UNM student chosen for New York Times program
September 12, 2023
One of UNM’s Communication & Journalism (C&J) students will soon be part of ‘All the News That's Fit to Print.’
Junior Elizabeth Secor has been chosen as one of the upcoming members of The Times Corps, part of none other than worldwide digital and print publication, The New York Times.
This is the second cohort, made up of only 19 undergraduate students in the country. All of them, like Secor, have a passion for telling stories, uncovering the truth and serving the public through news.
“I loved the idea of being a part of the program because I love learning from others, especially those in journalism. There is so much to learn from those who have gone before you, and I am always eager to talk to as many people as possible to hear all about their experiences,” Secor said.
Secor is the editor for the New Mexico News Port, and writes for the Daily Lobo. C&J professor Michael Marcotte and a former editor-in-chief of the Daily Lobo, John Scott, wrote her letters of recommendation.
“We’re delighted the New York Times reached out to UNM to encourage our students to apply. It shows they are serious about supporting a diverse generation of journalists around the country,” Marcotte said. This isn’t about recruitment for their newsroom, it’s about helping all of journalism go well in these changing times. Kudos to them and kudos to Elizabeth.”
After an application, interviews and lots of waiting, Secor was selected. She will be paired with a New York Times advisor, who will work with her on career-building advice critical to a life in journalism for the rest of her time at UNM. In addition to training sessions and guest speakers, Secor will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to New York, which includes, of course, a tour of the New York Times.
“I really do need to thank Michael Marcotte and Gwyneth Doland Parker for me applying. Both professors encouraged me to apply, and I don’t think I would have without that encouragement,” she said.
Doland, a C&J Professor of Practice, says this corps centers on something the New Mexico Local News Fellowship also embodies: the power of mentoring.
“Mentoring matters. Successful managers know that when you take an emerging professional under your wing you can have a huge impact on their career, while bringing fresh ideas back to the team and identifying promising recruits,” Doland said.
The Times Corps was designed for students from underrepresented groups in journalism, such as students of color and/or students from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Read more in the UNM Newsroom
