Spring Break
Flournoy honored by Strauss Institute
Ian Winston, Contributing Writer, iwinston@smu.edu
Issue date: 10/19/07 Section: News
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The Annette Strauss Institute for Civic Participation at the University of Texas recognized SMU Journalism Professor Craig Flournoy for his Pulitzer Prize-winning work in investigative journalism with The Dallas Morning News, and his work with students at Sam Houston State University and SMU. He was recognized as one of eight Texans who have worked to improve the lives of those in their communities. He is the only journalist on the list.
Flournoy's work at The Dallas Morning News focused on investigating segregation and corruption in government sanctioned low-income housing in cities all over the country, especially Dallas. His work led to governmental investigations and improvements in the lives of hundreds of poor black families.
His students have also done investigative work all over Texas, including the Waterview Apartments at the University of Texas at Dallas, the largest privately owned dormitory in the United States. They uncovered extremely poor living conditions, high crime and rape rates and little, if any, resultant police investigation or intervention. As a result of their work, the conditions have improved.
"These kids got real world experience with journalism," Flournoy said. "They made a difference. That can be a life-changing experience because most of us don't feel like we can do that."
Flournoy came to SMU in 2002 after receiving his PhD from Louisiana State University at Baton Rouge with the encouragement of his family, and because he wanted to teach. The recognition of his work astonished him.
"I was stunned, I was shocked, I was surprised," he said of learning that he was being recognized by the American Trustees Project, an organization dedicated to teaching young men and women about the importance of civic contribution and participation. He is featured in a documentary about his work, that will be used by the American Trustees Project as an example of civic involvement and leadership.
"They're trying to get kids involved, trying to get kids out there, and I've seen my students do that," Flournoy said. "Students here make a difference."
Flournoy's work at The Dallas Morning News focused on investigating segregation and corruption in government sanctioned low-income housing in cities all over the country, especially Dallas. His work led to governmental investigations and improvements in the lives of hundreds of poor black families.
His students have also done investigative work all over Texas, including the Waterview Apartments at the University of Texas at Dallas, the largest privately owned dormitory in the United States. They uncovered extremely poor living conditions, high crime and rape rates and little, if any, resultant police investigation or intervention. As a result of their work, the conditions have improved.
"These kids got real world experience with journalism," Flournoy said. "They made a difference. That can be a life-changing experience because most of us don't feel like we can do that."
Flournoy came to SMU in 2002 after receiving his PhD from Louisiana State University at Baton Rouge with the encouragement of his family, and because he wanted to teach. The recognition of his work astonished him.
"I was stunned, I was shocked, I was surprised," he said of learning that he was being recognized by the American Trustees Project, an organization dedicated to teaching young men and women about the importance of civic contribution and participation. He is featured in a documentary about his work, that will be used by the American Trustees Project as an example of civic involvement and leadership.
"They're trying to get kids involved, trying to get kids out there, and I've seen my students do that," Flournoy said. "Students here make a difference."
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