NEWS FROM AROUND THE FORTY ACRES

NEWS FROM AROUND THE FORTY ACRES

UT SYSTEM ANNOUNCES EXPANDED MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

The UT System announced a major expansion to free, 24/7 mental health care. Virtual services will include counseling sessions, psychiatric services and on-demand support and content. The program, part of a five-year investment in student wellness, will roll out this fall.

PROFESSOR KATHLEEN MCELROY RETURNS TO UT AFTER A&M CONTROVERSY

Dr. Kathleen McElroy will remain at Moody College’s School of Journalism and Media after initially accepting an opportunity to lead Texas A&M’s revitalized journalism program. McElroy’s appointment was widely celebrated, but various contract changes made her new role less than secure, according to The Texas Tribune. Some vocal A&M alumni reportedly took issue with McElroy’s hiring due to her previous work related to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. McElroy, an A&M alum, told her former employer, The New York Times, she believes her race played a role in the blowback A&M administration received. The story sparked reaction from journalists nationwide, including many current and former Longhorns, and Texas A&M’s president resigned in the wake of the controversy.

THE DRAG LAUNCHES ‘LADY BIRD’ PODCAST

The Drag, Texas Student Media’s Audio Production House, released episodes of the ‘Lady Bird’ podcast throughout the summer. Hosted by Jade Emerson (’23), the series highlights the life of former first lady Lady Bird Johnson, a UT journalism alum. Emerson and Drag staff members worked for more than two years on the podcast, which has been widely celebrated.

NEW STATE-OF-THE-ART STUDIO INSTALLED FOR REPORTING TEXAS

Students in broadcast journalism classes will not only feel like professionals by the end of this semester, but they’ll look like them, too. Austin television station KXAN, with help from former anchor/reporter Dr. Kate West, donated its former set for Moody students to use in West’s broadcast classes, which produce live weekly newscasts.

STRIKES SHUT DOWN FILM & TELEVISION INDUSTRIES

Actors and writers united on strike this summer for the first time since 1960, effectively putting all of Hollywood on pause as unions demand new contracts in the evolving world of streaming. As KVUE reported, the writers strike impacted the ATX TV Festival in June, and the walkouts continue to halt work for writers and actors across the country.