Leadership
Cronkite’s new dean ‘the right leader at the right time’ Battinto L. Batts Jr.’s passion for journalism began when he was 8 years old. His cousin had been captured by rebels in Beirut and held hostage. Family members huddled close to the TV and radio day and night for any news about the fate of the young Army colonel. His cousin was released after 13 days, but Batts would never forget the experience. It would be his first lesson in the importance of the press. Almost five decades and a stellar journalism career later, Batts remains closely connected to the profession. He has deep experience in reporting, editing, education, administration and philanthropy — all focused on a singular mission: protecting and advancing the Fourth Estate. On July 1, 2021, Batts stepped into his new role as dean of the Cronkite School. Within a few days, he announced that Cronkite would focus its efforts on five major goals: save local journalism and prevent the spread of news deserts; teach journalists and citizens how to recognize misinformation and disinformation; expand the school’s investigative reporting programs; promote diversity, equity and inclusion in journalism and beyond; and hoist the Cronkite flag throughout the globe. It might be a tall order for some, but not for Batts, say close friends and family members. Those who know him best — from his mother to his wife to longtime colleagues — all ardently agree: When Batts puts his mind to something, there is no stopping him. Batts was born in Ettrick, Virginia, to parents who were obsessed with education and information. He was the oldest of three boys, and all were expected to read two newspapers a day and get good grades — or Photo by Isaac Easley The Cronkite Journal
2020-2021
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