English Chair Honored for Advancing University-Led Local News Initiatives

Dr. Charlotte Teague, associate professor and chairperson of the Department of English and Modern Languages, has been chosen for the Center for Community News’ (CCN) 2024 Cohort of Faculty Champions. This recognition highlights her efforts in advancing news and academic partnerships through university-led reporting programs. 

CCN, based at the University of Vermont, is a national initiative supporting individuals who manage local news programs at colleges and universities. Teague is one of only 52 honorees nationwide and the sole recipient in Alabama recognized for her dedication to preparing students to contribute meaningfully to journalism and public life.

“I received a lot of valuable information from this program, and I am proud to have been chosen for this Faculty Champion designation from the Center for Community News,” said Teague “I see it as a win for the University and for our students.”

“We strongly encourage our faculty to seek outside opportunities such as the Center for Community News,” adds Dr. Peter Eley, Dean of the College of Education, Humanities, and Behavioral Sciences. “It helps us in two ways: faculty have the opportunity to share expertise with the community and form stronger relationships, and our faculty learn how to be better professionals.”

Before joining academia, Teague gained extensive experience in journalism and technical writing. The two-time alumna earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English at Alabama A&M University and began her professional writing career as an intern with Comcast Cable, managing its Public Service Announcement Channel. She later worked as a staff writer for “Speakin’ Out Weekly News” and as an Educational Content Writer for NASA’s SpaceLink Project.

Teague went on to earn her doctorate in English with a major in Language and Professional Writing (Creative, Media, & Technical) at Morgan State University. While there, she was part of a media team that earned a Governor’s Commendation Award for media writing in Maryland.

Teague has been teaching basic and professional writing courses, including journalism workshops, for more than 19 years. Her focus is on providing real-world writing experiences to prepare students for their futures.

“They learn by doing, and they understand better by hearing voices from the industry and embracing that good writing is good thinking,” she explained.

Teague hopes to secure funding for the return of the student newspaper, or a Writing Lab devoted to journalism on campus and in the community. In addition, she is working to establish writing internships with local news outlets and is excited “Speakin’ Out Weekly News” has already committed to offering student internship opportunities.

Emphasizing the importance of partnering with the Black Press, Teague notes the historical significance of empowering communities to share their own narratives. “Too long have others spoken for us... We wish to plead our own cause,” she said. “They are the next generation of storytellers, and I want them to be ready for the task.”

According to CCN Director Richard Watts, the work of Faculty Champions like Teague is essential. “The news coverage that these programs are providing is helping to meet critical information needs,” he said. “Most importantly, they offer students a chance to contribute to public life and develop skills that will serve them in journalism and far beyond.”