The purpose of the UConn Journalism Professional Advisory Committee (PAC) is to advise the department head and faculty of trends in journalism practice regionally and nationally and to help ensure that the UConn Journalism program is responsive to the needs of the profession. The PAC works to broaden and strengthen the relationships between UConn Journalism and the public, private and non-profit sectors of journalism practice to enhance our reputation and visibility.
PAC members also help to assess our student learning outcomes. This assessment involves evaluating the portfolios of recent graduates and providing brief written feedback on the quality of student journalism work. In addition, PAC members assist in supporting external relations programs that sustain and enrich UConn Journalism alumni, including providing information for our national accrediting body (ACEJMC).
UConn Journalism PAC Members, 2026
-
-
- Eric Aasen - Executive Editor, Connecticut Public
- Rhema Thompson Bland* — Deputy Director of News Talent Acquisition & Development, McClatchy
- Lindsay Boyle — Senior Editor, Audience and Social Platforms, Hearst Connecticut Media Group
- Steve Buckheit* – Features Producer, ESPN
- Amy Desson — Executive Producer, WFSB-TV Channel 3 Eyewitness News
- Patricia Gray* — Web consultant/editor. Former senior editor of Fortune, former editor at Wall Street Journal
- Elizabeth Hamilton* — Executive Editor, The Connecticut Mirror
- Doug Hardy* — Owner of CT News Junkie
- Harriet Jones — Director of Connecticut Student Journalism Collaborative, staff writer at Hartford Business Journal
- Izaskun “Sassy” Larrañeta — Executive Editor, The Day
- Megan Merrigan* — Director of Innovation and Growth, Grist
- Purbita Saha* — Science journalist, former Senior Deputy Editor at Popular Science
- Charlie Smart* — Graphics/Multimedia Editor, The New York Times
- Glenn Smith* — Watchdog/Public Service Editor, The Post & Courier
- Lauren Stowell* — Director/Producer, Words + Pictures
- Jenn Suozzo* — Emmy award-winning TV Executive & Producer
- David Ushery* – News anchor of the 4 and 11 p.m. newscasts, WNBC News 4 New York
- Bailey Wright* — Senior digital web producer, WTNH.com
- Claude Albert* – Retired Editor in Chief, The Connecticut Mirror; former managing editor, The Hartford Courant
- Lynne Delucia – Retired Editor in Chief, Connecticut Health Investigative Team
- Michael Fountain — Retired, Vice President ESPN
*UConn alumni
-