USA Today editor-in-chief Nicole Carroll joins ASU Media Enterprise

USA Today editor-in-chief Nicole Carroll is joining the ASU Media Enterprise on May 1 as executive director of a new initiative focused on reimagining local journalism.

As the head of the initiative, Carroll will work with Arizona State University's Media Enterprise team, the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication and other university departments to develop new strategies for reporting on local communities, as well as innovations and business models to help local news operations thrive. Carroll brings more than three decades of journalism experience and a track record of success in leading newsrooms at some of the nation's top publications.

"Nicole is a true champion of democracy and a leader in our industry. We are thrilled to welcome her to the ASU Media Enterprise," said Mi-Ai Parrish, managing director of the enterprise. "Her passion for high-quality, community-focused journalism aligns perfectly with our mission, and we look forward to working with her to create impactful and innovative reporting that serves our communities."

ASU Media Enterprise is a nonprofit, nonpartisan collection of media outlets that empowers, engages and educates. The organization’s public service mission seeks to share stories that enlighten and enrich communities and focus on topics ranging from science and technology to the arts and social change. 

As editor of The Arizona Republic, where she spent almost 20 years, Carroll led a project on the proposed U.S. border wall that won a 2018 Pulitzer Prize. In addition, she led breaking news coverage recognized as a Pulitzer Prize finalist in 2012 and 2014. Carroll was named editor-in-chief at USA Today in 2018. That same year, she was named the Benjamin C. Bradlee Editor of the Year by the National Press Foundation.

USA Today and The Arizona Republic are owned by Gannett, Co., for which Carroll also served as president of news. Her departure from USA Today was announced on April 17.

Carroll also will be a professor of practice at the Cronkite School. She is an alumna of the school and an inductee to its Hall of Fame.  

“Cronkite Nation is proud of Nicole’s many career accomplishments," said Battinto Batts Jr., dean and professor of the Cronkite School. "We are excited to welcome Nicole back to the university and look forward to her contributions.”

A member of the Pulitzer Prize board and a four-time juror of the prestigious journalism prize, Carroll said ASU's dedication to excellence, community and global engagement drew her to the new role.

“We must create and embrace disruptive solutions to engage and empower people with the news and information they need to strengthen our communities and democracy,” Carroll said. “I’m thrilled to take on this work with ASU, renowned for its innovation and commitment to developing solutions to the biggest challenges of our times.”