Texas A&M San Antonio professor Teresa Talerico named Outstanding Campus Adviser

Home > SPJ News > Texas A&M San Antonio professor Teresa Talerico named Outstanding Campus Adviser

9/27/2022

CONTACT:
Lou Harry, SPJ Manager of Publications and Awards, 317-920-4786, lharry@spj.org
Zoë Berg, SPJ Communications Specialist, 317-920-4785, zberg@spj.org

INDIANAPOLIS – The Society of Professional Journalists has named Teresa Talerico as the recipient of the David L. Eshelman Outstanding Campus Adviser Award. Talerico is a clinical assistant professor at Texas A&M University-San Antonio; adviser to The Mesquite, the student run news site; and was an adviser of the university’s SPJ chapter for many years. She previously advised the San Antonio College SPJ chapter.

The Eshelman Award is presented annually to an individual who has made an exceptional contribution to the campus chapter for which he or she serves as an SPJ adviser.

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, which impacted not only journalism but journalism education, Talerico was determined to not let TAMUSA’s SPJ chapter go dormant. She worked tirelessly to have the chapter represent SPJ’s professional values by promoting the practice of ethical journalism as well as propelling the careers of its members. These efforts clearly demonstrate her commitment not just to SPJ but to her students at TAMUSA.

“She … truly cares for her students, student workers and colleagues,” wrote Armando Villarreal III, TAMUSA’s SPJ chapter president. “Talerico is a person who listens, takes journalism seriously and really has a passion to guide students to a prosperous path.”

Villarreal says that he is grateful for the quality of education he received and the support and encouragement Talerico provided him as he begins his career – inspiring him to pursue his passion for journalism.

“I believe that Professor Talerico is the best choice for being an outstanding campus advisor because she cares,” Villarreal wrote. “She actually cares for student’s futures and cares that they find the right path of success.”

Talerico will be recognized at the Student Summit & Awards Program at MediaFest22, SPJ’s annual convention, in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 28.

SPJ promotes the free flow of information vital to informing citizens; works to inspire and educate the next generation of journalists; and fights to protect First Amendment guarantees of freedom of speech and press. Support excellent journalism and fight for your right to know. Become a member, give to the Legal Defense Fund or give to the SPJ Foundation.

-END-