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Journalism Alumna Caitlin Schmidt Named Chair of Advisory Council

May 29, 2026
A professional photo of a woman smiling in blue and black clothing

Caitlin Schmidt, editor and publisher of Tucson Spotlight, has been elected as the new chair of the University of Arizona School of Journalism Advisory Council.

A longtime Southern Arizona journalist, Schmidt brings more than 15 years of experience to the role, along with ties to the School as an alumna and former adjunct instructor. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the School in 2014. After graduation, she spent nearly a decade at the Arizona Daily Star as a sportswriter, investigative reporter and community service journalist. Her journalism career also includes internships with The New York Times, CNN and KVOA-TV.

As chair, Schmidt will help support the school’s mission of preparing students for careers in journalism and media.

“My time at the School of Journalism shaped the way I think about this work, and I want to give back to that,” Schmidt said. “As chair, I hope to help connect students with working journalists and industry professionals who can offer mentorship, real-world perspective and opportunities to develop their skills before they graduate. The School's mission depends on that bridge between education and practice. And I want to help strengthen it.”

In 2024, Schmidt co-founded Tucson Spotlight, a community-focused digital news outlet dedicated to covering underrepresented communities and local issues in Tucson. She joined the Journalism Advisory Council that same year.

“I'm particularly interested in making sure students are prepared for the realities of today's media landscape, including the growing role of nonprofit and local journalism, emerging platforms and the business side of news,” she said.

Schmidt succeeds former chair Michael Chihak, a longtime journalist whose career spanned more than four decades in print and broadcast newsrooms. 

“Caitlin Schmidt as Council chair represents the next generation of journalists and the new universe of news media,” Chihak said. “Her work leading the Council will help the School exceed all expectations.”

A 1971 graduate of the School, Chihak began his term as the Council’s chair in 2022. He has held leadership positions at the Tucson Citizen, USA Today, The Associated Press, The Salinas Californian and Arizona Public Media. He was inducted into the School of Journalism Hall of Fame in 2025.

“Chairing the Journalism Advisory Council was a privilege, especially in allowing me to see up close the accomplishments of the School's faculty, staff and students,” Chihak said.

Formed in the 1990s, the Journalism Advisory Council brings together alumni and local news leaders who provide direction to the School's director and faculty. They also volunteer their talents in student recruitment, development and community engagement for the School.