Journalism Student Joins New York Times Corps

Angie Ramirez, a junior in the School of Journalism and Strategic Media in the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences, was selected in September for a prestigious year-long talent-mentorship program with The New York Times.

The 21 college students in The New York Times Corps will receive career-building advice and other training from New York Times journalists to prepare them for reporting jobs. Ramirez will work with Megan McCrea, senior staff editor for Special Sections. McCrea is a native of Colorado who served in the Peace Corps in Micronesia and Palau.

Ramirez, of Rogers, is president of the campus chapter of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists and assistant editor for Hill Magazine. She began her journalism training at the U of A as a participant in the Lemke Journalism Project during her junior and senior years in high school.

"Angie's incredible success at the University of Arkansas shows the heights of what is possible when we invest in our students — especially our first-generation students — through clubs like NAHJ and outreach programs like the Lemke Journalism Project," said Bret Schulte, director of SJSM. "We're thrilled to see Angie's incredible talent now recognized and cultivated by The New York Times."

Ramirez said, "Being selected for this program is an incredible opportunity that I'm so honored to be a part of. I can't wait to begin this journey and learn from Megan McCrea."  

Lauryn Higgins, an instructor in SJSM and freelancer for The New York Times, encouraged Ramirez to apply for the mentoring opportunity.

"Seeing a University of Arkansas student like Angie earn a place in The New York Times Corps is incredibly exciting," Higgins said. "She is a talented, driven young journalist who has already shown tremendous promise, and I know she will represent UARK exceptionally well."

Ninette Sosa, faculty adviser to the campus chapter of NAHJ, said, "Angie has grown as both a journalist and student leader. As president of NAHJ UARK, she has taken initiative to strengthen the organization."

Gina Shelton, director of the Lemke Journalism Project, said Ramirez mentors about 60 high school students as a coordinator of the media literacy program, which celebrates its 25th anniversary next year.

"Angie is a fantastic mentor to teenagers who are interested in journalism, and it's really cool that she's getting a national mentor herself," Shelton said.

About the School of Journalism and Strategic Media: The School of Journalism and Strategic Media at the University of Arkansas offers full-time and part-time degree programs for undergraduates as well as a graduate master's degree program. SJSM students major in journalism or advertising and public relations, and they receive instruction, guidance and access to hands-on experience from seasoned, award-winning faculty and staff. The school is dedicated to excellence in teaching, research and media literacy. The U of A journalism program was established by Walter J. Lemke in 1930. Visit the school's website for more information.

About The New York Times Corps: The New York Times Corps, the newsroom's talent-mentorship program for aspiring journalists, is designed for undergraduates who are pursuing journalism and who demonstrate that they would particularly benefit from advice from working journalists. Each student is matched with a newsroom mentor, from whom they receive regular career guidance and feedback. Started in 2022, it and has provided important mentorship for nearly 100 students.