Arkansas Press Association, and he later served as president of the organization. His career reflects a lifelong commitment to strong local journalism and the role it plays in informing and strengthening communities.

The event will include a reception with heavy hors d'oeuvres and cocktails followed by an induction ceremony and discussion moderated by Kyle Kellams, news director for KUAF 91.3 FM. Honorees will reflect on their professional experience, time on campus and advice to students preparing for careers in journalism and strategic media.

This will be the 11th Hall of Honor event. The first event took place in 2000. Past honorees include Jim Faulkner, Sue Walk Burnett and the late E. Lynn Harris. The Lemke Alumni Society is the society within the Arkansas Alumni Association for graduates with a degrees in journalism or advertising and public relations.

Tickets are $40 for members, $50 for nonmembers and $15 for students. Register online by April 7. For additional information, please email jschool@uark.edu.