The Hinckley Institute of Politics at the University of Utah has tapped veteran journalist Jennifer Napier-Pearce to become its new associate director of communications.
Napier-Pearce’s broad experience in print, radio and online media will strengthen the Hinckley’s mission of promoting political involvement, civil discourse and valued political analysis, said Hinckley Institute director Jason Perry.
“Jennifer’s fresh perspective, energy and respected reputation will amplify the Hinckley Institute story in new ways,” Perry said. “I’m delighted to have her on board as we build on the institute’s rock-solid history as a leader in education, politics and community dialogue.”
The Hinckley Institute of Politics was established in 1965 through the generous bequest of the Noble Foundation and Robert H. Hinckley. For more than 50 years, the Hinckley has remained committed to providing unique educational opportunities to students and the broader community, hosting a record-setting 116 political forums in the past year, including prominent figures such as broadcast journalist Ted Koppel and best-selling author Michael Lewis. The institute has received international recognition for its transformative opportunities — including a global internship program that operates in 58 nations. Hinckley Institute students rival their Ivy League peers in securing top graduate school placements and national scholarships; they are credited with helping the U to become one of the top-producers of Truman Scholars in the nation.
The Hinckley Institute holds several signature events each year including the Sam Rich Lecture Series, the Siciliano Forum Series, the Outstanding Professor Lecture Series, the Huntsman Seminar, HIP Talks and the Wayne Owens Fund programming. The institute’s momentum will further accelerate in coming years, as construction on a new Orson Spencer Hall — which will result in a new home for the Hinckley Institute — gets underway in the coming weeks.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to join the Hinckley team,” Napier-Pearce said. “I cherish the experience I gained as a Hinckley intern, and as a journalist, I valued the Hinckley as a trusted source for all things political. It’s a tremendous honor to align with this prestigious institution.”
Since January 2013, Napier-Pearce has been a multimedia reporter for The Salt Lake Tribune, hosting the award-winning video program, “Trib Talk,” on sltrib.com and the weekly radio news show, “Behind the Headlines,” on KCPW and Utah Public Radio. She’s also been news director, anchor, host and reporter for both KUER 90.1 FM and KCPW 88.3/105.5 FM, earning numerous top awards from the Utah Headliners Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, Utah Broadcasters Association and the national Public Radio News Directors Incorporated (PRNDI). A former adjunct professor at the University of Utah and frequent host of community events, Napier-Pearce has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah and a master’s degree from Stanford University.
Napier-Pearce’s employment begins June 1.