Former NBC Chicago reporter to lead journalism center at DePaul University

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CHIC​AGO — DePaul University’s Center for Journalism Integrity & Excellence is welcoming veteran Chicago reporter Lisa Parker as its new director. Following more than two decades at NBC-5 where she spearheaded the consumer investigative unit, Parker brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to ethical journalism.

“Lisa is a phenomenal investigative journalist, breaking pieces that have been national in scope and have always represented consumers who have struggled with government bureaucracy and corporate stonewalling,” said Carol Marin, who with Don Moseley will transition from directors to senior faculty fellows.

College of Communication Dean Lexa Murphy expressed appreciation for the cofounders’ leadership and dedication. “As we welcome Lisa Parker as the new director, I know her award-winning expertise in investigative reporting will build on the legacy of excellence established by Carol and Don to continue to give our students an unmatched educational experience in journalism,” Murphy said.

Marin and Moseley will continue to oversee the FOIA Fellows program and the Center for Journalism Integrity and Excellence awards , providing students with opportunities to learn from seasoned professionals and engage in hands-on investigative work.

“Carol and Don have been a guiding light in my career in Chicago,” Parker said. “To follow their lead and head the center is truly humbling and an opportunity I’m honored to take on.”

Parker is a familiar face to students at DePaul. She served as a fellow last academic year and assisted in the Advanced Reporting class, which she now teaches. “Being in the classroom is energizing,” Parker said. “Mentoring and overseeing interns at NBC-5 was one part of the job that resonated with me the most. I’m thrilled to be working with student journalists again.”

Parker is well-prepared to guide student journalists through covering a contentious presidential election and one of the most eagerly anticipated Chicago corruption trials this fall. Her work has led to reforms in consumer safety and earned her 17 Midwest Emmys and numerous other accolades.

Reflecting on their tenure as co-directors, Marin and Moseley expressed immense pride in the accomplishments of their students. “A recent student finished an internship at a local newspaper, and her editor commented that she was one of the best-prepared,” Marin said. “We believe that perfectly encapsulates the quality of journalism education students receive from DePaul faculty and our center.”

A longtime investigative reporting and producing team, Marin and Moseley have mentored hundreds of students, showing them the ropes of investigative journalism. In 2016, DePaul launched the Center for Journalism Integrity & Excellence in the College of Communication with Marin and Moseley as co-directors to provide students with more opportunities to gain real-world experience.

In 2017 they launched the annual spring awards to bring world-renowned journalists to campus, including long-time “PBS NewsHour” anchor Judy Woodruff, “60 Minutes” correspondent Bill Whitaker, and former editor-in-chief of The New York Times Dean Baquet. DePaul students have the rare opportunity to ask these stellar journalists questions and discuss the state of the news business. Students then attend the awards luncheon with journalists from across the region to continue the discussion and network with future employers.

Under Marin and Moseley’s leadership, the center has hosted sitting mayors, governors, and U.S. senators for off-the-record sessions with DePaul students, offering unparalleled opportunities to prepare for their journalism careers.

For more information about the center, visit http://bit.ly/CJIEDPU .

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Media Contact:

Mary Hansen

Mhanse26@depaul.edu