About Poynter

Nelson Poynter established the Poynter Fellowship in Journalism in 1967 to bring distinguished journalists who have made significant contributions in their fields to Yale.

By sponsoring symposia and conferences on issues of broad public concern, fellows are invited to deliver lectures and meet with faculty and students, allowing them to gain a unique insight into the media and its role in contemporary culture.

While Poynter Fellows have traditionally visited the campus for one to two days, often staying in Yale’s residential colleges’ guest suite, the program has recently adapted to include virtual, in-person, and hybrid events. Whether virtual or in-person, the emphasis of each visit is to exchange ideas with students and faculty in a relaxed environment: over meals, at a seminar table, at a Head of College tea, or on Zoom. One session is usually open to the entire Yale community and the public; other discussions are reserved for specific classes, departments, and invited groups of undergraduates, graduate students, and professors.

The Poynter Fellowship has sponsored visits by reporters, editors, and professionals from all print and broadcast media, documentary filmmakers, communications experts, and media critics. Most Poynter Fellows come from the United States, but the program has also sponsored visits by journalists from overseas and plans to increase the number of international Fellows.

The Poynter Fellowship aims to sponsor conferences and symposiums on a wide range of topics. Conferences usually bring several distinguished journalists to Yale at one time to participate in joint sessions with the other invitees and to meet with small groups of students and faculty.

Poynter Fellowship Staff

Renee Kopkowski, Chair

Bliss Massaro, Director

Alaina Borsari, Assistant Director

Bess Connolly, Media Relations Officer

Stephanie Reynolds Ramos, Program Manager

Olivia Celeste, Program Coordinator

Maura Gianakos, Graphic Designer