Scott Pelley and Sharyn Alfonsi, two of the most respected names in American broadcast journalism, are set to mentor aspiring reporters after being appointed Journalists in Residence at Columbia Journalism School for the 2026–27 academic year.
The former 60 Minutes correspondents will bring decades of newsroom experience into the classroom, helping students develop investigative reporting, interviewing, and storytelling skills. Their residency includes lectures, workshops, mentoring sessions, and participation in academic events designed to prepare future journalists for the demands of modern media.
Columbia officials say the appointments strengthen the school’s mission of connecting students with professionals who have covered major global events and held powerful institutions accountable through fact-based reporting. In addition to teaching, Pelley and Alfonsi are expected to contribute articles and commentary to the Columbia Journalism Review, giving students an opportunity to learn from experienced journalists who continue to shape discussions about the future of news.
Experienced Reporters to Share Lessons From the Field
Columbia Journalism School believes the addition of Pelley and Alfonsi will give students practical insights that cannot be learned from textbooks alone. Throughout the academic year, the pair will discuss investigative techniques, newsroom ethics, source development, and the importance of maintaining accuracy in an era of rapid digital publishing.
Dean Jelani Cobb praised both journalists for their commitment to public-interest reporting and said their combined experience will inspire students preparing to enter a changing media landscape. Alfonsi has expressed enthusiasm about working with the next generation of reporters, saying she hopes to encourage students to ask difficult questions and pursue stories with fairness and integrity.
Pelley has also emphasized that a strong and independent press remains essential to democracy, adding that mentoring young journalists is both an honor and a responsibility. Their public lectures and campus events are expected to attract students, faculty, and media professionals interested in the evolving role of journalism.
A Fresh Chapter Following Their 60 Minutes Careers
The Columbia appointments come shortly after both journalists concluded their long-running tenures with 60 Minutes, marking the beginning of a new phase focused on education and mentorship. Rather than stepping away from journalism, Pelley and Alfonsi are using their experience to help shape the industry’s future by preparing students for the challenges of investigative reporting, digital storytelling, and public trust.
Their presence at Columbia is expected to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world newsroom practice, offering firsthand perspectives on covering breaking news, conducting high-profile interviews, and navigating ethical dilemmas.
As journalism continues to evolve alongside new technologies and changing audience habits, Columbia’s decision to bring in two award-winning reporters underscores the value of experienced voices in training future professionals. Students will gain not only technical knowledge but also a deeper understanding of the responsibility journalists carry in delivering accurate, balanced, and impactful reporting to the public.
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