The California Press Foundation is pleased to announce the unanimous election of Julie Patel Liss to its Board of Directors. Julie is an associate professor of Journalism at California State University (CSU), Los Angeles, where she teaches courses in the major and advises independent student media, including the University Times newspaper and Golden Eagle Radio.

Her leadership has focused on creating opportunities for students to collaborate with professional journalists and to produce award-winning investigative and project reporting in Southern California. In addition, Liss – an active board member at key organizations that connect CSU students to professional opportunities – was recently appointed to the California Civic Media Program, a new public-private statewide partnership to support the state’s journalists and foster community engagement.

"Cal Press' statewide work supporting newsrooms and journalism education aligns perfectly with my own passion for ensuring a healthy news ecosystem and a strong pipeline of qualified, well-trained journalists,” said Liss. “I'm honored to join the board of this 140-year California institution."

A former investigative reporter, Liss began her teaching career at the University of South Florida, St. Petersburg, before a stint at Fullerton College in Southern California. There, she taught magazine and digital production and created new courses before moving on to Cal State LA in Fall 2018. As head of Journalism in the Television, Film and Media department, Liss expanded efforts to secure grant funding and content-sharing agreements with professional newsrooms.

In addition, she mentors early career journalists as a NPR Next Generation Radio producer and is a key member of CSU Journalism Chairs and Communication Directors, an influential group formed during the COVID-19 pandemic and composed of media leaders at campuses statewide.

“Julie and I have worked successfully together on several initiatives, so I know first-hand how her vision for journalism education aligns with the Cal Press mission,” said Chair Linda Bowen. “We’re delighted to welcome her to our board, where I know her creativity and student-forward thinking will be essential as we work toward a stronger and more inclusive journalism landscape in California."

Photo courtesy: Andrew Innerarity, Sun Sentinel