ASU journalism school names inaugural cohort of Inclusive Excellence in Journalism Fellows
New summer program at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication to focus on story development, research and the responsible use of AI
The 2026 inaugural cohort of the Inclusive Excellence in Journalism Fellowship. Courtesy photos/image
Following an extensive search and application process, the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University is pleased to announce the 2026 cohort of the Inclusive Excellence in Journalism Fellowship.
In its inaugural year, the fellowship selected six undergraduate students from across the country:
- Matthew Barton — junior, SUNY Buffalo State University
- Lucas Bogardus — senior, Florida International University
- Kallie Bourgeois — junior, Northwestern State University of Louisiana
- Justin Jordan — junior, Florida A&M University
- Samantha Smith — junior, West Virginia University
- Genesis Trujillo — junior, University of Florida
“I’m thrilled about the opportunity to work with this talented group of students,” said Angela M. Hill, an investigative journalist and the Ida B. Wells Professor of Investigative Journalism at the Cronkite School. “They will gain valuable investigative reporting skills that will strengthen their ability to tell impactful stories in their communities and beyond.”
The students will be immersed in several aspects of investigative reporting, from developing story ideas to conducting research as well as the do's and don’ts of using artificial intelligence.
The fellowship is designed to expand interest in investigative journalism and to help advance participants on a path to success in a career as an investigative reporter, something the Cronkite School has taken a concerted interest in through its "teaching hospital" learning model.
“It is truly exciting to see the students and institutions represented in this inaugural cohort,” said Battinto L. Batts Jr., dean of the Cronkite School. “We endeavor to make this a career-defining experience that will position them for success in the industry, and we hope that this becomes an even more highly sought-after program."
The IEJ Fellowship is part of a grant from the Scripps Howard Foundation that is expanding the Howard Center for Investigative Journalism at ASU and includes other initiatives like The Beam, an investigative newsroom focusing on public interest topics like education, water, housing, health care, immigration and political accountability.